Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Te Wahipounamu is a true playground for those seeking memorable adventures amid some of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery. Whether it’s soaring above snow-covered peaks, walking on ancient glaciers, or gazing at the stars, this region offers experiences that are both awe-inspiring and uniquely immersive. We particularly love the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike, which combines the thrill of helicopter flight with the chance to walk on a pristine glacier — an unforgettable way to see the icy landscape up close.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to different interests and budgets. From quick scenic helicopter flights to multi-hour glacier hikes, each experience offers something special. Below, we’ve broken down the top tours, highlighting what makes each one stand out and helping you decide which might be the best fit for your adventure style.
Quick Overview
The list features helicopter tours, including 45-minute glacier landings, ski plane flights over the glaciers, a comprehensive 3-hour heli-hike, and even a stargazing experience. For those seeking adrenaline and spectacular views, the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike ranks high, while the Grand Circle Ski Plane offers a broader aerial perspective. Each experience varies in length, price, and physical demand, so there’s plenty to pick from depending on your interests and schedule.
1. The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike
Starting at around $572, this 3-hour adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to combine a helicopter flight with an up-close glacier hike. The tour begins with a round-trip helicopter soaring over New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Once on the glacier, a guided hike takes you across remote snow fields and ice formations, giving you a rare chance to walk on a glacier with expert guidance. The tour includes boots and outerwear to keep you warm and dry, making sure comfort isn’t sacrificed for adventure.
What sets this tour apart is its small group size, ensuring you get plenty of personal attention from your guide — a big plus when navigating icy terrain. Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and the informative guide, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The ability to explore ice caves and sample glacier water adds to its appeal.
Bottom line: This is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a full-on glacier adventure that combines aerial and terrestrial exploration. It’s best suited for confident walkers who don’t mind the cold and want the most immersive experience among the options.
2. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
For around $418, this shorter helicopter tour offers a spectacular glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier and panoramic views of the park’s iconic peaks. This experience is ideal for travelers who want a snapshot of Aoraki Mount Cook’s grandeur without a long commitment. The flight includes flying over braided rivers and landing on the glacier for about 10-15 minutes, where you can step out and take photos or simply soak in the silence and vastness.
This tour earns high praise for its breathtaking scenery and the knowledgeable pilot who points out key landmarks. One reviewer called it “the highlight of their Lake Tekapo trip,” emphasizing how the flight exceeded expectations.
Bottom line: This option is perfect if you’re short on time but want a high-impact, scenic flight with a memorable glacier landing. It’s especially suited for first-timers or those with limited mobility who want to enjoy the view without a strenuous hike.
3. 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
This world-exclusive flight offers a rare chance to experience both a ski plane and a helicopter, switching aircraft on the glacier for a combined 45-minute adventure. Costing about $354, it’s a unique, dual aircraft experience perfect for aviation enthusiasts and those who want to maximize their aerial perspectives. The tour includes a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier, where you can enjoy the serenity of snow-covered peaks from both aircraft.
Guests praise the smooth switch between plane and helicopter, and the spectacular views of Mount Cook and the surrounding glaciers. The glacier landing is a highlight, giving you a rare, close-up view of NZ’s largest glacier. The fact that this is a world-exclusive makes it a compelling choice for travelers looking for something truly different.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventure lovers eager to try both ski plane and helicopter flights, especially those interested in aviation or seeking a beyond-ordinary experience.
4. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook
Land on the Tasman Glacier in a Ski Plane—a NZ specialty—on this scenic 45-minute flight. For about $418, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks, with the chance to land directly on the glacier. As the only company operating ski planes in NZ for 65 years, this tour offers an authentic and historic aviation experience.
Passengers love the unique sensation of landing on snow and the panoramic vistas of the blue glacier lakes and snow-capped mountains. The flight is a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The small aircraft size and the spectacular landing make this a favorite among thrill-seekers and aviation enthusiasts.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a classic ski plane experience with unmatched views and a longer flight duration, perfect for those comfortable with flying in smaller aircraft.
5. 55-minute Grand Circle Ski Plane
Expanding the scope, this 55-minute flight costs about $483 and takes you on a grand circuit around Mount Cook and the Westland National Park. It’s the ultimate scenic flight for those who want to see multiple glaciers, mountains, and even fly over the Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers — a true bucket list experience. The tour includes a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier, allowing time to step out and enjoy the silence.
High praise from visitors highlights how close they managed to get to Mount Cook’s summit and the stunning variety of landscapes viewed from the air. If you’re looking for a comprehensive aerial tour, this hits the mark.
Bottom line: Best suited for well-rounded sightseers eager to see multiple glaciers and peaks in one trip, offering exceptional value for a longer, more complete flight.
6. 25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing
For just under $245, this short but sweet helicopter flight takes you over the Tasman Terminal Lake and lands on a mountain top within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It’s perfect for those who want a quick but impactful experience, especially if they’re short on time but want to see the stunning alpine environment.
Passengers rave about the smooth ride and the amazing panoramic views. The alpine landing offers a close-up look at the rugged peaks and glaciers, with plenty of photo opportunities. The informative pilot commentary enhances the experience.
Bottom line: Ideal if you’re after a brief, scenic helicopter experience with a mountain top landing and excellent views, suited for travelers with limited time or budget.
7. 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
This extended helicopter tour costs about $477 and offers a full scenic circuit over Mount Cook, Westland, and the glaciers, including a glacier landing. It’s the best choice for those wanting a comprehensive aerial overview of the region in one flight. Passengers enjoy flying over Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman glaciers, with the chance to get close-up photos during the glacier stop.
Reviews highlight how every minute feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment, with excellent views of the highest mountains and remote glaciers. This is the most complete helicopter experience on our list.
Bottom line: Suited for avid sightseers who want to maximize their aerial exploration and enjoy a longer, more detailed flight.
8. Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
For a full half-day, this helicopter and glacier hike costs around $601 and is ideal for those wanting an active adventure. The tour includes a helicopter ride over the longest glacier in New Zealand and a guided hike with crampons and walking poles on the ice.
The tour is praised for the expert guide, well-maintained gear, and the chance to see the Hochstetter Icefall. It balances scenic flight with physical activity, making it perfect for active travelers and those who want to actually walk on the glacier. Reviews note that weather can impact the experience, so flexibility is wise.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous travelers who want a hands-on glacier experience, combining aerial views with a guided hike.
9. Mt Cook Stargazing Experience
For about $61, this 1 hour 15-minute star tour offers a unique night sky experience. Guided by experts, you’ll observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even distant galaxies through powerful telescopes. The extraordinary setting of Mount Cook enhances the experience, making it a quiet, contemplative end to a day of adventure.
Though reviews are yet to come, the combination of expert guides and the spectacle of the southern night sky appeals to those seeking a relaxing, awe-inspiring activity after daytime adventures.
Bottom line: Perfect for night owls and lovers of astronomy, this is a tranquil way to cap off your trip.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, physical fitness, and time constraints. If you want a thrilling glacier walk combined with helicopter flight, the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike offers the most immersive experience. For shorter scenic flights, the 45-minute glacier highlights or 25-minute alpine landing deliver stunning views in less time.
Those interested in aviation should consider the combo ski plane and helicopter flight, a true world-exclusive. For a full panoramic experience, the Grand Circle Ski Plane or Grand Circle Helicopter showcase multiple glaciers and landscapes.
Finally, if you’re after a relaxing evening activity, the Mt Cook Stargazing Experience offers a peaceful contrast to daytime adventures.
Final Thoughts
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers an array of tours and experiences that cater to different interests — from adrenaline-packed glacier hikes and aerial grand tours to quiet stargazing. For those seeking total immersion, the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike is unbeatable. If you prefer shorter but impactful trips, the helicopter or ski plane flights are fantastic options.
Remember, booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time. No matter your choice, each offers a chance to see New Zealand’s highest peaks, most spectacular glaciers, and star-studded skies — experiences you’ll carry home for a lifetime.