Top Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

See a side of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park that few travelers experience on a full-day tour from Queenstown, which takes you off the main tourist route and through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass. Enjoy free time to explore Mount Cook independently—tackling the trails and snapping photos of New Zealand’s highest peak—then sit back and relax on the return journey.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier and soar above the Liebig mountain range, taking in the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Make an alpine landing to take in the breathtaking panoramic views.

*WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT* Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter, the only flight like it in the world! Fly up in either a ski plane or helicopter on this incredible 45 minute flight which includes a Tasman glacier landing (10-15 minutes) we switch aircraft for the flight home! Flying through the remarkable Tasman Valley and landing on the snow covered peaks with this scenic option is an unforgettable experience and a WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT with both the ski plane and helicopter! Get your camera ready!! Check in closes 30 minutes prior to the flight time

Hover above the Southern Alps on a spectacular helicopter ride that lets you see places you couldn’t otherwise access without expert mountaineering skills. Glide over Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and down the Tasman Glacier, then over to the West Coast for a glimpse of the famous Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Learn more about the mountains via helpful commentary from your pilot.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant galaxies, sparkling star clusters, and planets. This tour is wheelchair & stroller accessible, as you park your vehicle by the entrance, and the tour will be conducted on a flat, grass land.

Gain up-close access to the remote alpine landscapes of the South Island on a premier helicopter flight. This 40-minute aerial tour from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village soars above the Southern Alps and makes a snow landing atop Tasman Glacier, where you’ll enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Back in the air, fly through the Burnett Mountains and marvel at the expansive Mackenzie Basin below.

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and alpine landing on a 20-minute scenic helicopter tour, departing from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village. You’ll get sweeping views over the Ben Ohau Range before touching down on a landing site in the mountains (snow is seasonal). Enjoy this South Island alpine setting as your professional pilot narrates the vista from above.

Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Glacier landing (10-15 minutes) on the Tasman Glacier, fly to the top of the Tasman Glacier Check in closes 45 minutes to the flight time

This guided stargazing tour combines the grandeur of Mt. Cook with a fascinating journey through the night sky. Using powerful telescopes, you’ll observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies, all while learning from expert guides who will share the myths and science behind these cosmic phenomena. Your guides will take photos of you beneath the beauty of the Milky way galaxy- the perfect memento of your night under the stars. The Mt. Cook area provides an extraordinary setting, with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps framing the sky, making this a stargazing experience unlike any other. A must-do in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site.

The Tasman Glacier, in Mount Cook Aoraki National Park, is New Zealand's longest glacier. Take in glacier views from a helicopter on this half-day tour, then land 1,200 meters above sea level to explore the ice formations up close, with the towering Southern Alps in the distance.

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour, this fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Journey over the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier Lake, taking in breathtaking views while following the path of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the grandeur of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak and land on a pristine glacier. Traverse the majestic Southern Alps, crossing to the West Coast. Take in the spectacular scenery and witness the mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for the ultimate glacier experience.

**For Guaranteed snow landings all year round, please book our Mt Cook: Ski Plane & Helicopter Glacier flight** Experience Mount Cook National Park from the sky. Enjoy a 25-minute scenic adventure that includes an alpine landing amongst the mountains. Have exceptional views of Aoraki (Mt Cook) and the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges right from take off. Be captivated throughout the entire flight. Explore the valleys and peaks of the national park. Journey through the Tasman Valley and over a breathtaking blue glacier lake. Experience an alpine landing in the Southern Alps. Disembark the aircraft and enjoy the elevated alpine landscape before returning to the helicopter to fly back to Mount Cook Airport. Your expert pilot will offer informative and interesting commentary throughout the flight to ensure you receive the best possible experience. *Snow landings occur approx. 75% of the year, however due to seasonality, snow landings cannot be guaranteed all year round.

Combine your journey from Aoraki Mount Cook to Christchurch with a sightseeing trip on this one-way half-way small-group city transfer tour. After hopping aboard the minibus in Aoraki Mount Cook, relax as you’re delivered to Christchurch while listening to facts and stories about local landmarks, stopping at Lake Tekapo to take in views of the turquoise waters.

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!

Discover the wonders of the universe at the renowned Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve in Twizel. With a focus on scientific knowledge, these small-group guided tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the night sky through a large telescope. Your expert guide, with over a decade of astronomical experience, will share insights about stars, planets, and deep-sky phenomena, making this an unforgettable experience for all ages. Enjoy a complimentary astro photo as a keepsake. - Guided by an experienced astronomer with 10+ years in the field - Small groups for a personalized experience (max 10 participants) - 75 to 90-minute tours - Learn about the cosmos through laser-guided tours and telescope observations

Explore New Zealand's South Island on a scenic tour that showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Begin your adventure in luxurious SUVs or spacious vans, guided by local experts. Travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and scenic Lindis Pass, with stops at the stunning Lake Pukaki and the expansive Mackenzie Basin. Enjoy the freedom to walk the Hooker Valley Track at your own pace, crossing swing bridges and taking in glacier-fed rivers. Optional detours to Tasman Glacier View or Kea Point allow for even more stunning views.

Mt Cook to Tekapo Small Group Tour Via Lake Pukaki (one way). This small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing all the key highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki Church of the Good Shepard

Journey by luxury coach, departing Aoraki/Mt. Cook, on a one-way sightseeing transfer to Queenstown or Christchurch. Admire the views as you travel through the scenery of the Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, passing glacial lakes and mountain villages without the distraction of self-driving. Hotel drop-off is included for your convenience. Audio commentary is available in several languages to enhance your experience.

What better way to start your Alps to Ocean adventure than with a scenic flight through the Southern Alps to gain the perfect overview of the area! This Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic flight includes a helicopter flight along the entire length of the mighty Tasman Glacier. All our helicopter tours include a commentary from the pilot. They are passionate about their backyard and will show you the hidden treasures of the national park that only a local expert can. Fly the full length of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier before landing to get a sense of its scale and grandeur. Once airborne again, we transfer you and your bike across the Tasman River to Rotten Tommy, the starting point of your cycle journey. If you would like to book just an A2O transfer, call our Aoraki Mount Cook office for trip and flight advice to make the most of your Aoraki adventure.

Experience the South Island’s mountain-filled vistas from both the ground and the sky on this half-day small-group tour. Board a helicopter and soar over the Southern Alps, taking in the dramatic mountainous scenery before heading for a hike through the Glentanner High Country, learning about the ancient glaciers that carved the region’s landscapes.

Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Land at the top of the Tasman Glacier (NZ's Largest Glacier) You will enjoy the scenic beauty of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the national park surrounding it from takeoff to landing. The snow-capped mountains, the bright blue of the glacier lake and the lush greens of the vegetation are just a few of the magnificent sights you will experience as you fly through the Southern Alps. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time