Mount Cook: Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
Badge of Excellence
South Island, New Zealand
- 25 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Plenty of photo opportunities
- Admire mountain views from different angles
- Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
- A great way to see a lot in a short time
What's Included
- Scenic helicopter flight
- Alpine landing (snow subject to season) approx. 10 minutes
- Pilot guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Allow 35-minute total trip duration including alpine landing.
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Helicopter Line, Mount CookGlentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner 7999, New Zealand
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This 20-minute scenic flight sweeps over the rugged high-country landscapes of the Ben Ohau Range, including a brief alpine landing. Meet at the helicopter base in Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village, where you’ll board a twin-engine helicopter that seats up to six passengers.
Look out over a panorama of mountain peaks that surround the valleys of the Canterbury region, carved out by glaciers centuries ago. See the glacial waters of Lake Pukaki from above, and look north for a glimpse of distant Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, which towers 12,217 feet (3,724 meters) above sea level in the UNESCO-listed national park.
Listen as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route to one of the mountain peaks, where you'll experience an alpine landing. After some fantastic photo ops, you'll fly back to the tour base and disembark.
Look out over a panorama of mountain peaks that surround the valleys of the Canterbury region, carved out by glaciers centuries ago. See the glacial waters of Lake Pukaki from above, and look north for a glimpse of distant Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, which towers 12,217 feet (3,724 meters) above sea level in the UNESCO-listed national park.
Listen as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route to one of the mountain peaks, where you'll experience an alpine landing. After some fantastic photo ops, you'll fly back to the tour base and disembark.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)
1
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 276 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an Adult, Children weighing less than 15kgs are required to sit on a parents lap.
- It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures.
- Check In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Daniel_B
Was such an incredible experience flying around the glacier and witnessing the snowy mountains, especially when celebrating my 50th birthday with my wife! Thank you guys again for the amazing memories!
Reviews
4.3
based on 49 reviews
Richard_L, Mar 2026
Not very great. The flight was unreasonably postponed in avery clear sky condition. It was then scheduled to cancel few hours later with even better weather conditions. The only reason we could imagine is they didn't have more people at the booked time, which is very unprofessional and terrible. After some unpleasant arguments, they finally agreed to let us fly. The flight itself is a very great experience though
One more thing is I was charged $714 for 3 people while the ticket price is $232 or $236 something, don't know what went wrong.
Grace_C, Mar 2026
It was a fantastic adventure with Sam, the skilled pilot who shared fascinating insights about the amazing locations and assisted us in capturing stunning photographs. It is worth every penny, and I highly recommend everyone to participate in this exceptional tour.
Aninda_P, Mar 2026
If you are doing it in the summer , then there is no snow . They just take you for 5-7 min on a kind of a hill and back . No resemblance to any of the photographs shown in the site . Also it was hot - we went in early March . In short completely misleading and utterly disappointing.
Jonathan_N, Mar 2026
Hassle free, easy to follow safety rules. Pilot was friendly, and helpful. Assisted all passengers with taking photos. Excellent pilot skills, leaving us all feel comfortable in the air.
Daniel_B, Feb 2026
Was such an incredible experience flying around the glacier and witnessing the snowy mountains, especially when celebrating my 50th birthday with my wife! Thank you guys again for the amazing memories!
Carol_W, Feb 2026
Unfortunately our helicopter flight was cancelled due to poor weather conditions
The company were really good with advising us and trying to sort out alternatives, unfortunately we had limited time so unable to reschedule
Paul_L, Dec 2025
U fortunately due to high winds, our flight was cancelled so very disappointed.
We were given the option of rebooking on another day but our itinerary prevented a return.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Kia ora,
We are sorry to hear that the weather prevented you from flying with us. We hope you still enjoyed your time in Aoraki and that you are able to return another time to try a flight.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Helicopter Line
Arun_J, Jan 2025
Enjoyed the whole experience including the drive to the location, pre boarding, staff, flight and post flight.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Kia ora Arun,
Many thanks for taking the time to share your experience and 5-star rating. We're happy to know how much you enjoyed your experience with our team. Thank you for joining us in Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Kristy_G, Jul 2024
Was such an amazing experience. One my girls and I will remember for a lifetime. We only did the 20 minute ride and wish we had done more but still well worth it.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora Kristy,
Thank you for your 5-star review. We are so glad to hear you and your family had a memorable flight with us. Thank you for joining us in Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Monika, Jul 2024
We were booked for the 20min flight but upgraded to the 55min to go around mount cook. Family of 6 with 2 young children. It was such an incredible flight. We saw all the glaciers and got to land right in front of Mount cook. The area is truly a wonder. The pilot made the flight very comfortable and the team on ground were absolutely lovely. Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora Monika,
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re thrilled you and your family enjoyed the upgraded 55-minute flight around Aoraki / Mount Cook. It's great to hear you loved the glacier views and landing. The area truly is a wonder, and we're delighted you had the chance to experience it. We're especially glad our pilot made the flight comfortable for your young children and that our ground team was so lovely. Your kind words mean a lot to us. Thank you for choosing us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook
Wendy_T, Apr 2024
Booked & paid via Viator,
email with booking number, plus 2nd email from tourist operator. On check in told flight couldn't go ahead as min no was 4, our party was 3. No info given advising 4was min. Told if paid extra $100 wld fly us despite acknowledging their error - did 20 min 'flight' as never been on helicopter. 10 mins spent on rocky landing, 10 min flying. Very expensive non-event. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Response from Host, May 2024
Kia Ora Wendy,
We appreciate you taking the time to share your review and experience. The emailed confirmation you received explains we require minimum numbers to operate. We apologise this information wasn't more clear to you and explained in more detail by our team. We have taken your feedback onboard to ensure our staff provide guests with clear information.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Vijay_S, Apr 2024
As per your App while booking showed landing for 5 minutes on glacier, whereas when we went to Helicopter point were told no landing on Glaciers and on only on plain rock. It was waste of money
Response from Host, May 2024
Kia Ora Vijay,
We're sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your flight with us. Our Alpine Vista flight features an alpine landing. We apologise for any misunderstanding while booking. We appreciate you taking the time to share your review and experience. We hope you have the opportunity to explore our New Zealand glaciers in the near future.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Carol_H, Mar 2024
The view was amazing and the pilot was great would recommend to anyone it was so much warmer than I thought it would be
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora Carol,
Thank you for taking the time to write us a great review. Views are incredible of Aoraki / Mount Cook from this landing spot. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
CHeryl_S, Mar 2024
Loved the experience. We were so lucky to have snow as it snowed the night before. Wonderful photos.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kia Ora Cheryl,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and review. We hope you enjoy your photos and are glad you got to experience some snow for your flight. Thank you for joining our team in Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Rebecca_L, Jan 2024
Amazing flight and views of the mountain range and the surrounding lakes!
Me and my Grandma had front row seats, all staff were very helpful and assisted us with getting in and out due to my Grandmas mobility issues and a broken wrist!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Kia Ora Rebecca,
Thank you for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your flight with us and made it a great experience for you and your grandma. Thank you for joining us.
Kind Regards,
The Team at The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook
Jillian_C, Mar 2023
Gillie our pilot was wonderful! It was the trip of a lifetime! Astounding! I would advise booking the earliest flight possible (even staying at the airport accommodation) as clouds and rain often appear by lunchtime and helicopters can’t fly without visibility. In my opinion the 35 minute flight would be worth the extra money compared to the 30 minute because you get to go over the craggy peaks. Don’t forget to confirm flight before the 24 hour cut off. Otherwise you will only get a voucher if weather means the flight is cancelled.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Kia Ora Jillian,
Thank you so very much for leaving us a 5-star, outstanding review. We are so, so glad you enjoyed your experience with our team in Mount Cook. Thank you for recommending our Alpine Explorer flight. We thank you for joining us.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook
Ed_K, Dec 2022
Climbing through a hole in the clouds in order to view the summit of Mt . Cook, and then descending down Fox Glacier.
Tiamkare_T, Nov 2022
We had an amazing experience with spectacular view thanks to the team at Helicopter Line. Booking was quick and easy. All of the staff including the pilot was very attentive and professional. We felt safe the whole time. Highly recommended.
MICHAEL_T, Nov 2022
The service provided an opportunity for me to propitiate my partner & the crew were fantastic even having a photo ready to pickup at reception of the proposal 10gold stars & a massive Haka 🙏🏽🎁💪🏽🔥
I would also commend Franz Josef crew for accommodating this trip when I realised being on wrong side of TeAoraki
Andy_S, Aug 2022
Mike the pilot talked through the controls with the kids who were sat in the front, The ride was thrilling. Setting down on too of a mountain with unique views of the Southern alps. Time to play and have a snowball fight. The whole experience was epic.
Wendy_M, Mar 2020
Great flight, if a little scary chasing the goats! Very trustworthy pilot. Lots of fun! would definitely recommend to others.
174heidig, Jan 2020
Staff at Mt Cook centre very helpful.
We were early and staff got us an earlier helicopter flight.
Mike, pilot, was very friendly. Told us about the area we were flying over and informative.
Took photos of us when helicopter had landed.
A great experience
MaryAnn_K, Nov 2019
Weather was great. Pilot was excellent. Ride was smooth and even. Professional experienced company. Good price.
Janet C, Sep 2015
Fabulous tour. Highly recommend this. Excellent friendly staff, flight of a lifetime!
Barry W, Jan 2015
This helicopter flight was fantastic - we thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The staff were very friendly and were able to fit the flight within our schedule, despite the morning fog. I would highly recommend going on this tour while in Mount Cook.
John G, Jun 2013
This was one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery on the short helicopter ride was spectacular. There were longer and more expensive options, but we found that the short ride was long enough.
Atri S, Jan 2012
The view was very good, unfortunately the photo session was too short (not more than 10 minutes) and allowed at 1 spot only.
Stephen B, Apr 2008
Re-booking our flight to a later date was no problem at all. Friendly service and a flight experience that I definitely recommend to anyone keen to see some spectacular views.
From $231.16
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Mount Cook: Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
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