I can confidently say that when visiting the South Island, a Mount Cook Helicopter tour was one of my best experiences.
There are many different ways to see Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, but this is a unique one, far beyond what you can see from the ground. Whether you’re after a scenic flight, a glacier landing, or even a heli hike, this is an adventure worth considering.
If you’re planning a trip to the South Island and want to experience Aoraki/Mount Cook in an unforgettable way, here’s everything you need to know.
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- MOUNT COOK LOCATION
- HOW TO GET TO AORKAI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
- HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCING A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- BEST TIME TO EXPERIENCE A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- CAN YOU DO A FLIGHT SOLO
- HOW CROWDED ARE THE MOUNT COOK HELICOPTERS
- WHAT DO YOU GET TO SEE ON YOUR FLIGHT
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EXPERIENCE A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
- SUMMARY
MOUNT COOK LOCATION
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Found in the South Island, the park is a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers, and travellers wanting to explore the area.
The park covers just over 700 square kilometres and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. This includes glaciers, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain ranges.
HOW TO GET TO AORKAI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Getting to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is accessible by car, with the closest major town being Twizel, around a 45-minute drive away. The most common route is from Christchurch (a four hour drive) or Queenstown (three hours). Mount Cook Road, leading into the park, is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, offering breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. We cover more about this stunning drive below, and what makes it a must-see journey in itself.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCING A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
A Mount Cook helicopter flight is an experience packed with highlights.
As the helicopter lifts off, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park takes on a whole new perspective. The higher you climb, the more you’ll see views that expand across valleys, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. These views stretch endlessly and in every direction. We were lucky to also have a pilot that shared insights along the way.
Flying over the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier, was a definite highlight. But I’d have to say my favourite part was definitely the glacier landing. Stepping out onto untouched snow, surrounded by nothing but towering mountains and silence, was surreal—and also incredibly beautiful.
For a full 30 minutes, we were surrounded by incredible landscapes. While the views from the ground are stunning, seeing it from those heights was particularly special.
In terms of who we chose to fly with–Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters were fantastic—professional, welcoming, and committed to making sure we felt safe and well looked after.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Aoraki/Mount Cook, this is it. It’s the kind of adventure that stays with you long after the flight ends
Top tip: Book the earliest flight if your package includes a glacier landing. You’ll be the first to step onto untouched snow, with no footprints but your own. Also, book in advance, especially during peak travel months, as spots can fill up quickly.
BEST TIME TO EXPERIENCE A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Anytime is a great time to experience a Mount Cook Helicopter flight, but weather conditions play a big role. Summer (December to February) provides clear skies and stunning landscapes, whereas winter (June to August) covers the mountains in snow, which can feel quite magical. Winter is a little more questionable time of year as rain and wind play a big role. In this weather you’re also less likely to see Mount Cook. We personally visited in Autumn and even though the weather is less settled than in summer the shoulder months offer fewer crowds. It’s also a time where landscapes are full of colour.
In terms of safety, and if the conditions aren’t suitable for flying, you will be advised by the company you choose to fly with. This should happen in advance but make sure to check forecasts and be prepared for possible rescheduling due to wind or cloud cover.
CAN YOU DO A FLIGHT SOLO
Yes! You can do a flight solo with the pilot if you wish. Just be warned that this will cost you more as you’ll need to purchase the seats others would have otherwise booked.
HOW CROWDED ARE THE MOUNT COOK HELICOPTERS
Most helicopter flights take small groups, accommodating roughly 5–6 passengers plus the pilot. Two sit at the front with the pilot and four are in the back. With such a small group, it really keeps the experience personal and enjoyable.
WHAT DO YOU GET TO SEE ON YOUR FLIGHT
Depending on the tour you choose, you may see:
- Aoraki/Mount Cook’s summit
- Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier
- Hooker Valley and Mueller Glacier
- Remote alpine lakes and rugged mountain terrain
I had my camera out most of the flight and even in the helicopter I captured so many incredible images. It really is the perfect opportunity to photograph Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park photos from a unique perspective.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EXPERIENCE A MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER FLIGHT
We were lucky enough to find our tickets through a third party called GrabOne. For two people, and a 35-minute flight, it cost $438NZD. I believe we got quite a deal on this so be prepared to spend a little more. Prices also vary based on time of year, flight duration and additional experiences like heli hikes.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
Hooker Valley Track
Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular hikes in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. I had previously walked this track in summer and even though it was incredibly busy during this time, I would highly recommend. This 10km return walk takes you over swinging bridges, through the alpine landscape, and offers an iconic view of Hooker Lake.
I go into more detail and must-know info on this adventure in the full guide here.
Mount Cook Road
Driving Mount Cook Road is part of the journey to experiencing a Mount Cook Helicopter flight. However, this is a drive worth highlighting, as it is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. The road follows the shoreline of Lake Pukaki, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and includes a dramatic mountain backdrop.
If you’d like more info, this is just scratching the surface–get the full story here.
Heli Hike
A heli hike is the ultimate way to explore the glaciers if you’re after more adventure. You’ll still get all the incredible sights of a Mount Cook helicopter flight, but with the added bonus of trekking across stunning ice formations. Some tours last up to two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in this landscape.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a picturesque lake located in the heart of the Mackenzie District, surrounded by snow-capped Southern Alps. We tied in a couple of nights at Lake Tekapo with our Mount Cook Helicopter flight, and I’m so glad we did. In autumn, the surrounding trees and hillsides are a mix of red, gold, and orange. It really is a beautiful place to visit in the South Island during this season. Or, any season really!
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve shared everything you need to know about experiencing a Mount Cook Helicopter flight, in one of New Zealand’s ultimate destinations. From how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect, this adventure offers an unforgettable way to see New Zealand’s highest peak.
If you’re looking for more tips and insights, or just some inspiration for incredible places, check out our comprehensive travel guides.