55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter

Highlights

Following pickup from your accommodation in Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village, you're transferred to the nearby airport for a safety briefing. Climb aboard the helicopter and prepare for take-off. Slip on your headset to hear the pilot's narration during a 55-minute scenic flight that traverses the Main Divide of the Southern Alps to the west coast of the South Island, with premier views of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. You'll track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman glacier. Look down upon Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park as the helicopter soars through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall and passes under the east face of Aoraki/Mt. Cook before descending over the Tasman Terminal Lake. A snow landing is included on Fox, Franz Josef, or Tasman glacier; the aircraft will completely shut down on landing, giving you the opportunity to soak up the stillness. Souvenir photos are available to purchase. Upon returning to the starting point, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation.

Summary

Following pickup from your accommodation in Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village, you're transferred to the nearby airport for a safety briefing. Climb aboard the helicopter and prepare for take-off. Slip on your headset to hear the pilot's narration during a 55-minute scenic flight that traverses the Main Divide of the Southern Alps to the west coast of the South Island, with premier views of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. You'll track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman glacier. Look down upon Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park as the helicopter soars through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall and passes under the east face of Aoraki/Mt. Cook before descending over the Tasman Terminal Lake. A snow landing is included on Fox, Franz Josef, or Tasman glacier; the aircraft will completely shut down on landing, giving you the opportunity to soak up the stillness. Souvenir photos are available to purchase. Upon returning to the starting point, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation.

Tour info

Duration

55 minutes

Why take this tour?

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.

What’s included?

Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Live commentary on board
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 55m
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite

About operator:

Exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters is the only company to offer glacier landing flights in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Experience the natural quiet of the Tasman Glacier and absorb the ever changing glacial landscape of the New Zealand Southern Alps. Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters have been sharing the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps with travelers for 60 years. With snow present all year round, this impressive alpine environment creates an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages. Flights depart from Aoraki Mt Cook Airport, only a 5 minute drive from Aoraki Mt Cook Village. With our company base location within the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park it allows us to guarantee captivating scenery from the moment you board your flight. Experience the Ultimate Alpine Adventure with a Helicopter / Ski Plane Combo. For group bookings of 8 or more, fly half of your trip in a Helicopter and the other in a Ski Plane. Ideal for families and large group bookings. This Ultimate Alpine Adventure Combo is available in our entire range of scenic flight options at no additional cost. For climbers and skiers interested in transfers to the various hut locations within the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, we have both Ski Planes and Helicopters available for charter.