Above the Tasman: A 30-Minute Alpine Flight Over Aoraki / Mount Cook
For all ages! • 30 mins •Take in the towering peaks surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook.
The rotors spool up with a throaty whir that you feel more than hear, a vibration that runs through the helipad, your boots, your bones. Wind lifts snowgrass in silver waves and the air turns bright with whirling grit—the mountains announcing themselves with a rush of energy that dares you to look up. When you do, Aoraki / Mount Cook is right there: a white-shouldered monarch rising beyond the valley, cool and calm while everything around it moves. You climb in, buckle up, and the machine tips forward into the Southern Alps like a question answered.
Trail Wisdom
Book Early, Stay Flexible
Weather rules the Alps. Reserve early in your trip and keep a backup time slot to improve your chances of flying.
Layer for Altitude
Even in summer, the alpine landing can feel wintery. Wear a base layer, insulating midlayer, and windproof shell.
Shoot Smart Through Plexiglass
Wear dark clothing to reduce reflections and avoid pressing lenses hard against the window; use a fast shutter speed.
Know the No-Gos
Drones, iPads, and selfie sticks aren’t allowed on board; keep gear compact and secured for safety.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Kea Point Track for a quick, low-effort view of Mueller Glacier’s lake
- •Tasman Glacier Lake Lookout at dawn for iceberg glow and quiet trails
Wildlife
Kea (alpine parrot), Kārearea (New Zealand falcon)
Conservation Note
The Tasman Glacier is retreating rapidly—stay on designated areas during landings to protect fragile alpine plants and minimize impact.
Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724 m) is New Zealand’s highest peak; early alpine pioneers made first ascents here in 1894, and Sir Edmund Hillary trained in this range before Everest.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Snow-dusted peaks, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Changeable weather, Occasional strong winds
Spring brings fresh snow on high and dynamic skies—gorgeous but variable. Flexibility is key.
summer
Best for: Stable conditions, Long daylight hours
Challenges: Higher demand, Stronger afternoon thermals
Summer offers the most reliable flying windows and warm valley temps; mornings are often smoothest.
fall
Best for: Crisp air clarity, Golden tussock color
Challenges: Shortening days, Cooler landings
Autumn light is clean and contrasty, with vivid colors across the valley and sharp views of the ice.
winter
Best for: Maximum snow coverage, Dramatic alpine scenes
Challenges: Cold temperatures, Frequent weather holds
Winter turns the Alps into a monochrome masterpiece; dress warm and plan for potential delays.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Windproof Shell JacketEssential
Cuts windchill on exposed alpine landings and during rotor wash.
Sturdy Closed-Toe ShoesEssential
Provides traction and warmth on snow or frozen ground at the landing site.
Sunglasses with UV ProtectionEssential
High-altitude glare off snow and ice is intense even on hazy days.
Compact Camera with Fast Shutter
A mirrorless or phone with manual controls helps freeze motion through helicopter windows.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The Mountain Scenic flight is approximately 30 minutes in the air, with total time including check-in and safety briefing around 1–1.5 hours.
Will we make an alpine landing?
Yes, conditions permitting. The pilot selects a safe landing spot—often a seasonal snowfield—for brief photos and views.
What should I wear?
Dress in warm layers with a windproof shell and closed-toe shoes. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended year-round.
Can I bring a drone or selfie stick?
No. For safety reasons, drones, selfie sticks, and iPads are not allowed onboard.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather-dependent. If your flight is canceled due to conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative time or a full refund.
Is there a weight or passenger minimum?
Minimum passenger numbers apply and weight distribution may affect seating. Staff will coordinate groups and seating for safety.
What to Pack
Windproof shell: essential for alpine breeze and rotor wash; Sunglasses and sunscreen: strong UV at altitude and snow glare; Closed-toe shoes: traction and warmth on snow or gravel; Compact camera/phone with spare battery: cold temps drain power quickly.
Did You Know
At approximately 23 kilometers long, the Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier, though it has retreated significantly in recent decades, forming the proglacial Tasman Lake.
Quick Travel Tips
Call to reconfirm 24 hours prior and again 1 hour before for the weather check; Book morning flights for calmer air and better light; Allow extra time in your itinerary for potential weather delays; Bring only small, secure items—loose gear is not allowed onboard.
Local Flavor
Post-flight, head to The Old Mountaineer’s Café for coffee and views, or the Chamois Bar & Grill for a casual meal and a local beer. For a splurge, the Hermitage Hotel’s Panorama Room plates alpine-inspired dishes with a front-row seat to the big peaks.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airports: Queenstown (ZQN ~3.5 hours) and Christchurch (CHC ~4 hours) by car. Check-in: Glacier Helicopters, 81 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook Village; short transfer to Mount Cook Airport. Cell service: patchy to fair in the village, limited in flight. Permits: None required for the flight; follow operator safety instructions.
Sustainability Note
These flights contribute concession fees toward conservation. Keep your alpine landing low-impact: stay within the designated area, pack out all waste, and consider offsetting your carbon footprint to support long-term glacier and habitat protection.
Continue Reading
Canyon Wave: Rafting Denali’s Glacial Heart on the Nenana River
The Nenana River doesn’t whisper—it urges you forward. On the Canyon Wave run, you’ll punch through crisp, glacial rapids beneath Denali’s ramparts, trading roadside views for a front-row seat to Alaska’s wild hydraulics. Cold water, big smiles, and a canyon that knows how to keep pace.
Healy, Alaska
Chasing Light in Denali: An Afternoon Hike Across Taiga and Tundra
Trade the tour bus for tundra. This guided afternoon hike threads from shadowed spruce to open ridgeline, where Denali’s valleys breathe wide and the wind calls the cadence. Come for the views, stay for the stories beneath your boots.
Denali Park, Alaska