Magpie
4.8(64 reviews)

Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo

FromNZ$1,220
9 hours
Queenstown, New Zealand

About this activity

Experience the thrill of a heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier, complemented by a scenic drive through the Southern Alps, all in a small group setting with an expert guide.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through Southern Alps
  • Heli-hike on Tasman Glacier
  • Breathtaking alpine vistas
  • Expert local guide
  • Small group experience

Full description

Discover the majestic beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps on this exclusive small group tour. Begin with a comfortable drive from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook, the country's highest peak. Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling helicopter ride that lands you directly on the Tasman Glacier. Here, your expert guide will lead you on a heli-hike, exploring ice formations, crevasses, and the stunning alpine landscape. This adventure offers unparalleled views and insights into the region's natural wonders, all within an intimate group setting for a personalized experience.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook
  • Guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier
  • Expert local guide with in-depth knowledge of the region
  • Meals and beverages during the tour

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the Kawarau Gorge, passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Helihike - check-in and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. Your trip with Inflight includes return Scenic flight to & from the Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
8

As part of your Helihike you will land on and explore the Tasman Glacier. Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the stunning scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will fly to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier before beginning a guided exploration of the amazing ice formations. Follow your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers.

Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
9

Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

During summer months when the sun is still up and as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour operates in all weather conditions; cancellations are rare but may occur due to safety concerns.
  • Children under 12 years old are not permitted on the heli-hike for safety reasons.
  • The tour is subject to availability; booking in advance is recommended.

Know before you go

  • Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and warm clothing suitable for alpine conditions.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
  • Ensure you have a good level of fitness to enjoy the heli-hike.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Heli Hike is subject to availability and require confirmation with our airline partner.
  • It is important to note that Heli Hike is very dependent on the weather. The decision to fly is made by our flight partner on the day and may be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions
  • Please dress in 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing and no jeans
  • Children under 12 years are not permitted for this activity.
  • A large amount of hiking is involved. This tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities
  • Passengers 116kg and over will only be able to fly depending on the weights of other passengers on the day, at check-in

Traveler reviews

4.8
64 reviews
5
55
4
6
3
1
2
0
1
2

A unique experience

My first time hiking on the snow mountain, which is really cool! The guide suggested the best time to explore is summer. The tour guide is very friendly and she told us a lot of fun stories on the way.

Nanying_JNov 4, 2025VIATOR

Great Helicoper Tour

Sure and Cerry is so talented guide. I have a good time thank you. Beautiful snow view, delicious salmon are hightkight.

_E7228WQNov 1, 2025TRIPADVISOR

EPICNESS

An awesome tour with so many cool experiences! The highlight was definitely the heli hike on tasman glacier of Mt Cook. Our guide Lynette was a superstar! So friendly, knowledgeable, lovely and great stories. Would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to do a bit of everything

688tarynhMay 22, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Such a wonderful...

Such a wonderful experience. Xavier was our driver and was beyond knowledgeable. It was crazy how much information he provided. Plus he was a very nice guy. We really enjoyed our time both during the transfer and in the glacier. The company that handled the glacier hike was wonderful too. Very professional and nice.

Ashley_RFeb 28, 2025VIATOR

Must do while in Queenstown

Xavier was an awesome tour guide. The ride and whole experience was very smooth, and the heli hike at Mt Cook was the highlight of our trip. Definitely recommend!

Rebecca PFeb 21, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Heli Hike is subject to availability and require confirmation with our airline partner. It is important to note that Heli Hike is very dependent on the weather. The decision to fly is made by our flight partner on the day and may be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions Please dress in 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing and no jeans Children under 12 years are not permitted for this activity. A large amount of hiking is involved. This tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities Passengers 116kg and over will only be able to fly depending on the weights of other passengers on the day, at check-in
Book Now