The 15 Glacier Tours in Mount Cook That Go Early

1.Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $155Our pick

Travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in a small group of up to 20. Guide Anuj is often praised for thoughtful care, useful commentary, snacks and photo stops. You get free time for lunch and the Tasman Glacier walk, but expect about eight hours on the road.

“This is a great trip. It’s been on my bucket list to see glaciers before they melt, so this was awesome. Our guide, Anuj, was amazing. He was very kind, had plenty of snacks for us, and made sure everyone had a good time. The scenery is also incredible! Just be prepared for a long drive.”

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2.Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 329 reviews · from $146Best value

Spend 12 hours traveling from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with a guide and driver. Stop at Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, Omarama, Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, and High Country Salmon. Snacks and water are included, but bring lunch, sturdy shoes, and clothing for fast-changing weather.

“good time and great views a must see in south island”

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3.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

At Mount Cook Aerodrome, you’ll fly by ski plane and helicopter over the Tasman Valley, blue glacier lake, Hochstetter Icefall, and Aoraki Mount Cook. The aircraft lands on the Tasman Glacier, shuts down, and lets you step onto the snow. Flight order can change, and weather may require a reschedule or alternate glacier.

“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”

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4.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote Tasman Glacier landing site, then follow guides such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and caves. You get boots, crampons, warm layers, and two scenic helicopter flights, with up to two hours on the glacier when weather allows.

“We had the most amazing time viewing the blue caves and heli hike on the glacier. Highly recommend.”

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5.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Take a helicopter from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend two hours exploring its uneven ice with a professional guide, glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket if needed. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have helped make this a careful, informative outing. The return flight passes close to Aoraki’s huge Hochstetter Icefall.

“A very well organised, friendly and informative trip up with a lovely walk-around the glacier. Wwe lucked out with cleat blue skies and a great view of Mount Cook. The clouds did come down the mountains very quickly though, but thankfully sat on the mountains and didn't come down further.just a reminder of how exposed we can be to the elements. Thoroughly recommend!”

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6.Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 133 reviews · from $556

Take a 55-minute helicopter flight from Glentanner over Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the West Coast glaciers. Your pilot provides commentary, and the flight includes an alpine snow landing where you can step out for mountain views. The aircraft carries up to six people.

“We scheduled this after our Franz Joseph glacier experience was cancelled due to weather. This ended up being even better because we saw all of the glaciers in one trip. We had good weather and the views were exceptional!”

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7.The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $572

Take two helicopter flights from Mount Cook Airport, including a close look at Aoraki/Mount Cook, then land on Tasman Glacier at about 1,300 meters. Your guide fits crampons or snowshoes and leads you across snowfields, ice caves, blue holes, and changing glacier ice. Warm boots, socks, outerwear, and poles are supplied.

“Had so much fun with the crew, instructor is professional also. The experience is fresh. We were so lucky because of the weather permit. Such a good place to take photos and show off to your friends, although it’s a little expensive but definitely worth doing it . Add something different and adventurous to your trip.”

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8.Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $1,178

From Queenstown, take a scenic fixed-wing flight to Mount Cook, then a helicopter to Tasman Glacier. Spend about two hours on the ice with a mountaineering guide, boots, crampons, and safety gear provided. The small group, usually up to 11 people, makes this a focused glacier day, but weather can cancel the hike.

“Can't beat the beautiful views. Great experience! All guides and pilots we're very professional and ensure everyone is having a great time.”

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9.45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $418

Take a 45-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Airport over the Tasman braided rivers, glaciers, and Aoraki Mount Cook. You land on the Tasman Glacier for 10 to 15 minutes with the engines off, giving you time to enjoy the silence and snow. Pilots including Mark, Rob, and Dillon have been praised for calm flying and clear commentary.

“This was maybe the highlight of our New Zealand adventure!!! When we arrived we weren’t sure if our flight would take off but luckily it did! Such beautiful views… and experience we will never forget!!!!”

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10.30-min Flight Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 30 min · from $238

Fly from Franz Josef Heliport over Franz Josef Glacier, cross the Main Divide, and land on the Tasman Glacier. You get time on the ice with views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman before flying back. Pilots such as Gabriel and Josh are praised for smooth landings and clear explanations.

“We were very excited by the idea of a helicopter ride over the glacier area and it did not disappoint! Gabriel the pilot was knowledgeable and friendly, and the flight and landings were super smooth, much to the relief of my fellow passenger who had been put off helicopter trips years ago by a rather over exuberant pilot on a trip along the Hudson River. Would totally recommend, unforgettable experience! Thank you.”

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11.Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $307

Fly over Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, then hike a well-kept 7-kilometre 4x4 track through Glentanner High Country. Guide Brian explains the glaciers, wildlife, culture, and history, with a restored field station stop for hot drinks and home-baked snacks. Hiking poles, sunscreen, and insect repellent are provided.

“We booked the morning tour but the weather was not too good. Our guide Brian suggested us postpone it to the afternoon that the weather was so nice to have our hiking. Brian was very good and shared a lot of interesting information with us. We had a wonderful afternoon with him and the experience was so amazing. Really appreciated!!”

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12.Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings – 60mins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $527

From Franz Josef, Glacier Country Helicopters flies you over Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman, and Shackleton Glaciers toward Mount Cook. You get two 10-minute landings, including a snow landing for photos and a stop on Shackleton Glacier. Pilots such as Mike and Mark provide commentary, weather permitting.

“Awesome, pilot Mike had to adapt the flight as the cloud base was coming in over Mt Cook, but still the flight was awe inspiring, so surreal everything seemed to slow down, felt like you could reach out and touch the mountains. Snow landings are magical. Best adrenaline feeling every , Wife still can't believe she did the flight.”

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13.Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 12 hours · from $723

Ride from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook with an English-speaking guide, then fly onto the Tasman Glacier for a guided hike. The day also includes Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, High Country Salmon, and Jackson Orchards. Guide Mati is specifically praised for patient, passionate guidance. Bring layers, gloves, lunch, and a camera.

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14.Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $308

Take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps, with 20 to 25 minutes in the air and about 10 minutes on a snow landing. Your alpine pilot provides live commentary as you view crevasses, icefalls, and Aoraki Mt. Cook. The twin-engine helicopter carries up to six people.

“Cool , cool ,cool ! Get near a window and take photos of absolutely everything . Listen to the pilot . Enjoy”

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15.Aoraki/Mt Cook & The Glaciers 55 Minute Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 31 reviews · 55 min · from $523

From Glentanner Park Centre, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, follow New Zealand’s longest glacier, land in the alpine snow when conditions allow, then cross the Southern Alps to view Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. English-speaking pilots, including Mike, provide commentary. Flights carry up to six people and include village transport.

“Most amazing day of our 2 weeks in NZ. Picture perfect weather, friendly skilled pilot, Mike, magnificent Mt Cook and Tasman, smooth landing on the glacier….all made for a once in a lifetime experience! You must do it if you’re anywhere near Mt Cook. The turquoise lakes and snow capped peaks even in summer were breathtaking!”

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