8 Hiking Tours in Mount Cook Worth an Early Alarm

1.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

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

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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2.3 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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3.The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

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

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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $601

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, land at about 1,200 meters, and spend two hours walking among ice formations with a guide. Boots, crampons, poles, wool socks, and waterproof clothing are provided. Look for ice caves and the Hochstetter Icefall, but keep your schedule flexible because weather can cancel or shorten the trip.

“Mooie landschappen, bijzonder om een glacier te zien. De gids was erg leuk en vertelde heel veel. Jammer genoeg waren er 9 Chinezen in de groep die alleen met zichzelf bezig waren, gillen en foto’s maken”

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8.Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 3h 30m · from $295Best value

Fly by helicopter to a high landing point on private Glentanner Station, then walk a guided 7km track through high country history. Guide Brian explains the land, flora, fauna, and farming past, while Nigel may provide commentary during the flight. A restored field station, snack, drink, and hiking poles are included.

“What a fantastic tour! The scenery was stunning, and our guide, Brian, was exceptional! He was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to us. We were very lucky to have learned so much from this tour. The other family who joined the tour were also wonderful people, making the experience even more enjoyable!”

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