New Zealand · MOUNT COOK TOURS

The 15 Best Mount Cook Tours & Scenic Flights

90 tours  ·  from $87

Aoraki is a long way from everywhere and the weather decides the day. The 15 below compare the coach trips from Christchurch and Queenstown against the ski-plane and helicopter landings, with prices and cancellation terms.

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch - Leaving Christchurch and crossing to Geraldine
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch

1.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 483 reviews · from $146Our pick

Travel by small-group minibus from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. You’ll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, enjoy commentary from an English-speaking guide such as Anuj or AJ, and walk to views of the Tasman Glacier. Expect a very long day, snacks, water, Wi-Fi, and about 2.5 hours at Mount Cook.

“The trip is well organized and takes you to several lakes fed by glaciers and finally close to the Tasman glacier from which there are great views of Mt. Cook. Our guide Anush did a great job to keep us comfortable and provided interesting commentary.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - Flying up the Tasman Valley
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

2.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226

Fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley, over a blue glacier lake, and land in the Southern Alps with views toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and the small helicopter carries up to six people. Snow landings are common but not guaranteed in summer.

“Wow what an amazing experience!!! Highlight of my trip! Just stunning to see from the air and to actually land on a glacier was fab. Our initial flight got cancelled due to the weather so we went to the place anyway and got rebooked onto the next one. Communication was great, can’t fault them at all for that. Thankfully we managed to get up! The pilot was great, gave us facts along the way. A memory we will never forget!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown - A 6:30 am start in Queenstown
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

3.Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 407 reviews · from $164Top rated

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook in a small group of up to 15, with guides such as Jeff, Lynette, Sonia, and Noah sharing local stories along the way. You will stop at Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, and optional food stops before choosing a walk, scenic flight, or relaxed mountain afternoon.

“Great way to travel long distance without your own vehicle. Loved the pit stops and sights along the way. Michel is a great guide - friendly and informative. Would recommend for anyone staying in Queenstown that wants to visit Mt. Cook for a day trip. (We LOVED the orchard/ice cream last stop!)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch - The early start from Christchurch
Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

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

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Christchurch: Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo - The early start from Christchurch
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Christchurch: Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo

5.Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 331 reviews · from $175

Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook with Cheeky Kea Tours on a 13-hour small-group trip. Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and Lake Pukaki, then choose a short walk or explore Mount Cook Village. Guides such as Joseph, Will, Mark, and Phil add local stories along the way.

“I have spent a wonderful day touring in Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. I am sorry I cannot remember the name of the driver/guide., he had a ginger beard and wore a green wooly hat. I did the tour on 9 September, he gave us lots of explanations and you could see that he knows about the region.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour - Kawarau Gorge and the Roaring Meg lookout
Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

6.Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

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

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tekapo Shuttle: Mt Cook Day Tour via Pukaki & Tasman Lake - Peter’s Lookout frames Lake Pukaki
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfers and Shuttles

Tekapo Shuttle: Mt Cook Day Tour via Pukaki & Tasman Lake

7.Tekapo Shuttle: Mt Cook Day Tour via Pukaki & Tasman Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 307 reviews · 8h 30m · from $89Best value

Travel from Tekapo to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with an English-speaking driver-guide such as TJ, Taro, or Rintaro. You’ll stop at Peter’s Lookout and Lake Pukaki, walk to Tasman Glacier, and choose from Hooker Valley or shorter tracks. Water, snacks, Wi-Fi, chargers, and snow spikes are included.

“Great information about the Mackenzie basin and the Mount Cook area from our guide Daniel good stops for photo opportunities”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - What the helicopter adds
Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour - From Queenstown to the Cromwell Fruit Bowl
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Queenstown: Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour

9.Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 262 reviews · 12 hours · from $166

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook in a premium Mercedes van with an English-speaking guide such as Chelsea, James, or Tommy. You’ll stop at Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, and Lake Pukaki, then get 3.5 hours to hike, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or book an optional mountain activity.

“Great day trip from Queenstown. Our guide Thomas was friendly and engaging and adapted the tour for our small group. Covered diverse scenery with lots of stops and some great views. Recommend bringing a packed lunch. Would recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - The 45-minute briefing at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

10.3-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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Check-in at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

11.3 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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown - Cromwell: fruit sculptures and Central Otago
Full-Day, Guided, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown

12.Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $173

Set out from Queenstown at 7:30 am for a full day through Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Your guide drives while you enjoy the scenery, stories, and photo stops. You get about 3 to 3.5 hours at Mount Cook Village, with time for the Hooker Valley Track, Lake Mueller, the Alpine Centre, or an added activity.

“Very fun interactive trip! Our guide Sean was brilliant very informative and friendly. Very good knowledge of history and areas we visited. The views were outstanding, Hooker Valley walk was beautiful, walk was worth all the views! Walk mostly flat with some stairs. Brilliant day over all!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch - Crossing the Canterbury Plains
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch

13.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 217 reviews · from $185

Leave Christchurch at 7:00 am in a Mercedes Sprinter for a 13-hour mountain trip with a maximum of 15 people. Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Choose the Hooker Valley Track or Tasman Glacier walk. Lunch, snacks, WiFi, USB charging, and hotel pickup are included.

“Really well managed in terms of time! Great guide! Nice stops along the way! Enough great food and snacks as well for the whole day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Mount Cook Scenic Day Tour - From Queenstown through Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan
Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Queenstown: Mount Cook Scenic Day Tour

14.Mount Cook Scenic Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 210 reviews · 12 hours · from $158

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook in a small group, with a local guide, hotel pickup, snacks, and water. The 12-hour route includes Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, three hours near Mount Cook, High Country Salmon, and Jackson Orchards. Optional scenic flights and glacier hikes cost extra.

“We went to Mount Cook on the 13th of September. Our guide was very accomodating and flexible with our wishes as a family. We went on a helicopter she kindly organised for us and then took us to the Aoraki Village and the Hooker Valley track. We had a little one so we opted to reach the Muller lookout with our limited time. Overall, it was such a memorable day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Christchurch: Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day Trip - The 6 a.m. Christchurch pickup
1-Day Tours, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews

From Christchurch: Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day Trip

15.Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 167 reviews · 13 hours · from $238

Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown in a small group of up to 15, with stops at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook, High Country Salmon, Lindis Pass, and Kawarau Gorge. You get lunch, snacks, water, commentary, WiFi, and USB charging. The trip runs in two parts, so confirm the booking before arranging onward plans.

“Do this instead of flying a o ce in a lifetime experience amazing journey so much to see which you could if you flew”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Mount Cook Tours

★ 5.0Skydive Mt. Cook – 70+ Seconds of Freefall from 16,500ftFrom $3415 reviews
★ 5.0Skydive Mt. Cook – 20+ Seconds of Freefall from 10,000ftFrom $1925 reviews
★ 4.5Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)From $11125 reviews
★ 5.0Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake TekapoFrom $11116 reviews
★ 5.0Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo 2-Day Small Group Tour from QueenstownFrom $46515 reviews
★ 5.0Mount Cook Scenic 35 Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3086 reviews
★ 5.0Mountains High 40-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $41653 reviews
★ 4.5Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing39 reviews
★ 4.0Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight with Alpine LandingFrom $35922 reviews
★ 5.0Glentanner High Country Heli HikeFrom $30752 reviews
★ 4.5Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)From $18511 reviews
★ 4.0Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook One-Way Small Group TourFrom $865 reviews
★ 4.5Day Trip: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National ParkFrom $9231 reviews
★ 4.5Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3088 reviews
★ 5.0Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings – 60minsFrom $52743 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours267Wine Tours182Geothermal Tours74Scenic Flights128Maori Culture Tours82Walking Tours100
Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.

On the water

Boat TripsWhale WatchingJet BoatsKayakingSailing Trips

Volcanic country

Geothermal ParksMaori ExperiencesHot PoolsGlowworm CavesRafting

The alps

Glacier ToursScenic FlightsHelicopter TripsStargazingGuided Walks

Food and wine

Wine TastingsFood ToursBreweriesGin DistilleriesDining