Experience the excitement of walking on NZ's biggest glacier.
On this premium, small group guided tour to Mount Cook, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique alpine scenery of the Southern Alps. Your journey begins in Queenstown and takes you into the stunning Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, a place known for its snow-covered peaks, impressive glaciers, and New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Departing 7 am from Queenstown, travel in style and comfort in one of our Mercedes Sprinter van with a maximum of 16 people, offering panoramic windows for stunning views. Your guide will host you throughout the day, providing entertaining commentary as you journey through the remarkable landscape.
Enjoy the sights of central South Island, visiting Cromwell and the scenic Lindis Pass, before making a brief stop in Omarama, a charming village, where you can purchase refreshments and lunch if needed. From here we continue along the bright turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, entering the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park around midday.
This option includes the incredible Heli Hike experience departing at 12:30pm
During your time in Mount Cook, take a helicopter up onto the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier. Spend two hours exploring the nooks and crannies of this incredible palce while passionate guides share their knowledge of the ever-changing environment. This is an out-of-this-world experience and a true New Zealand must-do!
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is operated by Inflight and Mount Cook Glacier Guides and is 3 hours in duration. There is a weight limit of 120kg (with equipment) and moderate fitness and hiking ability is required.
Once you return to Mt Cook Airport, your Altitude Tours guide will meet you and start the return journey back to Queenstown, arriving at approximately 7:30pm.
Please note: Heli Hike is subject to availability at the time of booking and our team will reconfirm with you once confirmed. This is a weather dependent activity.
Tour Overview.
Mt Cook Tour / Heli Hike
A day tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook including the a Heli Hike on the Tasman Glacier.
HELI HIKE
A bucket list New Zealand experience.
This option includes the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike experience flying you to New Zealand’s biggest glacier and walking across the ice terrain
TRANSPORT
Travel in style
Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with complimentary wifi and panoramic windows for superior viewing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Mt Cook Tour FAQ's
The full-day trip takes approximately 12 hours from Queenstown. This allows us to make plenty of stops en route to ensure you enjoy the journey, with 3.5 hours in Mount Cook Village where you will head out on the Heli Hike Experience.
This package includes the Glacier Explorers experience at 12:30 pm (Oct-Apr).
The Heli Hike will take up all of the time spent in Mt Cook Village on this day tour.
Your Altitude Tours guide will transport you to the Mt Cook Airport where you will check in for your Heli Hike.
The Alpine Guide team will take you through a safety briefing and provide you with the necessary equipment before boarding a helicopter and flying up onto the glacier. You will be provided with boots and crampons.
The whole experience is approximately 3 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately two hours on the glacier. You will return by helicopter back to Mt Cook Village.
There is a weight limit of 120kg (including equipment) and guests must have moderate fitness and hiking ability.
iPads or selfie sticks are not allowed on board for safety.
- An extra warm layer of clothing
- Leggings or light trousers (not denim/jeans)
- Camera
- Sunblock & sunglasses
- Waterproof jacket
- Suitable walking shoes
If you choose to do this package with the Heli Hike, this experience will take up all of the time spent in Mt Cook Village with no additional time to go for lunch.
We recommend purchasing food in Omarama on the way or bringing food from Queenstown at the start of the day. You will need to eat lunch in the van prior to arriving in Mt Cook Village.
We don’t want to give too much away! The drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook is stunning and there are plenty of scenic stops enroute, your guide knows the best spots and will choose these on the day.
We pick up from select Queenstown hotels and the main bus stop routes in Queenstown town centre and along Frankton Road. When booking, type in your accommodation and it will suggest the closest bus stop. If it doesn’t come up just check in with us and we’ll let you know where is closest for you!
As this is a weather-dependent tour, if there is a risk of adverse weather conditions that will impact the operation of the tour, you will be contacted the day prior to your trip to explore alternative options.
There may be a risk of the weather coming in on the day, and your guide will keep you updated, if needed.
Due to this being one of our most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us we do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.
