Top 7 Aoraki/Mount Cook Tours & Activities
Scenic flights, ski planes, glacier walks & skydiving — plus free walks
Top 7 Aoraki/Mount Cook Tours & Activities
Planning time in Aoraki/Mount Cook? This curated Top 7 brings together the best ways to experience the park—scenic helicopter flights and ski plane landings, guided glacier walks on the Tasman, tandem skydiving above Lake Pukaki, and easy free walks with epic viewpoints. We’ve highlighted who each option suits, typical durations, and departure points so you can compare quickly and book with confidence. Short on time? Use the quick picks to jump straight to the right operator. Alpine weather changes fast—pack layers year-round.
1. Guided Heli-Hike – Tasman Glacier (Aoraki/Mt Cook)
A scenic helicopter flight drops you onto New Zealand’s largest glacier for a guided hike through blue ice caves, crevasses and towering seracs—set beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Crampons and safety gear are provided, and expert glacier guides tailor the route to conditions and ability.
Highlights:
- Duration: ~2 hrs on ice • ~3 hrs ex Mt Cook • full-day ex Queenstown
- Departs: Mt Cook Airport or Glentanner • Queenstown day trips available
- Ideal for: Adventurous travellers, photographers, active families (min. age applies)
- Includes: Scenic heli flights, glacier guide, technical gear (crampons/boots)
- Operators: The Helicopter Line • INFLITE • Cheeky Kiwi (day trip) • Altitude Tours (day trip) • True South Flights (flight + heli-hike)
Good to know: Weather/ice conditions control routes and landings; trips may reschedule. Wear warm layers, hat/gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid jeans on wet days—they get very cold.
More Information & Bookings: Mount Cook Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking – Aoraki/Mt Cook
2. Scenic Helicopter Flights – Aoraki/Mt Cook (INFLITE)
Panoramic scenic flights over Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Tasman Glacier, with the option for an alpine/snow landing (conditions permitting). Expect sweeping views of icefalls, turquoise lakes, and the Southern Alps, with pilot commentary throughout. A fast, high-impact way to see the big landscapes in a short window.
Highlights
- Duration: ~20–50 minutes (options vary)
- Landings: Optional snow/glacier landing (weather/conditions)
- Departs: Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Ideal for: Photographers, first-time visitors, time-tight travellers
- Includes: Headsets, pilot commentary, big-window seating
Good to know: Flights are weather-dependent; weight limits and seating balance apply. Snow landings may be changed or omitted for safety.
More Information & Bookings: INFLITE Helicopters – Aoraki/Mt Cook
3. Ski Plane Flights – Snow & Glacier Landing (Aoraki/Mt Cook)
Touch down on the Tasman Glacier in a classic ski plane—the only aircraft designed to take off and land on snowfields. Enjoy sweeping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, shimmering glacial lakes and the Southern Alps before gliding onto the neve for photos and time on the ice. A bucket-list experience that’s ideal for families and first-time flyers.
Highlights
- Duration: ~30–50 minutes (options vary)
- Landings: Glacier/snow landing included (conditions permitting)
- Departs: Mount Cook Airport (Aoraki/Mt Cook)
- Ideal for: Families, photographers, bucket-list seekers, first-time flyers
- Includes: Pilot commentary, headsets, glacier/snow landing; heli–ski plane combo available on select departures
Good to know: Weather and snow conditions can affect landing sites/routes. Weight and balance rules apply; window seats aren’t guaranteed. Bring warm layers, sunglasses and sunscreen—glare on the snow is strong.
More Information & Bookings: Mount Cook Ski Plane Flights – Aoraki/Mt Cook
4. Tandem Skydive – Mount Cook / Lake Pukaki (Twizel)
Leap over the vivid blues of Lake Pukaki with Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps filling the horizon. After a scenic climb you’ll exit harnessed to a pro tandem master, freefalling at ~200 km/h before a peaceful canopy ride with outrageous mountain views. Photo and video packages are usually available.
Highlights
- Altitude options: ~9,000–15,000 ft (freefall ~20–60 seconds)
- Departs: Twizel / Pukaki Airport (Aoraki/Mt Cook region)
- Ideal for: Thrill-seekers, first-timers, photographers
- Includes: All skydiving gear, safety briefing, tandem instructor; media packages optional
Good to know: Weather and wind dictate operations; schedules can shift. Weight and age limits apply; bring snug layers and closed shoes. Prescription goggle options are typically available.
More Information & Bookings: Skydive Mt Cook – Twizel (Pukaki)
5. Scenic Helicopter Flights – Aoraki/Mt Cook (The Helicopter Line)
Lift off for sweeping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the Tasman Glacier and turquoise alpine lakes. Depending on the option, enjoy an alpine/snow landing (conditions permitting) for photos on the ice. Expect crisp commentary from your pilot and big-window views throughout—an unforgettable way to see the Southern Alps fast.
Highlights
- Duration: ~20–50 minutes (multiple options)
- Landings: Alpine/snow landing on select flights (weather/conditions)
- Departs: Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Ideal for: Photographers, first-time visitors, families, time-tight travellers
- Includes: Headsets, pilot commentary; photo stops on landing flights
Good to know: Flights are weather-dependent; routes and landings may change for safety. Weight/balance rules apply; window seats aren’t guaranteed. Bring warm layers, sunglasses and sunscreen.
More Information & Bookings: The Helicopter Line – Aoraki/Mt Cook
6. Queenstown ? Mount Cook Day Tour (guided full-day)
Leave Queenstown early for a scenic drive via Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell and Lindis Pass to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Enjoy photo stops at Lake Pukaki and free time in Mt Cook Village for short walks (Kea Point, Hooker Valley boardwalk section) or an optional upgrade such as a scenic flight or heli-hike (subject to availability). A seamless way to experience the park in one day without driving.
Highlights
- Duration: ~12–13 hours (early start, evening return)
- Departs: Queenstown (hotel pickup on most tours)
- Ideal for: Queenstown-based travellers, photographers, non-drivers
- Includes: Professional driver-guide, small-group coach, curated photo stops
- Options: Free time in Mt Cook Village; optional scenic flight/heli-hike add-on
Good to know: It’s a long alpine day—pack layers, water, snacks and sun protection. Weather can affect viewpoints and any optional flight/heli-hike.
More Information & Bookings: Queenstown to Mount Cook Day Tour – Queenstown
7. Best Free Activities in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Epic alpine scenery without spending a cent: stroll boardwalks to glacier lakes, cross swing bridges on the Hooker Valley Track, climb to Red Tarns for village panoramas, or wander native forest on Governors Bush and Glencoe Stream. Short on time? Kea Point gives fast, family-friendly views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mueller Glacier and Mount Sefton. Stargazing on clear nights is superb.
Highlights
- Top picks: Hooker Valley Track • Tasman Glacier View • Kea Point • Red Tarns • Governors Bush • Glencoe Stream • Alpine Memorial • Mueller Hut (advanced)
- Durations: 30 min – full day (Mueller Hut 6–8 hrs)
- Ideal for: Families, photographers, casual walkers & hikers
- Access: Trailheads near Mount Cook Village / White Horse Hill
Good to know: Alpine weather changes quickly—pack layers, water, sun protection and sturdy footwear. Check track/conditions at the Visitor Centre. Start early for fewer crowds and the best light; winter may bring ice/snow.
More Information: Free Things to Do in Mount Cook – Aoraki/Mt Cook
Aoraki/Mount Cook Tours – FAQs
1. What are the top 7 Mount Cook tours and activities?
Scenic helicopter flights, ski plane flights with snow/glacier landing, guided Tasman Glacier heli-hiking, tandem skydiving, Mt Cook scenic flights (heli or plane), Queenstown?Mount Cook guided day tours, and the best free walks/viewpoints in the park.
2. How long does each activity option take?
Scenic flights: ~20–60 minutes.
Ski plane flights: ~30–50 minutes (with landing, conditions permitting).
Heli-hike: ~3 hours ex Mt Cook (about 2 hours on ice); full-day ex Queenstown.
Queenstown day tour: ~12–13 hours return.
Free walks: 30 minutes to 6–8 hours (Mueller Hut).
3. Helicopter vs ski plane—what’s the difference?
Helicopters can hover and land in tighter alpine spots; ski planes offer the classic snowfield glide landing and big window views. Both provide stunning scenery—choose heli for agility and photo angles, ski plane for that unique snow take-off/landing experience.
4. Do flights or heli-hikes include a snow or glacier landing?
Many options include an alpine/snow or glacier landing—weather and conditions permitting. Landings can change or be omitted for safety on the day; the flight still operates over incredible scenery when safe.
5. Is the Tasman Glacier heli-hike suitable for families?
Generally yes for active families—minimum ages and fitness apply (crampons provided). Expect uneven, icy terrain and variable weather. If unsure, choose a shorter scenic flight or ask the operator about current age/fitness requirements.
6. What should I wear or bring?
Layer up (thermal top, mid-layer, windproof outer), closed footwear, hat/gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare is strong). Bring water, snacks, and a small daypack. Operators supply technical gear for heli-hikes (e.g., crampons/boots).
7. Where do tours depart from?
Most Mt Cook flights/heli-hikes depart Mount Cook Airport or Glentanner. Skydiving departs Twizel/Pukaki. Queenstown day tours depart Queenstown with hotel pickup on many services. Check your confirmation for exact check-in time and location.
8. What happens in bad weather?
Alpine weather is changeable. Flights/landings and heli-hikes may be delayed, rerouted, or rescheduled/refunded per operator policy. Day tours may adjust stops. Always allow buffer time and follow crew guidance.
9. What are the best free walks and viewpoints?
Hooker Valley Track, Kea Point, Tasman Glacier View, Red Tarns, Governors Bush, Glencoe Stream, Alpine Memorial—and for experts, the Mueller Hut route (6–8 hrs). Start early for fewer crowds and better light. https://mustdonewzealand.co.nz/tours/top-10-free-things-to-do-in-mount-cook-national-park/
10. Can I visit from Queenstown in one day?
Yes—guided day tours run ~12–13 hours return with scenic stops and free time in Mt Cook Village (optional upgrades like scenic flights/heli-hike subject to availability). Self-driving is possible, but the tour removes parking/logistics.
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