Inflite Helicopters Mount Cook – Breathtaking Mount Cook Scenic Flights
Inflite Helicopters Mount Cook - Breathtaking Mount Cook Scenic Flights
Scenic Flights Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Inflite Helicopters Mount Cook, where breathtaking alpine scenery meets unparalleled helicopter experiences.
Nestled in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand’s highest peak is not only a marvel of nature but also a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southern Alps.
Our scenic helicopter flights offer a unique opportunity to witness the towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and turquoise glacial lakes that define this UNESCO World Heritage area.
At Inflite Helicopters, we provide a range of thrilling helicopter experiences tailored to all types of explorers.
From exhilarating heli-hikes that allow you to step foot on remote glaciers to intimate picnics amongst the peaks, every flight is designed to connect you with the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Cook.
Experience the tranquility of the Southern Alps from above as our skilled pilots navigate the rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Tasman Glacier, Hooker Valley, and the stunning blue ice formations of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Our commitment to safety and excellence ensures that your adventure is not only memorable but also secure. With years of experience, our friendly team is dedicated to providing exceptional service, making your journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Whether you’re capturing stunning aerial photographs or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, your helicopter tour with Inflite Helicopters will create memories to last a lifetime.
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime and explore the wonders of New Zealand’s high country like never before. Book your scenic helicopter flight today and experience the majestic landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook with Inflite Helicopters, where every flight is an extraordinary journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur.
Discover the Majestic Landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook with Inflite Helicopters
Tasman Glacier Taster - 25 minutes
Glacier Highlights - 45 minutes
Price: Adult from $349 per person – Child: from $349 aged 4 to 12 (min 4 pax)
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 25 minutes includes glacier landing
N.B. Infant: aged 3 & under that doesn’t require a seat is free of charge.
Lift off over the Mackenzie Basin and trace the sinuous Tasman Valley toward New Zealand’s longest glacier. As the village and braided rivers fall away, the scale of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps snaps into view—serrated ridgelines, hanging icefalls, and wind-sculpted snowfields.
Your pilot arcs across the Tasman Terminal Lake, where icebergs often drift below, before climbing for an alpine snow/glacier landing. Step out onto firm, dry winter powder or crisp spring corn (conditions vary) and feel the hush of the high country around you—perfect for photos and a quick wander.
Back in the heli panoramic windows frame the return leg along turquoise meltwater streams and moraines that tell the story of the glacier’s slow retreat. It’s a compact, quintessential Mount Cook sampler—ideal if you’re short on time but big on views.
Price: Adult from $629 per person – Child: from $579 aged 4 to 12 (min 4 pax)
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 45 minutes includes glacier landing
N.B. Infant: aged 3 & under that doesn’t require a seat is free of charge.
This extended circuit gives you more time in the mountains and a wider sweep of scenery. Departing Mount Cook Airport, you’ll track above the Tasman Valley and out toward the great ice—glacial plateaus, crevasse fields, and sculpted seracs that glow blue where the ice is deepest.
Aoraki/Mount Cook dominates the skyline while neighbouring peaks and buttressed walls form a vast amphitheatre. Your pilot lines up a glacier or alpine landing for unhurried photos and a few quiet minutes taking in the altitude—listen for distant avalanches and katabatic winds moving across the ice.
In the air again, the route explores additional ridges and basins for fresh angles on the Southern Alps, with sweeping views back to the Mackenzie lakes. Expect a smooth, commentary-rich flight that trades distance for depth—more time, more texture, more of what makes Aoraki unforgettable.
The Grand Circle - 55 Minutes
Picnic amongst the Peaks
Price: Adult from $729 per person – Child: from $679 aged 4 to 12 (min 4 pax)
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 55 minutes includes glacier landing
N.B. Infant: aged 3 & under that doesn’t require a seat is free of charge.
Go big and see it all. Lifting off from Mount Cook Airport, you’ll climb above the Mackenzie Basin before turning toward the Main Divide, where the Southern Alps spill west to the Tasman Sea.
Track sweeping ridgelines and vast snowfields, then cross to the West Coast for aerial passes of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers—icefalls, crevasse fields, and blue seracs glowing under the sun.
Swing back across the Divide for commanding angles on Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and Mount Sefton, plus the Grand Plateau and Hochstetter Icefall. A glacier/alpine landing gives you time out on the snow for photos and a few quiet minutes soaking up the altitude.
The return leg traces the full length of the Tasman Glacier to its milky terminal lake, with your pilot’s commentary tying the geology, weather, and climbing history together.
Tour Highlights:
- Spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and Mount Sefton
- Fly over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
- Traverse the Tasman Glacier from end to end
- Stunning views of the West Coast and Tasman Sea
- The Grand Plateau, Hochstetter Icefall, and Plateau Hut
- Snow and ice-covered landscapes year-round
Price: Private party $3999
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 90 minutes includes glacier landing
A private alpine date with the Southern Alps. Your helicopter arcs over the Tasman Valley toward high snowfields, with unhurried circuits around Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, the Grand Plateau, and the Hochstetter Icefall.
After a scenic run along glacial ridges, your pilot selects a pristine glacier landing where the hush is palpable and the views run to the horizon. Here, they set up your exclusive picnic—time to linger, toast the moment, and capture those wide-angle shots without another soul in sight.
Back in the air, the route adds extra vantage points across shimmering basins and the turquoise sweep of the Tasman Terminal Lake before a smooth return to Mount Cook Airport.
It’s adventure with a luxe pause in the middle—unforgettable scenery, unrushed landing time, and a private experience tailored for proposals, anniversaries, or simply doing something extraordinary.
Includes: Private helicopter flight, glacier landing, exclusive picnic, expert pilot commentary
Tour Highlights:
- Spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and Tasman Terminal Lake
- Fly over the Hochstetter Icefall, Grand Plateau, and Plateau Hut
- Private picnic on the snow-covered Tasman Glacier
- Helicopter landing in the snowfields
- Snow and ice year-round in the stunning Southern Alps
Indulge in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and create unforgettable memories amidst the peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo
Heli - Hike the Tasman Glacier
Price: Adult from $499 per person – Child: from $479 aged 4 to 12 (min 4 pax)
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 45 minutes includes glacier landing
Two aircraft, one big alpine story. Lift off in either a ski plane or helicopter and trace the Tasman Valley toward the high ice, with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, glacial plateaus, and the turquoise sweep of the Tasman Terminal Lake.
After a smooth glacier/snow landing, the engine winds down and the hush of the Southern Alps takes over—time for photos, a short wander, and to feel the altitude.
Then swap aircraft for the return leg: compare the nimble hover of the helicopter with the graceful glide of the ski plane as you arc past the Grand Plateau and Hochstetter Icefall.
Your pilot’s commentary connects the geology, weather, and climbing history while you enjoy different flight dynamics and viewpoints. It’s a compact, premium sampler that gives you the best of both worlds plus unhurried time on the ice.
Tour Highlights:
- Experience stunning aerial views in both a ski plane and helicopter
- Land on the snowfields of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier
- Fly over Tasman Terminal Lake, the Hochstetter Icefall, and Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Soak in the beauty of the Southern Alps with views of snow and ice year-round
This combo flight offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines the thrill of both aircraft with the serene beauty of a glacier landing, making it a must-do for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Price: Adult from $799 per person – Child: from $779 aged 9 to 14
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: Approx 3 Hours
Fly deep into the Tasman Glacier’s upper reaches, then step out into a world of blue crevasses, wind-carved ridges, and shimmering ice caves.
After a scenic helicopter approach with wide-angle views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps, your guide outfits you with crampons (summer) or crampons and snowshoes (winter) and leads a slow, exploratory circuit tailored to the day’s conditions.
Expect gentle gradients, steady pacing, and plenty of photo stops as you learn how glaciers move and shape the valley. Guides use classic techniques from New Zealand’s alpine pioneers—sometimes cutting safe steps—to access the most photogenic features.
With roughly two hours on the ice, every trip is unique because the glacier constantly evolves. The return flight sweeps you back over the valley for one last look at the seracs and the milky Tasman Lake below—an immersive, bucket-list glacier experience.
What to Bring:
- 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing
- Warm trousers (no jeans)
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- A daypack with drinks and snacks
- Warm hat and gloves
- A camera to capture this incredible experience
Tour Highlights:
- Breathtaking helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps
- Explore the ever-changing landscape of the Tasman Glacier
- Walk on New Zealand’s largest glacier with crampons or snowshoes
- Discover ice caves, crevasses, and unique glacier formations
- Expert glacier guide to lead you through this unforgettable journey
Each heli-hike is unique as the glacier is constantly shifting, making every adventure a new and exciting discovery.
Suitable for adventurers of all levels, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore New Zealand’s iconic alpine wilderness.
Check our our Ski Plane Scenic flights on Mount Cook : HERE
Inflite Helicopters - Frequently Asked Questions
What types of helicopter experiences are offered at INFLITE Mount Cook?
INFLITE Mount Cook runs scenic flights with alpine/glacier landings, the Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike, a Ski Plane & Helicopter Combo, and private luxury options like Picnic Amongst the Peaks. Tours focus on Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and valleys, with commentary from experienced local pilots.
How long do the scenic helicopter flights around Mount Cook typically last?
Flight times range from 25 minutes for the Tasman Glacier Taster to 45 minutes for Glacier Highlights and 55 minutes for The Grand Circle. The private Picnic Amongst the Peaks experience runs about 90 minutes including an alpine/glacier landing.
What can I expect to see during a helicopter tour of Mount Cook and the nearby glaciers?
Expect sweeping views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, serrated ridgelines, glacier plateaus and crevasse fields, the Tasman Glacier and often Fox and Franz Josef on longer flights. You’ll fly above turquoise lakes and alpine valleys, with a snow or glacier landing on select tours for photos and time on the ice.
Are there any special experiences combining different aircraft or activities?
Yes. The Ski Plane & Helicopter Combo gives you both flight styles plus a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier. The Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike pairs a scenic flight with up to two hours on ice, led by qualified guides using crampons (and snowshoes in winter).
What safety measures does INFLITE take for these adventurous tours?
Safety comes first: modern, well-maintained aircraft; experienced, locally trained pilots; pre-flight briefings; weight and seating balance checks; and weather-based go/no-go decisions. Landings and routes may change on the day to ensure safe, comfortable conditions and the best available views.
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