How long is the Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate flight?

The experience lasts approximately 50 minutes, including a snow landing on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier.

Is the flight safe for children and older adults?

Yes, the flight is suitable for most ages, but all passengers must comply with safety briefings and restrictions provided by Southern Lakes Helicopters.

What happens if weather conditions cancel my flight?

Southern Lakes Helicopters offers full refunds or rescheduling if flights are canceled due to weather.

Can I bring a drone or selfie stick on the flight?

No, drones and selfie sticks are not permitted for safety reasons.

Is private chartering available for this tour?

Yes, private flights can be arranged for an additional cost upon booking.

Where does the snow landing take place?

The helicopter lands on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, providing a rare chance to step onto New Zealand’s largest glacier.

Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate Helicopter Tour by Southern Lakes

Southern Lakes Helicopters offers an unrivaled gateway to the heart of New Zealand’s South Island with the Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate—a signature 50-minute helicopter journey that brings adventurers closer to the dramatic alpine wilderness than any other experience in the region. Situated within the imposing landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury, this tour artfully blends breathtaking aerial vistas with tactile encounters in one of the most geologically striking corners of New Zealand.

Aoraki/Mount Cook stands as New Zealand’s tallest peak, piercing the sky at 3,724 meters. The flight begins at Mount Cook Airport, lifting you swiftly above rugged ridges to circle the summit itself. The sweeping views showcase a terrain carved by powerful glaciers, including the expansive Haupapa/Tasman Glacier—the country’s longest glacier—where the helicopter performs a rare snow landing. Here, passengers step out into a realm of quiet ice and crystalline blue, surrounded by hanging glaciers clinging to sheer rock faces.

A standout feature of the flight is the Tasman Terminal Lake, dotted with striking motu huka (icebergs) slowly drifting in deep, cold waters. From the air, the stunning contrast of blue ice and opaque white glacier surfaces tells a story of ongoing natural forces. On clear days, the panorama stretches far enough to glimpse both the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea coastlines of New Zealand’s South Island, a geographic rarity.

Southern Lakes Helicopters’ intimate knowledge of local weather and terrains ensures safe, responsive flights, adapting to rapidly shifting conditions in this alpine climate. This professional approach, combined with the unparalleled experience of landing on a glacier and soaring over iconic landmarks like Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, cements this tour as a must-do for enthusiasts seeking a unique, immersive perspective.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or first-time visitor, the Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate by Southern Lakes Helicopters connects you to the pure, unfiltered wilderness of New Zealand's high country in a way few other tours can.

About Southern Lakes Helicopters

Southern Lakes Helicopters operates from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, New Zealand. The company offers a range of helicopter experiences that include scenic flights, transfers, heli-hikes and alpine landings. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Southern Lakes Helicopters lists multiple trips such as Scenic Te Anau, Mountain Magic, Fiordland Heli-Hike, Twin Lakes Heli Jet, The Works, Tasman Glacier Explorer, Aoraki Panorama, Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate and Southern Lakes Explorer.

Service options also include transfer and combined packages named in the trip list, for example A20 Transfer + 50 minute Scenic Flight, A20 Transfer + 40 minute Scenic Flight, A2O Transfer + 30 minute Scenic Flight and A20 Transfer + 50 minute Scenic Flight. The Alps To Ocean Bike Transfers and A2O Transfer + 30 minute Scenic Flight connect mountain flights with cycling starts along the Alps to Ocean route. Fiordland-focused experiences in the offering include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Doubtful Sound, Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound and History Of Fiordland.

Trip design ranges from short scenic circuits to longer explorer routes such as Tasman Glacier Explorer and Fiordland Heli-Hike. Several listed trips reference alpine landings and high country access. Travelers can review the specific itineraries and availability on The Adventure Collective listing. Southern Lakes Helicopters' published trip names and locations make it straightforward for visitors planning flights around Aoraki/Mt Cook and the wider Fiordland and Southern Lakes regions.

Detailed booking information, schedules and seasonal availability appear alongside each trip listing on the feature page for prospective visitors worldwide.