The 6 Best Tours in Mount Cook

1.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

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

You’ll fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome over the Tasman Valley and a blue glacier lake, with commentary from your English-speaking pilot. The helicopter then lands on a mountain in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, giving you time for photos and close views of Aoraki Mount Cook. Snow landings happen most of the year but are not guaranteed in summer.

“Absolutely loved our trip!! Zippy our pilot was so nice and gave us a lot of information! Amazing photos photos to last a lifetime!”

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2.Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 407 reviews · from $164Best value

Set out from Queenstown at 6:30 am in a small group of up to 15 people. Your guide leads you through Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with about three hours for walks, views, or optional activities. Guides such as Jeff, Lynette, Sarah, and Noah are known for lively commentary and thoughtful help when weather changes.

“Despite the weather not being in our favour, my friends and I still had a great time. Our tour guide Jeff was an absolute legend and kept us entertained with his commentary and jokes, and also made sure we were well looked after after getting rained on. There were plenty of rest stops, and visits to the salmon farm and fruit shop on the way back were a lovely addition. Jeff kindly dropped everyone at their accomodation which was super helpful and much appreciated.”

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3.Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout Small Group Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · from $164

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook in a small group of up to 15, with guides such as Felix, Lynette, Jason, and Mairi sharing local stories along the way. Expect Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, the Tasman Glacier viewpoint walk, salmon tasting, and seasonal fruit or ice cream stops.

“Jason was very good. I like the trip very much. Good if you’re a foodie and like short hikes with good views.”

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4.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

Take a ski plane and helicopter over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, flying up the Tasman Valley to the Tasman Glacier. Land on the upper snowfields, step into the alpine silence, then return to Mount Cook Airport by the other aircraft. Pilots provide English commentary, with weather-based changes possible.

“Amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Inflite Mt Cook were so easy to deal with & our pilot Ben was awesome - thanks guys.”

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5.3-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, then spend up to two hours walking through ice caves, moulins, and changing blue ice with a trained guide. Leather boots, socks, crampons, poles, and jackets are supplied. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, and Tori are praised for safety and photos. Weather controls the schedule.

“Well organised, everyone had a view either there or back. Guide was knowledgeable and the scenery spectacular”

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6.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking with a professional guide. You’ll wear glacier boots and crampons, explore changing ice formations, and fly near Aoraki’s 1,000-meter Hochstetter Icefall on the return. Small groups are limited to 10.

“Scott the guide was amazing, ton of knowledge and fun, he also was a professional guide and photographer at the same time. The crew was also excellent fast check-in and provided very clear instruction Very worth of money”

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