55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
Overview
Available languages
55 minutes
Mobile ticket
Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight.
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions
Minimum of 4 people per flight applies before the flight will operate
Departure time will vary daily depending on bookings and weather conditions
Time of departure will be confirmed 24 hours prior to date of flight
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to flight time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tasman Glacier
A 55 minute flight that flies right around Aoraki Mt Cook and over to the West Coast for stunning views of the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Includes a glacier landing for 10-15 minutes for great photos.
Franz Josef Glacier
Stunning views of the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman glaciers, including a glacier landing
What‘s Included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Live commentary on board
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Grand Circle
55 Minute Southern Alps Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tasman Glacier Highlight
Shelby C,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The helicopter pilot was experienced and knowledgeable about the area. The flights up and back were cool. Standing on the glacier and taking pics was so special. Gorgeous! We signed up for the 55 minute tour but it was too windy to go on the back side of Mt Cook. They adjusted our route and made the tour the 45 minute tour and made sure we still got to land on Tasman Glacier. They sent the $100 per person credit request to Viator to have that removed from our credit card. The experience was FANTASTIC! I would suggest that you wear a neck gaiter as you cannot wear a scarf. You also cannot wear hats or gloves. A hooded jacket is ideal. I didn’t have a hooded jacket and I was fine so it’s not required just warmer if the wind kicks up. They suggest boots to walk on the glacier to avoid slipping. I didn’t pack boots so I wore sneakers, I walked gingerly, and I did just fine. I wore athletic pants and a zip-up New Zealand merino wool sweater with pockets to keep my hands warm. I was plenty warm. They do weigh you to balance the helicopter so your seating is assigned but you can switch from middle seat to window seat on the way back so everyone gets time by the window. They put two small women in the front seat next to the pilot.
Highly recommend!!
RVfam,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stayed in stunning Aoraki for 2 nights at White Horse Hill Campground. We hiked, camped, and enjoyed the spectacular views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Without question, our favorite views were from the helicopter! The pilot was great- safe and knowledgable. The glacier landing was incredible! The planes also looked fun. Our trip was shortened because of weather on the west coast but 45 minutes was perfect. We are typically very frugal and thought this experience was worth every penny! We highly recommend Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters! Thanks for an incredible experience!
A must do experience with a very professional company and pilot
Tim W,Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable experience with great views and commentary by Mark the pilot. The 10 minutes landing high up on the glacier was a bonus experience, incredible views and total silence. Easy to book and you are welcome upon arrival, so a very easy experience. Highly recommend both Inflite and the 55 minute tour.
Recommended!!
Jasmine W,Feb 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely worth the price, saw three glaciers and two of the highest mountains in New Zealand. And a short landing on the Tasman glacier and the view is truly amazing.
Not all passengers has the same view
Z1520QBtonyl,Jan 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This helicopter tour accommodates six passengers in a two-row configuration, with the pilot in the front left. While the pilot expertly hovered at each point of interest to allow for photos, the viewing experience was highly uneven. Passengers seated in the front row or the left-most seat enjoyed spectacular, unobstructed views. Unfortunately, those seated elsewhere had to contend with obstructed views, looking over the shoulders of other passengers. The helicopter was not rotated to offer all passengers a direct view of each scene, which significantly diminished the experience for those not in the prime seats. This lack of consideration for all passengers' viewing angles greatly reduced the value of the tour.
Flying through the clouds
kristinmR3199ZU,Nov 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic way to experience the sheer enormity of mountains up close and personal. The pilot was very knowledgeable and super lovely ..
Bucket List Helicopter Tour over Mount Cook and the Glaciers
Colleen V,Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bucket list activity for sure on the incredible helicopter tour over the glaciers and Mount Cook! Between the wonderful views during the helicopter ride, to the magnificence all around when we landed on the Tasman Glacier, I was in awe of the sheer splendor before me. It was the perfect group size (8), and Roger (our pilot) did a masterful job of flying the craft, minimizing rocking and buffeting where he could, along with providing fabulous commentary on what we were seeing. He also pointed out the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, although we couldn’t see them given the low cloud cover. All in all, an incredible experience! I highly recommend this!
Amazing! Extremely Safe! And above all extremely knowledgeable pilot!!! Would do the Grand Cirle all over again
shaival1,Jul 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The reception was really amazing and courteous. They explained everything extremely well. The pilot made us feel extremely safe and comfortable. The anxiety of getting on a helicopter was all gone before we boarded. Ben, our pilot was extra courteous and made us feel extremely safe throughout. He was also very knowledgeable about the wntire region and its history. Kudos!!!
Breathtaking trip
leavittlake,Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must do if you are visiting MT Cook. Mark Hayes was our pilot and he is highly skilled and showed us just breath taking views of Mt Cook. You will not be shortchanged for the Flight. Just Awestruck. Capt.D Even Michigan
Joke. Wouldn’t recommend.
Declan O,Feb 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
1.00Really poor customer service!! Original date cancelled due to rain, which I have no complaints over. Returned for rearranged date, to be told unable to do 55 minute flight but can do 25 mins. Agreed to this reluctantly. They said it was due to weather but more likely due how many rearranged flights they had to do. They then cancelled that flight! No attempt to rearrange or prioritise us given they already cancelled! Won’t even describe the chaos inside the building!!
From NZ$768.21
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