Mt Cook & Heli Hike Tour

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$1140

per adult

Group of hikers inside a glowing blue ice cave on the Tasman Glacier.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Small Group Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Travel Time: 13 hours

Minimum Age: 12

Details

Scenic Journey From Queenstown to Mt Cook

Travelling from Queenstown, this small group tour takes you through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. You’ll pass through Kawarau Gorge and the dramatic Lindis Pass, with time for photo stops to capture the breathtaking views. The turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki signal your approach to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to the country’s highest peak.

Your guide shares fascinating stories of the region, helping you connect with the landscapes as you travel. The relaxed pace means you can soak in every moment rather than rushing from stop to stop. By the time Mt Cook comes into view, the anticipation of the heli hike ahead is truly building.

Wide view of Lindis Pass with rolling tussock hills under a blue sky in the South Island

Group of friends at a lookout point in Lindis Pass with golden hills in the background

Snow-covered Mount Cook rising behind Lake Pukaki with autumn colours in the foreground

Hooker River flowing over boulders with Mount Cook in the background on a summer day

Native kea parrot standing on snow near Mount Cook in New Zealand

Helicopter flying above snow-capped peaks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Snowshoers trekking through jagged seracs on the upper Tasman Glacier under a blue sky.

Group heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier near Mount Cook in New Zealand

Person exploring a deep blue ice cave on the Tasman Glacier as part of a guided Mount Cook tour

Smiling hiker with poles standing next to a glacier crevasse during a guided tour in Mount Cook National Park

Thrilling Heli Hike on the Tasman Glacier

The adventure reaches new heights with a helicopter flight deep into the Southern Alps. From the air, you’ll admire vast snowfields and jagged peaks before touching down on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest. Stepping onto the glacier, you’ll be surrounded by sparkling blue ice and dramatic alpine scenery.

A guided heli hike takes you across crevasses, ice caves, and natural ice sculptures, revealing the beauty of this frozen world. With two helicopter flights included, the aerial views are just as memorable as the trek itself. This rare opportunity to walk on a living glacier makes the Mount Cook Heli Hike Tour from Queenstown a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Inclusions

Small Group
Fully Guided Bus Tour
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
Water available & snacks provided

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 12-14 years
Minimum age 12 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Queenstown – Your tour begins in the beautiful city of Queenstown. As we head out of town, your guide will introduce the day’s highlights and point out key landmarks along the way.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge – We travel through the scenic Kawarau Gorge, passing the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout. If time allows, we’ll stop for your first photo opportunity of the tour.
Cromwell – After leaving the gorge, we enter Cromwell, renowned for its vineyards and fruit orchards. We follow the shoreline of Lake Dunstan towards Lindis Pass, enjoying stunning lake views.
Lindis Pass – Climbing through Lindis Pass, we’ll take in sweeping views of the valleys below. A stop at the famous lookout provides a perfect spot for capturing the scenery.
Omarama – As we traverse the expansive Mackenzie District, we may spot Merino sheep before reaching the quaint town of Omarama. Here, you’ll have time for a break, with the chance to try what we think is New Zealand’s best creamy chicken pie.
Lake Pukaki – Turning west, Lake Pukaki comes into view with its dazzling blue waters framed by the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook. We’ll stop for photos and to admire the dramatic landscape that has featured in many Lord of the Rings scenes.
Heli Hike – Prepare for an unforgettable experience on the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. After a scenic helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook, you’ll land on a remote part of the glacier and begin a guided exploration of its stunning ice formations. Your adventure ends with another breathtaking flight back to our base, where your bus guide will be waiting.
High Country Salmon – On the return trip to Queenstown, we’ll stop at High Country Salmon, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in the country.
Jacksons Orchard – During summer, we often make a stop at Jacksons Orchard near Queenstown to sample or purchase fresh local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
Queenstown – The tour concludes as we arrive back in Queenstown, where we’ll say our farewells after a day full of incredible experiences.