55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
4.8
55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
By Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite
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About
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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 55m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Live commentary on board
What's not included- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Start:
- Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New ZealandThe airport is located 3 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22551P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22551P6
From
$729.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New ZealandThe airport is located 3 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
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Buy it with
Top rated
More to explore in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 829gracent0 contributionsHelicopter and glacier landingBeautiful views!! We had an excellent time and the glacier landing was the highlight of our trip. Definitely recommend doing this!Written 14 March 2025
- AilsaF9720 contributionsMagnificent MountainsThis was the highlight of our New Zealand trip, a fantastic experience. Firstly we were impressed by how they rearranged our trip to a different day because clouds meant limited visibility, it would have been easier for them to send us on a trip with less visibility. When we went visibility was excellent and landing on the glacier high up in the mountains was such a treat, excellent pilot who made us feel so looked after. Outstanding.Written 10 March 2025
- jwhatley950 contributionsHighlight of our trip!!This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! Our pilot Mark was informative, fun and professional. He made a nervous passenger (myself) feel very safe and comfortable. Highly recommend!Written 1 March 2025
- McKenzo0 contributionsSTUNNING SCENERYAs part of our South Island holiday I went back to the Mt Cook Village area with the hope that we could get to experience the Ski Plane and Helicopter flights and landing on a glacier. The weather gods where out in force and we had absolutely beautiful blue sky. We went up in the ski plane, which is the last operating in the Southern Hemisphere, and ended landing on Franz Josef Glacier. The scenery on the way there is stunning and beautiful. We actually were very lucky and spent a little longer on the glacier. It was then into the helicopter for the flight back to the airfield. The views were amazing and both pilots provided commentary. If you are interested in this flight take it from the Mt Cook Village side as taking it from the west coast is more problematic due to weather. My husband and I loved the experience and it was worth the detour.Written 26 February 2025
- K1187HCcraigc0 contributionsWorthy of a ProposalGreat combination of helicopter flight up to the top of Mount Cook and plane ride down with a preference for the helicopter journey. Unfortunately cloud descended on us just as we landed cutting our time walking in the snow at the peak to just 2 minutes but just enough time to get my proposal in......Written 23 February 2025
- Dave H0 contributionsAmazing trip!This was just the most amazing experience. So special to spend some time on top of a glacier, with the most amazing views surrounding us. The pilot was lovely. He provided some very interesting information as well as making sure we were all OK. I recommend this very highly.Written 16 February 2025
- 499bridgetw0 contributionsAmazing views of GlacierHelicopter ride was amazing. The aerial views of the glacier and surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and the flight was smooth and informative. A must do rideWritten 10 February 2025
- hailinht20150 contributionsA changed itineraryWe initially booked the 45-minute Glacier Tour, but was informed 3 hours before the flight that the wind was too strong that day for such a flight. However, the operator offered to change to a 25-minute flight to a closer mountain top, with a partial refund, which we took. All in all, I’m glad to take it. The children were thrilled with the experience. The view from the helicopter was fantastic. The new landing area had enough snow for the kids to play. We had a very good view down the valley and the ice river. The pilots were very experienced and friendly.Written 1 February 2025
- Tour453845558550 contributions“Overpriced and Overcrowded – A Disappointing Helicopter Ride״We booked a 45-minute family helicopter ride, expecting an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions (which, of course, are beyond the company’s control), the flight was canceled. As a replacement, we were offered a shortened 25-minute flight, and despite the initial disappointment, we decided to go ahead with it. The experience itself was very disappointing. The seating was cramped, and I was placed in the middle seat on the back bench, where the view was practically non-existent. It completely ruined the purpose of a helicopter ride – the amazing sights. The whole operation felt entirely industrial – there was no sense of uniqueness or premium service, which we had expected given the exorbitant price we paid. The overall attitude felt cold and impersonal, like a factory churning out flights with no regard for customer experience. In summary, what was supposed to be a highlight of our family trip turned into a major letdown. With such a high price tag, we expected a level of service and quality to match – but it was far from it. Definitely not recommended.Written 28 January 2025
- 356kaylieb0 contributionsExceptional Mt Cook Glacier ExperienceceWe experienced an incredible afternoon combining both plane and helicopter flights to the Tasman Glacier at Mt Cook. The unique dual-aircraft adventure offered two distinct perspectives of New Zealand's largest glacier and surrounding alpine landscape. The highlight was landing on the glacier itself - a surreal experience standing on ice surrounded by spectacular peaks. Our pilots, Maurice and Mark, were excellent guides who shared fascinating insights about the geography and glacial features throughout the journey. For anyone visiting Mt Cook, this combination flight offers exceptional value. It's more than just a scenic flight - it's an immersive alpine adventure that provides unique perspectives you simply can't get any other way. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable New Zealand alpine experience.Written 20 January 2025
- F9881YOnickw0 contributionsWow!!!! IncredibleWhat an experience!!! Highlight of our time in New Zealand so far. The helicopter ride with mark was fantastic and the plane ride back with Maurice just as wonderful. You just have to do thisWritten 11 January 2025
- letitiac20250 contributionsBucket list experienceAmazing experience. The ski plane and helicopter combo was fantastic. Dont hesitate! Thanks to our guides Andrew and Angus.Written 7 January 2025
- 469abhilashj0 contributionsThe best. Period.Me and my partner took a deep breath, mustered all our courage, and YES—we conquered the 13,000-foot jump! 🎉🎉 Sure, we had our sights on 16K, but hey, the weather had other plans. 🌧️ No biggie though, because the crew? ABSOLUTE LEGENDS! 🙌 They broke everything down so perfectly, over and over, that by the time we jumped, it felt like second nature (well, almost 😉). And let me tell you, if you’re in NZ and dreaming of a skydive, THIS is the place to do it. 🌏✨ The views of Mt. Cook? Beyond epic. Go for it—you won’t regret it! 🪂💥Written 4 January 2025
- Daniel F0 contributionsBest birthday gift idea!My wife’s birthday fell over her honeymoon and I surprised her (a day before so she knew how to prepare) with skydiving. It was both of our first times and it was a blast!! They had to adjust our height due to clouds, but they reimbursed us for the height we actually fell from. I want to give our guides specific credit, but I can’t recall their names. They were both great! The video was definitely worth it.Written 28 December 2024
- Kiattichai R0 contributionsHelicopter and Ski Plane flights at Mount CookWe booked the flight for 26th Dec but the weather was not good so they provided an option to reschedule our flight to 27th, which is ok for us. Luckily, the weather on 27th is nice and sunny. Once we got there, we checked-in with a friendly staff and waited for a while before being brought to an area for security briefing and then moved to outside waiting for boarding. We got up to the Tasman Glacier by a helicopter and came back down by a ski plane. Our flight include a total of 9 passengers, 3 are us and the other 6 are very nice people from Hong Kong. We stayed up there for 10-15 mins. Very pleasant experience and get to see the view that hiking tracks won’t get you there.Written 26 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.8
27 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Colleen V
Nashville, TN49 contributions
Bucket 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!
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shaival1
Orange County, CA45 contributions
The 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!!!
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole M
Drysdale, Australia100 contributions
Wow, wow, wow. If you are thinking of booking a flight, just do it. This was our first time in a helicopter and it did not disappoint. Mark our pilot was brilliant. We always felt extremely safe and well informed . I don't think you can truly appreciate the vastness of these spectacular mountains and glaciers from the ground.
Their are areas that you are only ever going to see from above.
The flight went for 55min. 55 minutes literally flew 😊. Anything shorter woud not have been long enough for us, we literally could of flew all day if they had a package available. 😎That's how good it was! So much to take in, look at, all while absorbing the enormity of this magnificent, stunning area. We were very fortunate to have a clear blue sky in Summer. Thank you Mother Nature! We would love to come back in Winter and explore this area again and we would have no hesitation at all in using this company again. The Mount Cook area in Summer is absolutely stunning.
Great team!
Their are areas that you are only ever going to see from above.
The flight went for 55min. 55 minutes literally flew 😊. Anything shorter woud not have been long enough for us, we literally could of flew all day if they had a package available. 😎That's how good it was! So much to take in, look at, all while absorbing the enormity of this magnificent, stunning area. We were very fortunate to have a clear blue sky in Summer. Thank you Mother Nature! We would love to come back in Winter and explore this area again and we would have no hesitation at all in using this company again. The Mount Cook area in Summer is absolutely stunning.
Great team!
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony L
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Couples
This 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.
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alisa r
5 contributions
Feb 2023
Southern Lakes Helicopter Tours provided a "once in a lifetime" thrill. My friends and I so enjoyed the flight in the valleys of the Mt. Cook/Aoraki region...and especially the ability to get out and walk along the Tasman Glacier! The weather was perfect, as was our pilot, Dave! He guided the helicopter expertly and had a great read on the weather, as well as the helicopter's performance*. Loved the close up look of where potential climbers of Mt. Cook began their staging....as well as other points of interest. Many thanks for such a memorable experience!!
(*from a retired airline pilot's perspective)
(*from a retired airline pilot's perspective)
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaitlinmills23
Cozumel, Mexico10 contributions
Nov 2022
We had an incredible helicopter flight with Mark, who had so much knowledge to tell us throughout. Seeing Mt Cook for above is an amazing experience that shouldn't be missed. Worth every cent. Our original flight date was cancelled due to bad weather but they were able to accommodate with room for us the following day which was greatly appreciated and lucky we could change our itinerary around to be able to do it.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff G
17 contributions
Nov 2021
Called in the day prior but weather conditions simply weren't suitable. It was suggested the following morning things would be better. WOW!!!! they sure were. Beautiful fine day and unbelievable flight. Pilot was fantastic, thanks Mark, with great knowledge of the area and his experiences across so many areas of helicopter work were a pleasure to listen to. I highly recommend this trip. You will walk away with a huge smile on your face.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam C
Hamilton, New Zealand51 contributions
Jul 2022
Had previously thoroughly enjoyed the 35 Minute Flight but the 55 Minute Grand Circle flight with Mark surely cannot be beaten. No words to describe the feeling every time we flew over another mountain, the views were breathtaking, the glaciers and out to sea, so incredible which ever way I looked. Blessed to have flown in perfect conditions in winter with a very informative, skilled pilot. Ample time on the Glacier for photos and to just take it all in.
Recommend as up there one of the best adventures possible.
Recommend as up there one of the best adventures possible.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim W
53 contributions
Unbelievable 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.
Highly recommend both Inflite and the 55 minute tour.
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleanor B
Mission Bay, New Zealand13 contributions
Jan 2022
From beginning to end, the team at Mt Cook Airlines was helpful and professional, only wanting the best outcome for us. The Grand Circle was amazing, seeing all three glaciers, each so different, and to get so close to Mt Cook was a bonus. The landing on Tasman Glacier is not to be missed either. An unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora! My 2 friends and I are interested in this excursion. Is the fare listed in NZ dollars? One of us is an active pilot and I am retired (we both flew as Captains for Delta Air Lines, Inc., in the US for over thirty years.)....so we love the "bird's eye" views.
Thank you1
Alisa Revou
Written 15 January 2023
Will you pickup and drop off at my hotel? I'm staying at Hermitage. Thanks.
Written 3 May 2022
I intend to drive up and stay at the Hermitage MT Cook around 10th March. I would like to do this Grand Circle trip, but if I book and the weather is not good to go, do i get a full refund please?
Also perhaps you could tell me if the car I intend to rent (Toyota Corolla Hatch) would drive up with no problems in any weather?
Written 4 February 2021
Kelly R
Houston, Texas
If I am staying in Twizel where do I need to park or meet?
Written 16 August 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.