New Zealand · GLACIER TOURS IN MOUNT COOK & LAKE TEKAPO
Good glacier tours in Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Small group day trip from Queenstown to Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier viewpoints, with scenic stops, snacks, and guided walking.
“Friendly and amazing tour guide lynette had a lot of knowledge to share, Would highly recommend cheeky kiwi.”
Mount Cook skiplane and helicopter combo with a Tasman Glacier snow landing, 45 minutes of epic alpine views for $328.
“Our pilot Jordan was a very experienced pilot negotiating the winds to give us the best trip possible. We had booked the sea plane duo but the winds had made this impossible. Fortunately, I had read other reviews so was prepared when they told us the sea plane wasn’t possible due to the aforementioned winds. We still had a fantastic time and an experience to remember.”
3-hour Tasman Glacier heli-hike from Mount Cook: two scenic flights, up to 2 hours on the ice, Aoraki views, small groups.
“Knowledgeable guide who made us feel safe throughout the trip. Fantastic pilots who pointed out beautiful landmarks”
Heli onto the Tasman Glacier from Mount Cook for a 2-hour guided hike, then fly home near the Hochstetter Icefall.
“Highly enjoyable, brand new experience walking on a safe section of glacier, professional service from start to finish, you know you’re in good hands, our guide Maddie took good care of everyone every step of the way, even the heli pilots had tonnes of information to share en route, this is a must do!”
55-minute Mt Cook helicopter flight with alpine snow landing, Tasman Glacier views, and Franz Josef and Fox from the air.
“I had an amazing experience with the 55 min helicopter ride, we had to wait for a while due to bad weather but the staff was helpful and booked us on a later ride on the same day. The landing on the snow was just too good and the pilot even helped us with the photographs.”
Heli hike onto Tasman Glacier from Mount Cook, with two scenic helicopter flights and a guided crampon walk on icy formations.
“Had so much fun with the crew, instructor is professional also. The experience is fresh. We were so lucky because of the weather permit. Such a good place to take photos and show off to your friends, although it’s a little expensive but definitely worth doing it . Add something different and adventurous to your trip.”
45-minute Mount Cook helicopter highlights with a Tasman Glacier landing, live guide commentary, and big Aoraki Mt Cook views in South Island.
“This was maybe the highlight of our New Zealand adventure!!! When we arrived we weren’t sure if our flight would take off but luckily it did! Such beautiful views… and experience we will never forget!!!!”
Heli-hike the Tasman Glacier from Mount Cook: 30-min flight, 2-hour guided ice hike with crampons, plus Hochstetter Icefall views.
“The tour started 1 hour late…. Finished early… the ride and activities were OK. Actually nice. I would recommend if the tour was handled more professionally”
45-minute ski plane flight from Mount Cook with a landing on Tasman Glacier, live pilot commentary, and sweeping Southern Alps views.
“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!”
3-hour Tekapo 4WD tour to private High Country sheep stations, glacier lakes, and Mt Cook views. Small-group guide, tea and snacks.
“Chris is an outstanding guide. He is extremely entertaining and witty, and he shares a lot about himself and his relationship with his country, which genuinely moved us. The coffee and the mochaccino at the mountain hut were excellent, and the chocolate was absolutely perfect. A truly memorable experience 🫶🏻”
40 minutes by helicopter over the Tasman Glacier and Hochstetter Icefall, including a glacier landing and panoramic mountain views.
“We had a great flight and landing, later than planned, but that’s the weather for you! Dan was a great pilot - very informative, took some great photos of us and gave everyone an opportunity to see the same views. Highlight of our trip!”
Fly from Aoraki/Mount Cook over Tasman Glacier and West Coast glaciers, land on ice, and enjoy a guided 50-minute helicopter flight.
“Despite the cloudy and windy weather, the staff were incredibly kind and professional, taking the time to clearly explain the situation to us. We waited about an hour for the clouds to clear, and once they did, we were off. The flight was absolutely amazing. The scenery was breathtaking and the experience is truly indescribable. Seeing Mount Cook and Fox Glacier up close was something we will never forget. The glacier landing was completely worth it — the kids even got to play in the snow, which was such a special moment. The staff also took amazing photos for us, which we really appreciated. What stood out the most was…”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
