Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown
About this tour
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook Bus Tour & Heli Hike Combo, this small group, fully-guided day trip from Queenstown combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with a guided bus tour before an incredible Heli Hike on Tasman Glacier including two scenic helicopter flights. Our airline partner will provide you with all the necessary equipment such as leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, & over trousers (itis not recommended to wear jeans) Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge!
Check availability for this tour →
Highlights
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
- ✓Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
- ✓Leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, over trousers
- ✓Water available & snacks provided
Itinerary
Stop 1
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Stop 2
Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the Kawarau Gorge, passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
Stop 3
Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.
Stop 4
Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.
Stop 5
While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
Stop 6
Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
Stop 7
Helihike - check-in and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. Your trip with Inflight includes return Scenic flight to & from the Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.
Stop 8
As part of your Helihike you will land on and explore the Tasman Glacier. Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the stunning scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will fly to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier before beginning a guided exploration of the amazing ice formations. Follow your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers.
Stop 9
Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
Stop 10
During summer months when the sun is still up and as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
Stop 11
Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Included
- ✓ In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓ 2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
- ✓ Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
- ✓ Leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, over trousers
- ✓ Water available & snacks provided
- ✓ Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Queenstown & Return
Not included
- ✕ Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
- ✕ On-board restrooms
Check availability for current pricing
You'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Queenstown, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
Traveler reviews
Loading reviews...
Read more reviews on Viator →Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Helicopter tours in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown sits at the center of some of New Zealand's most dramatic alpine scenery, and it's one of the few places in the world where a helicopter tour can include an actual snow landing on a mountain peak.
When's the best time to fly?
Winter (June to August) is prime time for snow-landing tours; summer (December to February) trades the snow for longer days and clear views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps without needing cold-weather gear.
What should I bring?
Warm layers at any time of year, since it's cold at altitude even when Queenstown itself is mild, plus sunglasses for glare off the snow or lake.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Like most operators, tours in Queenstown have standard weight and balance limits (you may be asked your weight when booking or checking in), and pilots will delay or reschedule rather than fly in unsafe wind, low visibility, or storms. Booking a tour with free cancellation means a weather delay won't cost you anything.
Compare tours in Queenstown, New Zealand
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Landing | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from QueenstownThis tour | Duration varies | 4.8 (68) | N/A | Check price | |
| Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown | 4 hrs | 4.9 (204) | N/A | From $985.42 | View → |
| 2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201 | 2 hrs | 5.0 (69) | Yes | From $922.95 | View → |
| 25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown | 25 min | 5.0 (126) | N/A | From $244.23 | View → |
Check availability for current pricing
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Queenstown, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
You might also like
Queenstown, New Zealand
Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown
Mt Cook Bus Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience, this small group, fully guided bus tour to Mt Cook combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with scenic flights in a helicopter and a ski plane including a Tasman Glaci
Duration varies · Free cancellation
From $498.68 USD
Queenstown, New Zealand
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown
The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a dee
Duration varies · Free cancellation
From $1220.56 USD
More helicopter tours in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight pa
4 hrs
From $985.42 USD
Queenstown, New Zealand
2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201
Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier/alpine in the heart of Fiordland
2 hrs
From $922.95 USD
Likely to sell outQueenstown, New Zealand
25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown
Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance. A sensational photo opportunity at 5,000 feet.
25 min
From $244.23 USD
See Queenstown from above
Compare real-time prices and availability, then book securely through Viator.
Check price