The most elevated way to experience Mt. Cook's largest glacier.

Mt. Cook Private Charter + VIP Heli Hike

For 1-5 passengers from*
$ 14,700
NZD
  •  

* For groups larger than 5, please fill out the form below for a personalised quote.

Duration

Full Day

Departure

11.00am

Flight Time

2 Hours

Private Heli Hiking Time

3 Hours

Minimum Age

9 years old

Availability

Year-Round

Trip Includes

Tailor Your Experience

Highlights

Book your Mt. Cook Private Charter Flight + VIP Heli Hike

If you’re wanting to book our Mt. Cook Private Charter Flight + VIP Heli Hike experience, please fill out the form below and our team will get in touch with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions or enquiries

How long is this trip?

This is a Full Day experience. From your private pick up to drop off is approximately 7 hours. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

How is this experience different from your Mt. Cook Fly | Heli Hike | Fly?

The Mt. Cook Private Charter Flight + VIP Heli Hike is an elevated experience. This starts with your private address pick up in a private vehicle, where you’ll be driven to Queenstown Airport and escorted to our hangar. Your dedicated pilot will brief you on the flight path and as this is a personalised experience, you will be able to request specific points of interest and chat to your pilot during the flight. Once you land in Mt. Cook, your pilot will take you to meet the team at Mt. Cook Glacier Guiding. From here, you will embark on your private heli hike on the Tasman Glacier with your expert alpine guide. After your heli hike experience, your pilot will take you back to your aircraft and take you on a different flight path back to Queenstown Airport. This elevated experience ends with a private drop off to your private residence.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing
  • Warm trousers – no jeans
  • A warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Sensible footwear is essential
  • Bottle of water
  • A daypack
  • Snacks
How long is the private scenic flight?

Your private flights between Queenstown and Mt. Cook are approximately 1 hour each way. Your pilot will discuss with you the flight path they will take, but please let us know if there is a specific landmark you’d like to see and your pilot can look at accommodating your requests.

What equipment is provided?

Your glacier guide will provide quality leather boots, socks, gaiters, snow shoes, a harness (if required), walking poles, a jacket, overtrousers and gloves for your private heli hike adventure on the Tasman Glacier.

Is food included?

It is a big day, so we recommend taking a lot of easy-to-eat on-the-go snacks. There will also be some time after your heli hike to head into the village for a bite to eat. Optional extras can be added, including a private picnic on the glacier after your heli hike. Contact our team to get this organised.

How long is the private helicopter flight for the heli hike?

Your private helicopter flight from Mt. Cook Village onto a remote part of the Tasman Glacier is approximately 10 minutes each way.

How physically fit do I need to be?

We would rate the fitness level as low to moderate. You will be walking for approximately 2 hours on uneven ground.

Can children join this trip?

The minimum age for children on this trip is 9 years old. 

What is the weight limit for this experience?

Due to the nature of this specific experience, you cannot participate if you are over 116kg/255lb. All passenger weights must be sent through when booking your adventure.

Scenic Flights
How long is this trip?

This is a Half Day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 5 to 5 1/2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

What time is best to fly?

It’s always a good time to fly! If the option is there, we would suggest either our 9.00am or 1.30pm departures. Please note, our 1.30pm departure time is only available at certain times of the year. Whilst we cannot guarantee it, Milford Sound can sometimes be a little bit quieter at these times.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers – you’ll want to enjoy the open-air viewing decks where it can get chilly
  • Sensible footwear
  • Bottle of water
How long is the scenic flight?

Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.

How long is the cruise?

Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.

Is food included with the cruise?

No, lunch is not included. When making your booking online, you have the option to add a picnic lunch for an additional cost that will be ready for you on the cruise. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.

Complimentary tea, coffee and water is available. A selection of small snacks are available to purchase onboard. You are also welcome to bring snacks of your own.

Is there an indoor area on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.

What will I see on the cruise?

Your cruise through Milford Sound is on a boat with a large open-top deck and comfy interior cabins with full-height windows for optimal viewing. Take in the stunning scenery of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Copper Point, and the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins.

Is the cruise suitable for an infant?

We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.

Is there a nappy changing facility/station available inside the cruise?

Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.

What happens if the weather prevents us from flying back to Queenstown?

Our pilots will always look at the forecast for the full duration of your trip and if we feel like the weather may change, we will not leave Queenstown. Due to the weather-dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, it is unfortunate that there are very rare occasions where the forecast changes on us and although uncommon, it can be a case that we are unable to operate the return flight. The safety of our passengers is always our highest priority and in the unlikely event that this ever occurs, we will arrange coach transfers back to Queenstown. We fully appreciate the inconvenience this will cause and do everything we can to look after our passengers.