55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter

Overview

Available languages

English

55 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Live commentary on board

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

What To Expect

Tasman Glacier

A 55 minute flight that flies right around Aoraki Mt Cook and over to the West Coast for stunning views of the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Includes a glacier landing for 10-15 minutes for great photos.

55 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Franz Josef Glacier

Stunning views of the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman glaciers, including a glacier landing

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Grand Circle

55 Minute Southern Alps Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

Reviews

4.66

35 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A must do experience with a very professional company and pilot
Tim W,
Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Recommended!!
Jasmine W,
Feb 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Definitely worth the price, saw three glaciers and two of the highest mountains in New Zealand. And a short landing on the Tasman glacier and the view is truly amazing.
Not all passengers has the same view
Z1520QBtonyl,
Jan 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
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.
Flying through the clouds
kristinmR3199ZU,
Nov 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic way to experience the sheer enormity of mountains up close and personal. The pilot was very knowledgeable and super lovely ..
Bucket List Helicopter Tour over Mount Cook and the Glaciers
Colleen V,
Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Amazing! Extremely Safe! And above all extremely knowledgeable pilot!!! Would do the Grand Cirle all over again
shaival1,
Jul 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!!
Breathtaking trip
leavittlake,
Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a must do if you are visiting MT Cook. Mark Hayes was our pilot and he is highly skilled and showed us just breath taking views of Mt Cook. You will not be shortchanged for the Flight. Just Awestruck. Capt.D Even Michigan
Joke. Wouldn’t recommend.
Declan O,
Feb 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
1.00
Really poor customer service!! Original date cancelled due to rain, which I have no complaints over. Returned for rearranged date, to be told unable to do 55 minute flight but can do 25 mins. Agreed to this reluctantly. They said it was due to weather but more likely due how many rearranged flights they had to do. They then cancelled that flight! No attempt to rearrange or prioritise us given they already cancelled! Won’t even describe the chaos inside the building!!
MEH
Jason R,
Feb 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00
Our service from Inflight Ski Planes Limited was disappointing. We scheduled the 55 minute Grand Circle Tour. Two days before the flight we were told we had to take a tour an hour later than we booked due to our helicopter not being full. Then less than two hours before the scheduled flight we were told that our tour was canceled but we could take a 25 minute “Tasman Teaser” tour an md we would be refunded the difference (which we were within a few days). We arrived to the airport an hour before our flight to check in and there were dozens of people waiting for helicopter tours. They seemed to be from a very large group. We were placed with a family from this group for our tour. Our flight left 15 minutes after the scheduled time. While our pilot was competent in his skill, it seemed like he wanted to end his day quickly. After a snafu with the seatbelts we were off. Right away he said that he could not tell us much over the headsets due to all the chatter from other copters in the air. We ended up landing on top of a mountain (not a glacier) but since we were the last to leave in a group of 5 or 6 helicopters we had the worst position on the mountain for the view of Mt. Cook and the valley below. The tour said the landing was supposed to last 8 minutes, but when we landed our pilot said we have 5 minutes to look around. After we got back in the bird, he seemed to take a pretty quick and direct rout back to the airport. I can’t believe I’m saying this about a helicopter ride, but it was pretty underwhelming. We understand that weather concerns can change plans with helicopter tours, but it felt like we were just squeezed in with a much larger group. There are many other helicopter tours in the Mt. Cook area, from other small airports a little further away. If your driving in you’ll see them. I’d suggest checking out some others before booking with this tour company.
Helicopter flight
andrewrI5406YX,
Jan 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Given the weather was crap on the day we originally booked the staff were very helpful with making changes and keeping us up to date. Pilot was fantastic the views where extrodinary, well worth doing.