Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings – 60mins

Experience Overview

If you’re considering a helicopter ride over some of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers and mountains, the Mt Cook Supreme tour is worth a close look. This flight offers an hour of soaring above the Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers, with the added thrill of two snow landings—one on a glacier for photos and another on Shackleton Glacier. The company behind this experience, Glacier Country Helicopters, is a family-run operation based in Franz Josef, giving it a friendly, personalized touch that many travelers appreciate.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of spectacular aerial views with the tactile experience of landing on snow. The landings are a highlight, offering not just great photo opportunities but a real sense of being in the mountains. Plus, the pilots and staff are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. However, a potential downside is that the tour’s duration is just about 60 minutes total, so it’s a relatively quick experience—though well worth it for the scenery.

This tour is best suited for those who want a compact but immersive glacier adventure without spending hours in the air. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re on a time limit or prefer a more condensed, high-impact trip. Keep in mind that weather can impact the experience—some reviews mention flights being shortened or rescheduled—but the staff’s communication is often quick and clear about these changes.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of four glaciers and Mount Cook make this tour visually unforgettable.
• Two snow landings add a unique, tactile element to the experience, perfect for photos and memories.
• Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing commentary and assistance throughout.
• Shorter duration (60 mins) means it’s an accessible adventure for many travelers, especially those on tight schedules.
• Weather-dependent: Flights may be shortened or rescheduled if conditions aren’t ideal, but the staff keeps travelers updated.
• Good value for the price considering the unique landings and scenic views—many reviewers feel it’s quite worth it.

Why This Tour Stands Out

When you think about a helicopter tour over the glaciers of New Zealand, it’s the scale and majesty that really hit home once you’re airborne. Photos don’t do justice to how vast these glaciers are, nor to the towering presence of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. We loved the way the flight combines multiple glaciers—Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman—and then elevates the experience with two snow landings, which aren’t just photos ops but real moments of connection with the landscape.

The landings are a major draw. The first takes you onto a snowy terrain ideal for photos, giving you a chance to step onto the ice and feel like you’re on another planet. The second landing on Shackleton Glacier is just as breathtaking, with views that seem to stretch forever. As one reviewer put it, “Snow landings are magical,” and many agree this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime kind of moments.

The aircraft and service are also a big plus. The helicopter is described as comfortable, with options for upgrades like front seat or extra space for heavier passengers. The small group size—up to 12 travelers—means everyone gets good views and personalized attention from the pilot. From the reviews, it’s clear the pilots are not only skilled but also eager to share their knowledge, pointing out key landmarks and giving helpful commentary.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour starts in Franz Josef, a town famous for its glacier. Once you meet your crew, the adventure begins with a scenic flight heading westward over the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the glaciers and rugged mountain terrain.

Stop 1: Over the Glaciers
The first part of the flight showcases Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers. These glaciers are some of the most famous in New Zealand, and from the air, their massive size becomes apparent. The views are dramatic—with crevasses, icefalls, and jagged blue ice that would be hard to appreciate on foot. Many travelers comment that the scale of the glaciers is something you truly need to see from above to understand.

Stop 2: Mount Cook
Next, the helicopter ascends into the Southern Alps, giving you a spectacular view of Mount Cook—the highest mountain in New Zealand. It’s a quintessential sight, with snow-capped peaks piercing the sky, and often described as a “pinch-me moment” by those lucky enough to fly this route.

Snow Landings
The first snow landing is a highlight, lasting around 10 minutes, giving you space to walk on the snow, take photos, and soak in the pristine environment. Many reviews highlight how this part of the trip feels almost surreal. The second landing, on Shackleton Glacier, is equally memorable, with views of ice formations and the vast glacier landscape.

Return Flight
After the landings, the helicopter circles back, giving you even more stunning vistas of the mountains and glaciers from different angles. The entire experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, including check-in, transport, loading, unloading, and the actual flight time.

What You Can Expect During Your Flight

The flight is an exhilarating mix of aerial sightseeing and ground-level moments on snow. You’ll likely feel a mix of awe and excitement as you see these enormous glaciers and rugged peaks from above. The pilots’ commentary is often praised for being informative without being overwhelming, pointing out notable features and sharing bits of local knowledge.

Many travelers have mentioned that even if the weather isn’t perfect, the staff is proactive about rescheduling or adjusting the flight. Some reviews indicate that flights can be shortened due to weather, but the core experience—seeing the glaciers and Mount Cook—is generally still very rewarding.

The helicopter itself is described as comfortable, with options for Comfort Seats or upgrades, especially if you’re a larger passenger or just want extra space. Since the group is small, you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and you’ll get good vantage points for photos.

The Value for Money

At around $527.49 per person, this tour might seem steep for just an hour in the air. But when you factor in the two snow landings, the scenic diversity, and the expert guidance, many reviewers believe it’s a solid investment. One person said, “Best value for money spent,” especially given the exclusivity and the unique experience of landing on snow and glaciers you can’t access on foot.

It’s worth noting that the tour includes all fees and taxes, and the company is transparent about optional upgrades, such as front seats or larger Comfort Seats, which might be worth considering if you value extra space.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to see New Zealand’s glaciers from a perspective most will never get on foot. It suits those who don’t mind a bit of a thrill, as helicopter flights can be unpredictable with weather, but the staff’s communication tends to be excellent.

It’s also good for travelers who want a compact, high-impact trip, especially if they’re limited on time but want a memorable experience. The landings make it stand out from purely flying tours, giving a rare chance to physically step onto the snow and ice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view of New Zealand’s glaciers and mountains, the Mt Cook Supreme helicopter tour checks many boxes. The combination of spectacular scenery, friendly guides, and the thrill of snow landings makes it a memorable adventure that many past travelers have raved about.

While it’s naturally weather-dependent and a bit pricey, the overall experience offers excellent value. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a personalized, scenic, and exhilarating trip above some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Anyone with a love for mountains, ice, and big views will find this tour rewarding.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
There are two high ladder-style steps into the helicopter, so if you have injuries, arthritis, or recent surgery, it’s best to mention this when booking. The staff can advise on whether the flight is suitable for you.

Can I request a better seat or upgrade?
Yes, you can request a Comfort Seat or an upgrade to a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter by contacting the operator at least 24 hours beforehand. Comfort Seats have extra space and are recommended for passengers 120kg or over.

How long does the whole experience take?
The total experience, including check-in, transport, loading, and the flight, is around 1 hour. Be sure to allocate an extra 45 minutes for check-in and transfer times.

What does the tour include?
It includes the helicopter flight over four glaciers and Mount Cook, two 10-minute landings on snow and glacier, all fees and taxes, and transportation to the helicopter location.

What’s the maximum group size?
There are typically up to 12 travelers per flight, making for a fairly intimate experience where you can get good views and personal attention.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions prevent landings or reduce flight time, you may be rescheduled or offered a different experience. Many reviewers mention quick, clear communication about weather changes.

Are meals or other extras included?
No, the tour price covers the flight, landings, and all fees, but not meals or additional services.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. The operator offers full refunds or rescheduling options if the weather cancels your flight.

How scenic is the flight?
Expect breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and Mount Cook. Some travelers describe it as “spectacular” and “unforgettable,” emphasizing the visual impact from above.

Is this tour good for families or children?
While most reviews focus on adult travelers, the experience is suitable for most travelers who can handle helicopter boarding. Keep in mind the helicopter steps and weather considerations.

In the end, this helicopter tour offers a rare chance to see New Zealand’s icy giants and towering peaks in just an hour. It’s a solid pick for those wanting a combination of adventure, stunning scenery, and the thrill of snow landings—something you’ll remember long after the flight ends.