GLENTANNER AIRPLANE FIELD GUIDE
Above the Ice: A 55‑Minute Flight Over Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier
A short, premier helicopter flight from Glentanner that flies the full length of the Tasman Glacier, lands amid the Southern Alps and crosses to view the West Coast glaciers — essential orientation for anyone planning a mountaintop perspective of Aotearoa.
Above the Ice: A 55‑Minute Flight Over Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier.
This premier flight places you over the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: sweeping the Tasman Glacier and its lake, touching down in snow among alpine peaks, and crossing the divide to take in the great icefalls of Franz Josef and Fox before returning with uninterrupted views of Aoraki's summit ridge.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tasman Glacier Lake and the glacier's full path
Fly the entire length of the Tasman Glacier and look down on the ice and the Tasman Glacier Lake, a central spectacle of the flight.
Land in snow beneath Aoraki / Mount Cook
A mountain landing puts you standing in the snow, surrounded by peaks and offering direct views of New Zealand's highest summit, Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Traverse the Southern Alps to the West Coast glaciers
The route crosses the divide to present views of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with the potential to see across to the West Coast and Tasman Sea on clear days.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
In roughly an hour you move from lowland approach to high alpine exposure: soar over icy blue channels and the Tasman Glacier Lake, pause on a snowy landing amid jagged peaks, then trace the Southern Alps toward the rainshadowed West Coast glaciers before the return leg along Aoraki's summit ridge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow 55 minutes for the entire experience.
The Helicopter Line • SH80, Glentanner Park.
Warm clothing (jacket), comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and phone or camera (large cameras should be on a strap).
Bags, selfie sticks and iPads, loose clothing and scarves, and any dangerous goods are not permitted on the aircraft.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the flight?
Allow 55 minutes for the full experience.
Where do I meet the operator?
Meet at The Helicopter Line on SH80 at Glentanner Park.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring warm clothing (a jacket), comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen; phones and cameras are fine—large cameras must be on a strap.
Are any items not allowed on board?
Do not bring bags, selfie sticks, iPads, loose scarves or other loose clothing, or dangerous goods—they are not permitted on the aircraft.
Is the flight suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes — the experience is indicated as suitable for all ages.
What major sights will I see on the flight?
You will fly over the Tasman Glacier and its lake, land among the Southern Alps to view Aoraki / Mount Cook, and cross to see the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with possible views to the West Coast and Tasman Sea on clear days.