GLENTANNER RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Mountains High: A 40‑minute helicopter crossing of Aoraki / Mount Cook’s ice and alpine ridgelines
A short, 40‑minute helicopter flight from Glentanner that flies over the Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier and includes a seasonal alpine snow landing.
Mountains High: A 40‑minute helicopter crossing of Aoraki / Mount Cook’s ice and alpine ridgelines.
Adventure brief
Mountains High: A 40‑minute helicopter crossing of Aoraki / Mount Cook’s ice and alpine ridgelines
From Glentanner you climb into an alpine corridor that opens onto the braided rivers of the Mackenzie Basin, then sweeps up to the towering Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier before making an exhilarating alpine landing in the snow. The return traces a different line through the remote Burnett Mountains, offering a compact but intense survey of Canterbury’s high country.
Perched on the edge of New Zealand’s South Island, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the world. Here, the Mountains High helicopter tour elevates every notion of adventure, whisking travelers into a rarefied airspace where towering icefalls and glacier-carved valleys reveal their raw splendor from the sky. This 40-minute journey is not just a flight; it’s an immersive encounter with the Hochstetter Icefall and the vast Tasman Glacier, absolute jewels of the Southern Alps.
Launching from The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park along State Highway 80, your excursion begins with a swift ascent over the braided rivers and wide plains of the Mackenzie Basin. As the landscape unfurls beneath you, the tallest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki / Mount Cook, punctuates the horizon with its jagged, snow-capped summit. Soon, the helicopter approaches the striking Hochstetter Icefall—massive blue-white cascades of fractured glacier ice tumbling over thousand-foot cliffs, a spectacle of nature’s engineering that is impossible to appreciate fully from the ground.
Throughout the flight, seasoned pilots provide insightful commentary, revealing the geological stories etched into these ancient formations and the delicate balance of the alpine ecosystem. The tour also crosses the remote Burnett Mountains, showcasing lesser-seen rugged terrain that highlights New Zealand’s wild heart. The pinnacle of the experience is an alpine landing on snowfields (seasonally available), where the crisp, thin air and panoramic mountain views create a moment that’s as exhilarating as it is memorable.
Mountains High isn’t just about vistas—it’s a gateway into one of the planet’s most pristine wilderness areas. The Helicopter Line operates with an eye toward conservation, contributing directly to sustainability initiatives that protect the fragile Southern Alps environment. This respect for place and emphasis on safety, paired with expert piloting, distinguishes this tour within the region’s outdoor adventure offerings.
The nearby township of Glentanner and Aoraki / Mount Cook Village serve as convenient bases, providing cozy alpine accommodations before or after your flight adventure. Travelers should come prepared with warm clothing, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen—weather conditions can shift quickly at altitude. Cameras are essential to capture the shifting light and textures of ice and rock below.
For visitors seeking an elevated experience that blends natural grandeur, cultural reverence, and sheer airborne thrill, Mountains High promises a fresh perspective on New Zealand’s wild South Island. Whether you’re passionate about geology, photography, or simply crave a unique alpine adventure, this helicopter tour delivers views and memories that linger long after you’ve touched down.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops and views on the Mountains High flight.
The Helicopter Line — Glentanner Park
Departure point and passenger briefing at The Helicopter Line base on SH80, Glentanner Park.
Mackenzie Basin overflight
Aerial passage over the braided rivers and open basin that frame the approach to Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Hochstetter Icefall and upper Tasman Glacier
Close views of the Hochstetter Icefall and the upper reaches of the Tasman Glacier, with dramatic ice formations visible from the aircraft.
Alpine snow landing
A brief landing on a snowy alpine site for photos and the experience of being on the high country snowfield (snow availability depends on season).
Return across the Burnett Mountains
A different return line that carries you over the remote Burnett Mountains back toward Glentanner.
Snow landings are seasonal and subject to conditions; operators may alter the route or landing depending on weather and safety considerations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier
The flight puts the raw, sculpted ice of the Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier into immediate view — jagged seracs, crevasses and the expansive glacier surface that defines Aoraki / Mount Cook’s northern approaches.
Braided rivers and the Mackenzie Basin to the Burnett Mountains
Below you’ll see the Mackenzie Basin’s braided rivers stretch across the floor of the basin and, on the far leg, the solitude of the Burnett Mountains — a reminder of how remote these alpine reaches are from the valley roads.
A seasonal alpine snow landing
The flight culminates in an alpine landing among the snow on a mountain ledge, a brief, high‑altitude encounter with the icefield — note that snow for landings is subject to seasonality.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
The experience is concise and intense: a lift out of Glentanner, panoramic approaches over braided river flats, then a steady climb into the mountains where glaciers and icefalls fill the windows. The landing in the alpine snow punctuates the flight; the return route through the Burnett Mountains closes the loop with alternate high country views.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Warm clothing and a jacket, comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a phone or camera (large cameras must be on a strap).
Do not bring bags; selfie sticks and iPads are not permitted; avoid loose scarves or clothing. Dangerous goods are prohibited onboard.
Secure cameras on a strap and follow crew instructions regarding loose items and stowage for safety during takeoff, flight and landing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Mountains High flight?
Allow 40 minutes for the full experience.
Where do we meet for this flight?
Meet at The Helicopter Line base on SH80, Glentanner Park.
Will there definitely be a snow landing?
The flight includes an alpine snow landing when snow is present; snow availability for landings is subject to season and conditions.
What should I bring on the day?
Bring warm clothing and a jacket, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a phone or camera (large cameras must be on a strap).
Are there items I can’t bring on the aircraft?
Bags are not permitted; selfie sticks and iPads are not allowed onboard, loose scarves and dangerous goods are prohibited.
Who operates the Mountains High flight?
The experience is operated by The Helicopter Line and Glacier Helicopters - Aoraki / Mount Cook.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:52.780Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.