Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown worth booking?
Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown is a 12-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $1144 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (64)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $1144 per person
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wild
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- 2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
- Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
- Leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, over trousers
- Water available & snacks provided
- Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Queenstown & Return
About this experience
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook Bus Tour & Heli Hike Combo, this small group, fully-guided day trip from Queenstown combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with a guided bus tour before an incredible Heli Hike on Tasman Glacier including two scenic helicopter flights. Our airline partner will provide you with all the necessary equipment such as leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, & over trousers (itis not recommended to wear jeans) Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge!
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- 2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
- Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
- Leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, over trousers
- Water available & snacks provided
- Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour from Queenstown & Return
Not included
- Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Queenstown
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Pass by without stopping
Kawarau Bungy Centre by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the Kawarau Gorge, passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
Pass by without stopping
Cromwell
Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.
5 minutes here
Lindis Pass
Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.
15 minutes here
Omarama
While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
30 minutes here
Lake Pukaki
Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
15 minutes here
Helihike - check-in and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. Your trip with Inflight includes return Scenic flight to & from the Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Tasman Glacier
As part of your Helihike you will land on and explore the Tasman Glacier. Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the stunning scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will fly to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier before beginning a guided exploration of the amazing ice formations. Follow your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers.
180 minutes here · Admission included
High Country Salmon
Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
20 minutes here
Jackson Orchards
During summer months when the sun is still up and as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
15 minutes here
Queenstown
Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
PICKUP TIME: 6:30 AM - Please meet your guide at The Station - Home of Adventure / Marmolada Cafe
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
PICKUP TIME: 6:30 AM - Please meet your guide at The Station - Home of Adventure / Marmolada Cafe
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Heli Hike is subject to availability and require confirmation with our airline partner.
- It is important to note that Heli Hike is very dependent on the weather. The decision to fly is made by our flight partner on the day and may be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions
- Please dress in 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing and no jeans
- A large amount of hiking is involved. This tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities
- Passengers 116kg and over will only be able to fly depending on the weights of other passengers on the day, at check-in
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 64 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
9 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
64 verified traveler reviews for Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A unique experience
My first time hiking on the snow mountain, which is really cool! The guide suggested the best time to explore is summer. The tour guide is very friendly and she told us a lot of fun stories on the way.
via Viator
Great Helicoper Tour
Sure and Cerry is so talented guide. I have a good time thank you. Beautiful snow view, delicious salmon are hightkight.
via Tripadvisor
EPICNESS
An awesome tour with so many cool experiences! The highlight was definitely the heli hike on tasman glacier of Mt Cook. Our guide Lynette was a superstar! So friendly, knowledgeable, lovely and great stories. Would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to do a bit of everything
Response from the operator: Glad to see you had a great day out in the Aoraki National park. If you ever do get the chance to do a combo tour that takes you on to the Tasman glacier, you won't be disappointed. The views from the helicopter or ski plane are amazing! As for Lynette, yes we already know what a superstar she is. Thanks for riding along with us.
via Tripadvisor
Such a wonderful...
Such a wonderful experience. Xavier was our driver and was beyond knowledgeable. It was crazy how much information he provided. Plus he was a very nice guy. We really enjoyed our time both during the transfer and in the glacier. The company that handled the glacier hike was wonderful too. Very professional and nice.
via Viator
Must do while in Queenstown
Xavier was an awesome tour guide. The ride and whole experience was very smooth, and the heli hike at Mt Cook was the highlight of our trip. Definitely recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1144 to $1270
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel, who run 51 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.5 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Cheeky Kiwi Travel runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown cost?
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Prices start at $1144 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 64 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown?
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Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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