Mt Cook Bus Tour & Heli Hike Combo | From Queenstown

• Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
• Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Cook with a scenic heli flight and guided glacier hike
• Discover the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's highest peak with expert guides
• Explore the ice caves, crevasses, and the ever-changing terrain of the Tasman Glacier
• Enjoy convenient round-trip transport from Queenstown, allowing you to relax and take in the views
• All necessary hiking and safety equipment
• Expert guide with extensive local knowledge

Begin your journey in Queenstown, where you'll board a comfortable vehicle for a scenic drive to the Mt. Cook region. Once you arrive, you'll take to the skies on a breathtaking helicopter ride, offering unparalleled views of New Zealand's highest peaks and glacial valleys.

After landing on the Tasman Glacier, you'll gear up for a guided hike across its icy terrain. Your expert guide will lead you through the stunning landscape, where you'll explore deep blue crevasses, sparkling ice caves, and other natural wonders. With every step, you'll witness the raw power and beauty of this ancient glacier.

This tour offers an immersive experience into the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, combining aerial views with hands-on adventure. After your glacier exploration, you'll fly back to the base and then return to Queenstown, filled with memories of an extraordinary day.

Itinerary:

Queenstown – Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As you 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.

Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown you then make your way through the Kawarau Gorge, passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting you will stop for that first great shot of the tour.

Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge you enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, you cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.

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, you stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.  

Omarama – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district you will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama you have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!

 Lake Pukaki –Turning west you begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of you. 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. You stop for some amazing photos and to marvel at the sight that you are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and the guide will point them out for you.

Heli Hike – Next get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike.  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. Your trip finishes with another spectacular scenic flight back to our Aoraki/Mt. Cook base where your bus guide will meet you. 

High Country Salmon – Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making your way back to Queenstown you 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.

Jacksons Orchard – During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as you re-enter Queenstown and say your goodbyes.

We love this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the dramatic landscapes of Mt. Cook, combining a thrilling helicopter flight with an unforgettable hike on the Tasman Glacier.

• A minimum cancellation fee of $20 applies to all online bookings at the discretion of the supplier:
  • 7 days or more prior to travel – overnight tours will incur a cancellation fee at the discretion of the supplier. (day tours/ trips)
  • 7 days – 48 hours prior to travel – 25% of the total fare at the discretion of the supplier. (over night or package tours)
  • 7 days – 48 hours prior to travel – 50% of the total fare at the discretion of the supplier.
  • Within 24 hours prior to travel – 100% cancellation fee.
• An amendment fee of NZ$20 per booking will be charged for any bookings changed 7 days prior to travel. Within 7 days fees will be charged in accordance with the policies of other suppliers.
• Customers that do not show up for their tour with incur a 100% cancellation fee.
• Customer that are 10 minutes or more late for their pick up time will be considered as no show and will incur a 100% cancelation fee
• It is strongly recommended that customers insure themselves against cancellation charges and a possible loss of money or personal belongings

• English commentary is provided by your driver/guide on points of interest en route
• The Operator reserves the right to alter fares, arrange alternative transport, tour routes, services or accommodation
• In the event that The Operator is unable to operate the tour – an alternative operator will be provided. If an alternative is not available, then a full refund will be issued
• The Operator reserves the right to cancel the tour if the tour has not meet the minimum passenger numbers required for the tour to operate. In the event that The Operator is unable to operate the tour – an alternative operator will be provided. If an alternative is not available, then a full refund will be issued
• Minimum operational numbers for public tours is usually 4
• The Operator shall not be held responsible for any property loss or damage and/or for any damages resulting in death or personal injury which may arise whilst on tour or when utilising any other service provided by the supplier agents
• The operator cannot be held responsible for any personal items or luggage passengers forget to remove from the coach.
• The Operator reserves the right to request passengers leave the coach if their behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of other paying passengers. In such circumstances, no refunds shall be given.
• Should we cancel the tour due to force majeure (i.e political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, acts of god, civil strife, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, adverse weather conditions or similar events beyond the supplier's control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.
• The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for The Operator to take photographs, audio or video recordings, or other forms of recordings that capture the passenger's image, likeness, voice, performance or all of these ("Images") during the course of this activity / tour. The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for The Operator to receive and use Images of the passenger from other. The Operator may use Images for marketing and promoting its services. The ways in which the Images will be used for marketing purposes include, but are not limited to, incorporating the Images in print, broadcast, internet media, direct marketing channels, downloadable content and applications, and all other media, platform or technology now known or to be developed for distribution around the world.