Mt Cook Bus Tour and Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown
This small group, fully-guided day trip combines the key highlights of Mt Cook with a bus tour from Queenstown and a Heli Hike on Tasman Glacier, including two scenic helicopter flights. Starting in Queenstown, the tour travels through Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout, stopping for photos. It continues to Cromwell, crossing Lake Dunstan towards Lindis Pass, with a photo stop at the lookout. In the Mackenzie district, the tour passes Merino sheep and stops in Omarama for a break or local chicken pie.
Entering Aoraki National Park, Lake Pukaki appears, framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, offering more photo opportunities. The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike includes a scenic helicopter flight, guided glacier exploration, and another flight back to the base. 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 Aoraki/Mt. Cook base where your bus guide will meet you. Returning to Queenstown, stops include High Country Salmon Farm and Jackson's Orchard for local fruit or ice cream.
Duration: 13 hours
A guided, shared day trip to Mt Cook with two helicopter flights and a guided mountain hike on Tasman Glacier.