Aoraki/Mount Cook - South Island by Air

From Christchurch we aimed directly for the Southern Alps and, in particular, Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest peak.

We took the advice of friends and took a scenic helicopter flight up and around the 3764 metre mountain.


Our 45-minute trip included a snow landing high above the Tasman Glacier, views of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, and an up-close-and-personal look at Mount Cook. We followed the Tasman River, saw icebergs floating in the Tasman Lake, and saw the Tasman Sea in the distance.











After a memorable aerial view of Mount Cook, we spent some time in the Village which boasts a terrific visitor center.


Legendary mountaineer and New Zealand favorite son Sir Edmund Hillary is prominently showcased, and his climbing school is located here, too. Mount Cook was training ground for Hillary in preparing for his historic Mount Everest summit.


Without question, this experience will make the Top Five List of Favorite Adventures.