Aoraki Mount Cook is the kind of scenery that makes the whole car go quiet, snow capped peaks, the country's longest glacier and skies so clear at night they made this one of the world's best stargazing spots. Whether your family wants to see it all from a helicopter, hike a high country station on foot, or lie back under the stars, there is a Mt Cook activity that fits the crew you have got with you.
Fly over the Tasman Glacier
The 40 Minute Mt Cook Scenic Helicopter Flight is rated a low fitness level, so it suits the whole family, not just the adventurous ones. You will fly over the upper Tasman Glacier and the Hochstetter Icefall, land in the snow for photos, and listen to commentary from the pilot the whole way. Kids aged 4 to 14 fly at child pricing, and infants under 3 simply sit on a parent's lap.
Land on the glacier itself
The Glacier Highlights Helicopter Scenic Flight is a 45 minute flight over Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman with a landing on the Tasman Glacier itself, New Zealand's longest. Kids up to 12 years fly at child pricing, and infants aged 0 to 3 travel on a parent's lap with a seatbelt extension provided. Just note a minimum of 2 adults is needed to run this particular flight, so it is one to book as a full family group.
A high country hike, no age limit
The Glentanner High Country Heli Hike pairs a scenic flight with a 3.5 hour guided hike across a family owned high country station beside the national park, taking in the Historic Field Station Museum along the way. There is no age restriction on this one, which makes it a genuine option for families keen to get their boots on the ground rather than stay in the air the whole trip.
Stargazing under the darkest skies
The Lake Tekapo Stargazing Tour at Mt John Observatory is a low fitness, 2 hour evening tour through one of the world's great dark sky reserves, with a look through a powerful telescope, warm jackets and hot chocolate provided. It is described as the perfect evening activity for all ages in Lake Tekapo, though little stargazers do need to be over 8 years old to take part.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mt Cook activity works best for younger kids?
The scenic helicopter flights are rated low fitness level with child pricing built in from age 4, and infants under 3 simply sit on a parent's lap, making them the easiest option for a mixed age family.
Is there a minimum age for the helicopter flights?
No strict minimum age, though the Glacier Highlights flight needs at least 2 adults in the group, and infants aged 0 to 3 must sit on a parent's lap with a seatbelt extension.
How old do kids need to be for stargazing?
Children need to be over 8 years old to join the Lake Tekapo Stargazing Tour at Mt John Observatory, since the tour runs later in the evening and involves a working observatory.
Is the Glentanner Heli Hike suitable for the whole family?
Yes. There is no age restriction on this tour, which combines a scenic flight with a guided walk across a family owned high country station.
What should we pack for a helicopter landing on the glacier?
Bring warm layers or a jacket, covered shoes, sunglasses and a camera, snow landings are cold even on a sunny day in the Mackenzie Basin.
Local tip: book your flights early in your Mt Cook stay rather than on the last day, both scenic flights depend on clear weather and rescheduling is easy if you have got a few days up your sleeve.
Book your Mt Cook family activities above and see the Southern Alps the way the whole crew will remember.