Experience the ultimate adventure in Aoraki / Mount Cook. Encounter glacial ice formations up close on a guided 2-hour hike exploring Aotearoa New Zealand's longest glacier.

Highlights

• Scenic helicopter flight from Aoraki / Mount Cook Airport over spectacular ice formations, landing on the Tasman Glacier.
• Professionally guided 2-hour hike with Alpine Guides, Ltd. exploring Aotearoa New Zealand's longest glacier.
• Soar above the Southern Alps and pass the Hochstetter Icefall on your return flight.

Duration

Allow approximately 3-hours duration for the whole experience, including flights and check-in.

About

Witness the beauty of the Tasman Glacier Lake and the stunning ice formations from the helicopter as you fly over the spectacular Tasman Glacier. Once you descend and step foot onto the ice, you will encounter fresh alpine air as your guide introduces you to the unique world of the Tasman Glacier, magnificent ice structures, seracs, crevasse and if you're lucky, caves!

The Helicopter Line offers the Tasman Heli Hike in conjunction with Alpine Guides Ltd, Mount Cook. They have been operating since 1966 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. With an excellent safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is assured.

What's Included

• Scenic helicopter flight.
• Glacier landing and 2-hour glacier hike.
• Professional and experienced guides.
• All equipment - glacier boots & ice crampons or snowshoes. A waterproof jacket if required.
• Complimentary transportation can be provided from Aoraki / Mount Cook Village.

More Info

Get ready! Here’s what you should know

Departure Locations

Departs and returns from Mount Cook Airport.

Departure Times and Check In

Please call 0800 650 651, 24 hours prior to departure for a weather check and to reconfirm your booking.

Please check-in upstairs in Mount Cook Airport 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

Arrivals 30 minutes or more after the scheduled departure time will be considered as a no-show and cancellation fees may apply.

What to bring

• Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers).
• Leggings or light trousers.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one).
• We provide glacier boots, crampons, and hiking poles.

Weather Your flight is subject to favourable weather conditions; if cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

We recommend booking your flights early in your trip with flexibility for weather changes. We don’t want you to miss out.

Additional Information

All flights have a minimum passenger number for departures. We do our best to coordinate the required minimum.

Maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150kg.

Moderate fitness and hiking ability required. For example, you must be able to walk at least 1 kilometer and be able to climb or descend stairs easily to participate.

Our guides provide interpretation and safety instructions in English. The inability to understand your guide's instructions is a safety risk. If you cannot understand basic English instructions, you must accompany a person who can translate for you. If you are hearing impaired, please inform our staff.

Children must be at least 8 years old to participate. They must be confident walking on uneven terrain and able to follow instructions. We reserve the right to change this requirements for children due to glacier/snow and weather conditions.

Drones, iPads, bags and selfie sticks are not allowed on board for safety.

Safety is our number one priority. All our guests, no matter how experienced, will receive a full helicopter safety briefing and instructions on how to use the gear supplied.

The glacier is not without natural hazards. Always follow your guide's instructions.

We reserve the right to remove people from the activity, if, in our opinion, a safety hazard is being created by their participation.