Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

3 Hours • Ages 10+ • Guided Glacier Hike & Helicopter Flight

Take your New Zealand adventure to the next level with a once-in-a-lifetime heli hike on the mighty Tasman Glacier — Aotearoa’s longest glacier — featuring breathtaking aerial views, an ice landing, and a professionally guided hike across ancient glacial terrain.

Prices

• Adults (15+): NZ$993.09
• Children (10–14): NZ$993.09

Duration

Allow approximately 3 hours total, including scenic flight, glacier landing, 2-hour guided hike, and check-in.

Meeting Point

Mount Cook Airport
Mount Cook Road, Canterbury, New Zealand
Check-in 15 minutes before departure (upstairs in Mount Cook Airport).

Overview

The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with an unforgettable guided trek on New Zealand’s most iconic glacier. Departing from Mount Cook Airport, you’ll soar over the Tasman Glacier Lake and the dazzling ice formations of the Southern Alps before landing on the glacier itself. Your adventure continues with a 2-hour guided hike across ancient ice, exploring crevasses, blue ice caves, and towering seracs.

Led by the experienced team at Alpine Guides Ltd. — New Zealand’s longest-running mountain guiding company — you’ll gain insight into the glacier’s formation, movement, and the incredible forces shaping this alpine landscape. All necessary equipment is provided, and your professional guides ensure both safety and an unforgettable experience in this icy wilderness.

Tasman Glacier Facts

• New Zealand’s longest glacier — stretching 27 km (17 mi)
• Located entirely within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
• Up to 4 km wide and 600 m thick
• Covers an area of 101 km²
• Starts at an altitude of 3,000 m above sea level

Highlights

• Scenic helicopter flight over the Tasman Glacier and Southern Alps
• Guided 2-hour glacier hike exploring ice caves, crevasses, and seracs
• Expert guides from Alpine Guides Ltd. ensure safety and local knowledge
• Enjoy spectacular views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Hochstetter Icefall
• All glacier gear provided, including boots, crampons or snowshoes, and jacket

What’s Included

• Helicopter flight to and from the Tasman Glacier
• 2-hour professionally guided glacier hike
• All equipment: glacier boots, crampons or snowshoes, waterproof jacket (if required)
• Complimentary transportation on request

What to Bring

• Warm upper-body clothing (3–4 layers)
• Leggings or light hiking trousers (no jeans)
• Waterproof jacket (provided if needed)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera or phone (large cameras must have a strap)

What to Leave Behind

• Large bags or backpacks
• Selfie sticks, iPads, or drones
• Loose clothing or scarves
• Dangerous goods

Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum age: 10 years (must be confident walking on uneven terrain)
• Moderate fitness required — must be able to walk at least 1 km and handle stairs
• Maximum seat weight: 150 kg per person
• Pregnant participants may join if medically cleared for moderate exercise
• Guides provide instructions in English — translation assistance required if needed

Safety Information

Safety is the number one priority. All flights and operations comply with New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules and use regularly inspected aircraft. Guides are trained in alpine rescue and risk assessment. Guests receive full safety briefings before the flight and on the glacier.

Potential Risks

• Rapidly changing alpine weather (wind, snowfall, temperature drops)
• Terrain hazards such as ice cliffs, crevasses, and loose rocks
• Avalanche potential (monitored by guides)
• Seismic activity (Southern Alps sit on the Alpine Fault)

Fitness & Weather

• If you can comfortably walk stairs and stay on your feet for 2 hours with short breaks, you’re fit to helihike
• Helihikes depend on good visibility and light winds
• Decisions on weather are made close to departure for accuracy

Cancellations

• Full refund or credit with at least 24 hours’ notice
• Full refund or rebooking if canceled due to weather or safety reasons
• No-shows are charged full price
• If booked via agent, the agent’s policy applies

The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is the ultimate alpine adventure — combining flight, ice, and exploration in a single breathtaking experience. Step into another world on New Zealand’s largest glacier and create memories that will last a lifetime.