Tasman Glacier Heli Hike from Mount Cook

Explore the amazing Tasman Glacier on this combined helicopter flight/hiking tour package that showcases both Mt Cook and the Southern Alps terrain, featuring a guided trip along picture-perfect white ice and incredible views of the mountain and its surrounds from high above. The journey begins with a scenic helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier as your experienced and friendly pilot-guides expertly guide you above the incredible alpine landscape at altitudes of up to 1.2km above sea level. Land in the mountains for a 2 hour adventure to experience the snow-and-ice covered terrain as your guide brings you on an interpretive trek highlighting all the amazing geography and natural phenomena that make this part of New Zealand so special.

Follow an easily undulating path along the mountain as you gaze down upon vast ice falls below, as your specialised crampon shoes provide a sure footing on this otherwise precarious surface. One the hike is over, re-board your helicopter for the return journey to Mt Cook Airport, flying close by the 1km high Hochstetter Icefall along the way. With all essential equipment such as glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jackets and more provided, you'll have everything you need to simply bring your sense of adventure along for a wonderful alpine journey in the Mt Cook region.

More info

Inclusions

• Scenic helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier
• Glacier landing and pickup
• Approx 2 hours hiking and exploring glacial ice formations
• Professional and experienced heli hike guides
• All equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jacket and pants)

Highlights

• The Tasman Glacier is the largest of several glaciers which flow south and east towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island
• At 27 kilometres (17 mi) in length, Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier. It is as much as 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) wide and 600 metres (2,000 ft) thick, and lies entirely within the borders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
• The glacier covers an area of 101 square kilometres (39 sq mi) and starts at a height of 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) above sea level
• Witness the beauty 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 world of the Tasman Glacier
• This is a unique experience and one which will not be forgotten

Duration

• Please allow 3 hours for the duration of your experience

Departure Location

• Check-in is upstairs at Mount Cook Airport

What To Bring

• Warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers)
• Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one)
• There are to be no shorts, skirts or dresses to be worn on Heli-hikes

Additional Information

• Moderate fitness required
• Minimum age is 8 years
• Maximum weight of 120kg per person, including equipment
• Please note, that all flights have a minimum passenger number for departures. Helicopter Line do their best to coordinate the required minimum, however, should this not be reached, alternative dates or a full refund will be provided

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• 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!