[Tasman Glacier Hiking] Mt Cook Tasman Glacier Heli Hike Experience | New Zealand
Witness the stunning scenery of Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park like never before. Soar above the majestic mountain range by helicopter to experience its breathtaking beauty and touch down on the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier, the largest glacier in New Zealand, for a unique hiking experience.
- Embark on the scenic helicopter flight from Mount Cook Airport to Tasman Glacier,
- Return flight over the Southern Alps, passing the impressive Hochstetter Icefall
- Explore the Tasman Glacier on a 2-hour guided hike with professional and experienced guide
- All gear provided, including glacier boots, ice crampons, or snowshoes
Package Options
Ski Activities
| Tour Type | Small Group |
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Small Group |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you board a helicopter at Mount Cook Airport and soar over the stunning Tasman Glacier Lake, marveling at the unique ice formations that adorn the lower parts of the glacier. Your destination? A carefully selected landing site situated an incredible 3,000 meters above sea level, where you'll step out of the helicopter and into a world unlike any other.
Prepare to be awed by the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps as you venture into the changing, ice-covered terrain in the shadow of Aoraki and Mount Tasman, the highest peaks in the region. Strap on top-grade glacier boots and crampons and immerse yourself in this incredible landscape, spending two unforgettable hours exploring this stunning alpine wonderland. On your way home, you'll be treated to a spectacular flyby of the massive 1,000-meter-high (3,200 feet) Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern face of Aoraki and Mt. Cook.
The whole experience duration will be about 3 hours, including 2 hours glacier hike.
Marvel at the beauty of Tasman Glacier Lake and the ice formations during your helicopter flight over the spectacular Tasman Glacier
Experience the fresh alpine air as your guide introduces you to the unique world of the Tasman Glacier after descending onto the ice
Explore the beauty of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest glacier, and marvel at its grandeur
Your safety and enjoyment are the top priorities, ensured by the excellent safety record and quality equipment
Purchase Notice
- Check-in upstairs at The Helicopter Line Reception in Mount Cook Airport
- As the activity is weather-dependent, please call 0800 650 651, 24 hours prior to departure for a weather check and to reconfirm your booking
- The minimum age to participate is 10 years old and under 18 years old must have a responsible adult (18 or older) sign, ensuring they will take responsibility for them during the tour Moderate fitness level is required for this tour
- Basic understanding of english language is required for safety purposes
- There is a maximum weight limit of 150 kg per passenger including equipment and each helicopter can hold up to 6 passengers or a maximum combined weight of 480kg. If exceed. the supplier will make reasonable adjustment
- Please note that moderate fitness and hiking ability are required to participate
- Please be informed that participating is understanding there are environmental and external elements beyond control may be risky
- KKday and tour operator don't take responsibility, more details about safety information is provided for reference here
- When booking with KKday, guests agreed to the T&C, Risk Disclosure and Safety Management outlined here
— What To Bring —
- Warm upper body clothing, preferably 3–4 layers
- Leggings or light trousers (Please note jeans, shorts, skirts or dresses are not accepted)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket
- Camera
- Please ensure you have appropriate clothing before starting the trip
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women, Acrophobia
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please be sure to arrive within the check-in time. Those who are late will not be able to participate and will not receive a refund
For safety reasons, drones, iPads and selfie sticks are not allowed on board
Please note no bags allowed in the helicopter. Please lock belongings in your car or leave at the desk, but tour operator doesn't have lockers and won't be responsible for lost or damage
Participants unable to complete trips due to pre-existing medical conditions or personal factors will be evacuated at their own expense without any refund
All flights require a minimum number of passengers for departure. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel due to insufficient passengers
Hiking guidelines may change based on glacier and weather conditions and the guide will decide on the tour day
The flight is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the flight is cancelled due to poor weather, an alternative date or a full refund will be given for your option
As the activity is weather-dependent, please call 0800 650 651, 24 hours prior to departure for a weather check and to reconfirm your booking
Please do not wear jeans
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Tasman Glacier heli hike offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore New Zealand's largest glacier. It begins with a scenic helicopter flight over Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park and the Southern Alps, including the impressive Hochstetter Icefall. Landing directly on the Tasman Glacier provides a unique chance for a guided 2-hour hike, revealing an ever-changing glacial landscape with stunning natural beauty not accessible by other means.
The Tasman Glacier heli hike is considered to have a moderate physical difficulty. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking on uneven, icy terrain for approximately two hours. Professional guides lead the hike and provide instruction, ensuring safety. All necessary specialized gear, such as glacier boots and ice crampons, is supplied, making the experience accessible to many.
Participants should wear several warm layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, as temperatures on the glacier can be cold. Essential items to bring include sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm hat, and gloves. A camera is highly recommended for capturing the stunning views. All necessary technical gear like glacier boots, ice crampons, or snowshoes will be provided for the hike.
The Tasman Glacier heli hike typically departs from Mount Cook Airport, located within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. Visitors usually reach the airport by self-driving. It's approximately a 45-minute drive from Twizel, about 1.5 hours from Lake Tekapo, and around 3 hours from Queenstown or Wanaka. Some local accommodations in Mount Cook Village may offer shuttle services to the airport.
The typical driving time from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier heli hike departure point at Mount Cook Airport is approximately 3 hours. This route offers incredibly scenic views as you pass through diverse landscapes, including Lake Pukaki, before arriving at Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. It's advisable to factor in extra time for photo stops and breaks along the way to fully enjoy the journey.
The Tasman Glacier heli hike offers a distinct experience compared to others like Franz Josef. Tasman is New Zealand's largest glacier, and the heli hike allows access to its vast, remote upper reaches, often revealing stunning ice formations and crevasses. While Franz Josef offers a different scale and environment, the Tasman experience focuses on the unique perspective gained from a helicopter flight combined with a guided exploration of a massive, ancient ice river.
During the scenic helicopter flight portion of the Tasman Glacier heli hike, passengers will witness breathtaking panoramic views of Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. The flight soars over the majestic Southern Alps, offering close-up views of snow-capped peaks, dramatic glacial valleys, and the impressive Hochstetter Icefall. You'll also get an aerial perspective of the vast expanse of the Tasman Glacier itself before landing for the hike.
For the guided hike on the Tasman Glacier, all essential specialized equipment is provided. This includes sturdy glacier boots designed for icy terrain, and either ice crampons or snowshoes, depending on the current snow and ice conditions on the glacier. These items ensure safety and stability while exploring the glacial landscape with your professional guide, making the experience comfortable and secure.
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