The Wigley: Top of The Tasman Glacier Hike | Mt Cook
- Tasman Glacier snowshoeing tour explores the immense Haupapa/Tasman Glacier upper snowfield where the glacier journey begins.
- Scenic ski plane flight lands at 2200 metres near Mount Cook with views of Tasman Glacier icefalls.
- Guided Tasman Glacier hike includes snowshoeing, adjustable poles, harnesses and glacier safety equipment provided.
- Reserve this Mount Cook glacier experience on KKday for exclusive deals and seamless booking.
Package Options
Ski Activities
| Ski activity type | Snow trekking |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Instruction language | English |
| Activity level | Beginner |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Sightseeing flight |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Customers must bring:
- 3 to 4 layers of warm upper-body clothing, plus a warm hat and gloves
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- A drink and snacks
- Any essential personal medication
- A camera to capture the scenery
Meeting Location:
- Free parking is available on site for all customers and we’re only 4 minutes drive from Aoraki Mt Cook Village.
- If you are unable to self drive please contact reservations team to discuss pick-up and drop-off options from Mt Cook Village.
- Email: info@mtcookguides.co.nz
- Freephone: 0800 68 2665
- International: +64 3 435 1001
- Address: Aoraki Mt. Cook Airport, State Highway 80, New Zealand
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please note that participants must be under the 116 kg (256 lbs) aircraft weight limit
The minimum age to participate is 13 years old . Any youth between the ages of 13 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Customers must possess a "moderate" fitness level . This means they must be capable of walking at a moderate pace (starting and stopping) for up to 2 hours and be able to walk up and down a flight of stairs without relying on a handrail .
Customers must disclose any medical conditions, previous injuries, or medications that could affect their ability to safely participate
Customers must accept the risks associated with the activity, which include potential exposure to avalanches, rock falls, crevasses, cold, and air travel hazards
Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) that could impair their ability to undertake the activity
Drones are completely illegal in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Flying a drone will result in a $5,000 fine and the confiscation of your equipment
Alpine weather can change in a matter of minutes. Because of this, the final weather check is not made until exactly 10 minutes before your departure time
While rare, the unpredictable alpine environment means there is a slight possibility that certain events could result in having to stay overnight on the glacier
The guiding company strongly recommends that all participants secure full travel and medical insurance that covers personal injury and property damage
Please note that due to fuel surcharges, guests will be required to pay an additional AUD20 on site
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 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 snowshoe hike and ski plane adventure is designed as a half-day experience. It typically involves a scenic ski plane flight, a landing on the upper snowfield of Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, and a guided snowshoe hike exploring the immense ice landscapes. The total duration can vary slightly based on weather conditions and group pace, but it provides ample time to discover the stunning glacier views and unique environment near Mount Cook.
Access to the Tasman Glacier for this snowshoeing and ski plane experience typically begins from the Mount Cook Airport. Visitors take a scenic ski plane flight which lands directly on the Tasman Glacier's upper snowfield at an altitude of 2200 meters. Ground transportation to Mount Cook Airport would need to be arranged by the traveler, often via personal vehicle or shuttle services from nearby towns like Twizel or Lake Tekapo.
While the Tasman Glacier snowshoe hike and ski plane adventure focuses on the upper snowfield, the Tasman Glacier Lake is known for boat tours exploring icebergs. However, swimming in Tasman Glacier Lake is generally not recommended due to the extremely cold glacial waters and potential hazards like floating ice. The primary activities involve observing the glacier's natural beauty and participating in guided experiences like boat tours on the lake or the snowshoe hike on the glacier itself.
The Tasman Glacier, located in the high alpine environment of Aoraki/Mount Cook, receives significant snowfall, particularly during winter and spring. This consistent snow cover creates ideal conditions for snowshoeing, as it maintains a deep, stable snowfield on the upper glacier. The adventure is designed to explore this immense snowfield where the glacier journey begins, allowing participants to traverse the icy landscapes safely with provided snowshoes and guides.
This adventure uniquely combines a scenic ski plane flight with a guided snowshoe hike directly on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier. Visitors get to land at 2200 meters near Mount Cook, offering unparalleled aerial views of the Tasman Glacier icefalls before exploring the immense upper snowfield on foot. It provides a rare opportunity to discover stunning ice landscapes and glacier features up close, guided by experts, making it a distinctive Mount Cook glacier experience.
The Tasman Glacier is located on the eastern side of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand. It is New Zealand's longest glacier, flowing south from the Southern Alps. The specific area for the snowshoe and ski plane adventure targets the immense Haupapa/Tasman Glacier upper snowfield, offering access to its higher reaches for exploration and providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks and ice formations.
Like many glaciers worldwide, the Tasman Glacier is experiencing environmental changes, including retreat and thinning. However, the snowshoe hike and ski plane adventure is specifically designed to explore the glacier's immense upper snowfield, which remains a vast and accessible area for such experiences. Guides are knowledgeable about the glacier's dynamics and ensure the tour explores safe and rewarding sections, allowing visitors to witness its grandeur while being informed about its unique environment.
For the Tasman Glacier snowshoe hike, all necessary equipment is provided to ensure safety and comfort. This includes snowshoes, adjustable poles for balance and support, harnesses, and other essential glacier safety equipment. Participants receive guidance from experienced guides throughout the tour, ensuring they are well-prepared to explore the immense Haupapa/Tasman Glacier upper snowfield and navigate its unique icy terrain safely.
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