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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Travel Time: 7 hours
Minimum Age: 10

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike from Queenstown: A Scenic Start

Your day kicks off in Queenstown with a one-hour fixed-wing flight across the stunning Southern Alps to Aoraki/Mount Cook. As you soar above 3,000 glaciers, the views alone are worth the trip. This high-altitude journey sets the scene for an extraordinary experience on New Zealand’s longest glacier.

After landing, you'll be met by our helicopter and guiding partners, Alpine Guides, who will get you geared up for the ice. The helicopter flight to the glacier’s heart is nothing short of jaw-dropping, gliding over the Tasman terminal lake before touching down in the icy expanse. It’s here that your real adventure begins—with crampons strapped on and a guide leading you through natural ice caves and sculpted glacier terrain.

Tour Highlights

  • Stunning Scenic Flight: Enjoy a 1-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown over the Southern Alps with guaranteed window seats.
  • Helicopter Ice Landing: Glide over the terminal lake and touch down directly in the heart of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight.
  • Guided Glacier Hike: Spend 2 hours exploring vivid blue ice caves, crevasses, and sculpted ice formations with expert guides and provided gear.
  • Weather-Smart Flexibility: Easily swap between the massive Tasman Glacier or the steeper Franz Josef Glacier to ensure you get a seamless, full day of adventure regardless of changing weather.
  • Courtesy transport between your accommodation and Queenstown Airport.
  • Return flights between Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier, with an alternative route via Mt. Aspiring if conditions allow.
  • All required equipment for glacier hiking, including crampons, boots, socks, and ice axes.
  • Professional guidance throughout the tour, ensuring a memorable and safe glacier adventure.
  • Minimum Passengers: A minimum of 2 passengers is required, with arrangements possible for solo travellers to join other groups.
  • Flexibility on Glacier Choice: Weather conditions may dictate the choice of glacier (Franz Josef or Tasman), with both offering comparable and stunning glacier hiking experiences.
  • Adults: 14 years+
  • Children: 10-13 years
  • Minimum age: 10 years
  • More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund.**
  • Within 24 hours of departure: No refund.

Weather-related cancellations:

  • If the weather isn’t suitable to safely conduct the flight on the day, you will have the option to rebook for the next available time or receive a full refund.
  • If the weather is safe to fly but will be turbulent, you will have the option of flying, rebooking, or receiving a full refund**.

**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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