Hiking & Walking
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Day Tours
Guided Exploration on the Tasman Glacier Ice
Your adventure begins at Mount Cook Airport with a safety briefing and gear fitting, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the conditions ahead. Once airborne, the helicopter flight provides an exhilarating perspective of the Southern Alps and the vast glacial terrain below. Landing over 1,200 metres above sea level, the sense of scale and serenity is simply unmatched.
Suitable for anyone aged ten and above with average fitness, the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike combines accessibility with excitement. With all gear provided—including crampons, warm clothing, and hiking poles—you can focus on soaking in the incredible scenery. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of New Zealand’s longest glacier.
INCLUSIONS
- 2 scenic helicopter flights
- Professional guide service
- Ice Gear - boots, crampons, hiking poles
- Warm jackets, hats, gloves and socks - if required
What's Not Included
- Lunch – please bring your own food and snacks
AGE INFORMATION
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Minors need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund*
- Within 24 hours: No refund
Note: *Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
The heli-hike is suitable for most healthy individuals with a reasonable level of fitness. Health conditions or limited physical fitness may affect a person's ability to safely participate or complete the hike.
- Guides reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is deemed unsuitable.
- No refunds will be provided for guests unable to complete the heli-hike.
- Any medical conditions must be disclosed to the guide before departure.
Pregnancy: So long as there are no health issues associated with exercise, if a pregnant person can travel safely by airline, they can participate on a helihike.
Dressing in layers is recommended to adjust to changing weather conditions during the hike. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing will ensure an enjoyable experience.
- Small backpack (one per two people is sufficient)
- Sunglasses for glare protection
- Windproof/waterproof jacket (available if needed)
- Sunblock and lip balm for UV protection
- Warm hat and gloves for cooler conditions; sun hat or cap for warmer weather
- Bottle of water (up to 1L)
- Appropriate hiking clothing – shorts, skirts, and dresses are not suitable for glacier conditions
- No loose garments, such as scarves, as they pose a safety risk around helicopters
Risk Disclosure – Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is an Adventure Activity. Under New Zealand legislation, we must advise you of the potential hazards involved before you make a booking.
Our guides will identify, assess, eliminate, or minimise risks involved, so far as reasonably practicable, and you (the client) will follow the guide’s instructions at all times and understand that this is critical to your safety and that of the group.
If you have any concerns or require further information, do not hesitate to contact us. Safety is paramount, and we are committed to addressing any queries you may have.
Potential Hazards
- Changing Weather Conditions
- Mountain weather can change rapidly and significantly. Storms, high winds, snowfall, and cold temperatures are common.
- Although we will not operate with a poor weather forecast, you must be prepared for unexpected weather conditions impacting your trip.
- Escaping the glacier environment or communicating with external emergency support may be delayed.
- Terrain Hazards
- The glacial environment includes risks such as falling rocks, cliffs, ice cliffs, crevasses, changing snow conditions, steep slopes, loose rocks, and icy surfaces.
- Caution is crucial to avoid slips or tripping hazards that may lead to serious or fatal injuries.
- Avalanche Risk
- Our guides continually assess avalanche risk.
- While an avalanche affecting the lower Tasman Glacier is unlikely, there is still an inherent danger.
- Avalanches can cause severe injuries, burials, or fatalities.
- Physical Fitness
- The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
- You should be prepared for two hours of hiking, exposure to the elements, and potential challenges outside of your comfort zone.
- It is essential to be honest about your fitness level to ensure you are adequately prepared.
- Piloting and Helicopter Safety
- Our pilots are experienced in mountain flying, but flying in mountainous terrain carries additional risks due to unique weather patterns.
- Aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to Civil Aviation Authority standards.
- You must obey all helicopter safety instructions given by your guide, pilot, or ground crew.
- Natural Disasters
- The Southern Alps sits on the Alpine Fault, and natural disasters such as earthquakes can occur without warning.
