Hiking & Walking
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Private Tours
Day Tours
A Personalised Alpine Experience Like No Other
Midway through your journey, pause for a gourmet picnic surrounded by panoramic alpine scenery that feels worlds away from everyday life. The tranquillity of the mountains pairs beautifully with the excitement of adventure, offering a perfect balance of serenity and thrill. As you dine, the vast icy wilderness stretches out before you, reminding you of the power and purity of New Zealand’s natural world.
Your day concludes with another breathtaking helicopter flight over the majestic Southern Alps. Watch as the glacier and peaks fade into the horizon, leaving you with lasting memories of this exclusive encounter. Ideal for couples, families, or small groups, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to truly connect with New Zealand’s alpine splendour.
INCLUSIONS
- Qualified professional glacier guide
- Two scenic helicopter flights
- Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views
- Gourmet lunch on the ice
- Up to 5 hours on the glacier
- All technical snow and ice equipment is provided
AGE INFORMATION
- Minimum Age: 12 years
- If under 18 years, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
- More than 8 days before departure: Full refund*
- 7 days to 24 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee*
- Within 24 hours before departure: No refund
- No shows are charged in full.
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.
Ability Requirements
The Exclusive Tasman Encounter is designed for adventurous travellers looking to experience the remote beauty of the glaciers at their own pace. As a private experience, the journey is tailored to your preferred level of challenge or relaxation, without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
Ability Checklist
- Average or better fitness level
- Confident walking on uneven terrain while carrying a small backpack
- Good sense of balance
- Able to climb and descend stairs without using your hands
- Flexible enough to crouch and move through smaller spaces if required
- Comfortable being exposed to the elements for up to five hours
The Exclusive Tasman Encounter 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.
Exclusive Tasman EnCOUNTER Risks
- 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 the potential of unexpected weather conditions impacting your trip, leading to increased dangers. Escaping the glacier environment or communicating with external emergency support may be delayed.
- Terrain Hazards: The terrain in alpine environments includes, but without being exhaustive, things such as falling rocks, cliffs, ice cliffs, crevasses, changing snow conditions, steep slopes, loose rocks, and icy surfaces. It is crucial to exercise caution and follow all of your guide’s instructions to avoid slips, or tripping hazards that may lead to serious or fatal injuries.
- Avalanche Risk: Our guides continually assess avalanche risk. The potential of an avalanche affecting the lower Tasman Glacier is unlikely, but there is still an inherent danger. Avalanches can cause severe injuries, burials, or fatalities.
- Physical Fitness: The Tasman Glacier Ice Trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be prepared for several hours of hiking, exposure to the elements, and the potential for situations that may push you outside of your comfort zone. It is essential to be honest about your fitness levels to ensure you are adequately prepared.
- Piloting and Helicopter Safety: Our pilots are experienced in mountain flying. However, flying in mountainous terrain adds risks due to unique weather patterns. Aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to Civil Aviation Authority standards. For your own safety, it is crucial that you obey all helicopter safety instructions given by your guide or your pilot.
- Equipment Failure: The use of specialised mountaineering equipment and gear is crucial for your safety. However, it is important to recognize that equipment, including aircraft, can fail or be misused. Clients must always follow the instructions provided by our guides, wear appropriate gear, and ensure they are comfortable with the handling and usage of the equipment.
- Natural Disasters: The Southern Alps sits on the Alpine Fault. Natural disasters such as earthquakes can occur without warning.
