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South Island

Start: Mount Cook Airport
Location: Aoraki Mt Cook
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 13 Maximum Weight: 116

Tasman Glacier Ice Climbing in Mount Cook

Take on a unique alpine challenge with the Cool Climber Tasman Glacier ice climbing experience in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. This guided adventure combines a scenic helicopter flight with hands-on instruction, making it ideal for those wanting to try ice climbing for the first time. It’s an exciting way to experience New Zealand’s largest glacier while learning new skills in a safe, supported environment.

Fly into the Tasman Valley and land among towering ice formations before stepping onto the glacier. With up to six hours on the ice, you’ll have plenty of time to learn, practise, and explore this constantly changing landscape. The combination of scenery, activity, and achievement makes this a standout Mount Cook experience.

  • Return helicopter flight from Aoraki / Mt Cook airport
  • Specialised climbing boots for glacier conditions
  • All technical and safety equipment
  • Expert guides and instruction
  • A full day ice climbing experience on the Tasman Glacier
  • Any Essential Medication
  • 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing
  • A warm hat and gloves
  • Warm trousers
  • A camera
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • Lunch, snacks and a drink
  • A good level of English
  • Jeans are not recommended
  • Parental or guardian consent is required for anyone under 18.
  • Minimum age is 13 years.
  • More than 24 hours before check-in: Full refund.*
  • 24 hours or less: No refund*

The weather in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park can change quickly. If flying conditions aren't safe, we may need to reschedule or cancel your flight. If we do cancel, you'll get a full refund. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. Your safety is our top priority, and we want you to have an amazing experience.*

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

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS

This Risk Disclosure covers INFLITE Group Ltd and its subsidiaries including INFLITE Ltd and Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters Ltd and its products.

I accept that this activity inherently involves risks and hazards that could potentially result in harm or injury.

The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:

Avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, crevasses, moulins, heavy rain, cold exposure, heights, flooding, uneven terrain, tripping, earthquake (including without limitation injury from man-made structures (like buildings, bridges and dams) or natural features (like cliffs and sloping ground) being destabilized or damaged), air travel (including without limitation helicopter/plane crash or accident or injury from collision with spinning rotor blades or propellors) and sun exposure.

I am aware that participating in the activities offered by INFLITE Group can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. I acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.

Medication/health conditions;

I acknowledge that INFLITE Group staff are not trained medical professionals and cannot provide advice on whether certain medical conditions may pose additional risks for their activities.

Many of the INFLITE Group products include landings in remote areas without immediate access to urgent medical assistance, aside from basic first aid provided by trained staff. In some cases, flights may land up to an hour away from the nearest access to paramedic assistance.

I understand it is my responsibility to evaluate this risk in relation to my health and consult with a medical professional (health or otherwise) prior to undertaking a INFLITE Group activity, to ensure that it won't affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around me.

I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.

I consent to receive any first aid that may be deemed necessary by staff in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activities.

Conditions of participating in activity;

I agree to walk with care, and obey the rules set out by INFLITE Group and instructions given by the guide/pilot/staff at all times.

I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, INFLITE Group may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund. This is necessary to ensure my safety and the safety of others.

I accept that INFLITE Group reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.

I agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.

Limited liability of Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters.

I understand that if I act recklessly or intentionally, and don’t follow the rules or instructions set out by INFLITE Group and the pilot/guide/ground staff which I have been made aware of, to the extent permitted by law, INFLITE Group will not be held responsible for any injury, damage or loss I cause to myself/my property, or another person/their property, resulting from my action (or lack of action).

Liability of landowner

I agree that the owner(s) of the land on which the activity is conducted, to the extent permitted by law, will not be held responsible for any death, injury, misadventure, damage to or loss of property caused in whole or part by these activities.

Damage to property or equipment

In the event that I damage any of the clothing or equipment, or other property owned by INFLITE Group or a landowner, I agree to pay to INFLITE Group (or the landowner) all costs associated with repairing the damage.

Drugs/ Alcohol

I confirm I am not under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs (be they legal or illegal) which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.

Marketing

I give INFLITE Group permission to send me emails and/or post relating to INFLITE Group events and promotions, as well as the right to use all photos and videos of me taken during the activity for promotional and social media purposes.

Insurance

I acknowledge that INFLITE Group strongly recommend that I have full insurance covering any personal injury and loss or damage to property that I might suffer, including medical treatment cover.

Overnight Stay on Glacier

I understand that INFLITE Group operate in a mountain/alpine environment where certain events may result in having to stay on the glacier overnight.

Participant Acceptance

I agree that by purchasing this ticket and in undertaking the activities, I accept the risks and hazards associated with the activities and all other terms and conditions outlined in this Risk Disclosure Statement.

I also confirm that all persons travelling with me on this ticket have been informed about the terms of this Risk Disclosure Statement and in undertaking the activities, have similarly agreed to accept that there are risks and hazards associated with the activities and to accept the terms of this Risk Disclosure Statement.

Frequently asked questions

Wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy footwear, and sunglasses for your Mount Cook ice climbing experience. All technical equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and harnesses, is provided. Conditions can change quickly on the glacier, so preparation is important.

Yes, safety is a key focus of this Tasman Glacier ice climbing experience. You’ll be secured with ropes and harnesses at all times while climbing. Guides provide continuous support and instruction throughout the tour.

You can spend up to six hours on the Tasman Glacier, depending on weather conditions. This extended time allows you to practise climbing techniques and explore more of the glacier. It’s one of the most immersive Mount Cook glacier experiences.

No prior experience is required for this Mount Cook ice climbing tour. You’ll be taught basic crampon and ice axe techniques by expert guides before you start climbing. It’s designed as an introduction to glacier ice climbing in New Zealand.

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