Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

About This Experience

This heli-hike with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding starts at Mount Cook Airport, where about 45 minutes go on a safety briefing and gear fitting before anyone boards. A helicopter flight of about 15 minutes then drops you on a remote part of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest glacier at about 23 km long, with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m) on the way. The whole outing takes about 3 hours, and you choose between an 8:45 AM and a 10:45 AM start.

On the ice you follow your guide, who cuts steps into the glacier as the group moves between ice formations. You walk in leather boots and crampons with a walking pole, all supplied along with woolen socks and a waterproof jacket, so the main thing to bring is warm clothing. Weather permitting, you spend up to 2 hours on the glacier surface, with stops for photos and for the guide to explain what you are looking at.

The glacier keeps moving and melting, so no two trips cover the same ground, and the guides are always finding something new to show you. After your time on the ice, a second helicopter flight of about 15 minutes carries you back to the base of the mountain, and a 10-minute break at the airport rounds off the trip before you head on with your day.

The trip depends on the weather. If conditions stop it running, you receive a full refund for the affected booking, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Food and drinks are not included, so eat before check-in. The operator does not recommend it for people with limited mobility, and it is not suitable for children under 9.

Highlights

• Land on a remote part of the Tasman Glacier, about 23 km long and New Zealand's largest
• Up to 2 hours on the ice, weather permitting, following steps your guide cuts as you go
• Helicopter views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,724 m the country's highest mountain
• Ice formations that change from trip to trip as the glacier moves
• Two start times to choose from: 8:45 AM or 10:45 AM

What's Included

• ✓ Two scenic helicopter flights, about 15 minutes each way
• ✓ Glacier guide for the whole time on the ice
• ✓ Safety briefing and gear fitting at Mount Cook Airport (about 45 minutes)
• ✓ Leather boots and woolen socks
• ✓ Crampons and a walking pole
• ✓ Waterproof jacket

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Transport to Mount Cook Airport (no pickup is listed)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing in layers
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Something to eat before or after, since food is not included

Good to Know & Caveats

• The trip is weather dependent. If weather prevents it from operating, you receive a full refund for the affected booking.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Not recommended for people with limited mobility: you spend up to 2 hours walking on uneven ice in crampons.
• Allow about 45 minutes for the safety briefing before the first flight, so arrive on time for your slot.
• The ice changes constantly, so the formations you see vary. The listing promises ice formations, not a particular feature such as an ice cave.
• Mount Cook Airport is not the same place as Glentanner, which sits further south on SH80. Check the address before you drive.

Meeting Point

Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Mount Cook 7999. No pickup is listed, so plan to drive or make your own way there.