AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Heli to the Ice: Two Hours on the Tasman Glacier
A three-hour heli-hike from Aoraki/Mt Cook base that pairs scenic alpine flying with up to two hours of guided glacier travel on New Zealand’s largest glacier.
Heli to the Ice: Two Hours on the Tasman Glacier.
Fly by helicopter over raw alpine scenery to a remote Tasman Glacier drop-off, then spend up to two hours walking and exploring ice formations under the guidance of an experienced alpine guide before returning by scenic flight to the Aoraki/Mt Cook base.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Scenic helicopter passages across alpine terrain
The journey begins and ends with helicopter flights that frame mountain and glacier panoramas, offering uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps.
Up to two hours on New Zealand’s largest glacier
After landing at a remote drop-off, spend up to two hours exploring distinctive ice formations guided by experts who use traditional alpine skills.
Aoraki/Mt Cook in full perspective
The itinerary delivers spectacular outlooks onto Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding ice-fields—one of the trip’s consistently noted visual high points.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip is compact and kinetic: a scenic helicopter transfer over alpine ridgelines to a Tasman Glacier drop-off, then guided travel across ice for up to two hours. Guides outfit guests with crampons or snowshoes as conditions require, cut steps where needed, and share alpine techniques and local knowledge before a final scenic flight back to the Aoraki/Mt Cook base.
THE FLIGHT
Scenic helicopter passages across alpine terrain
The journey begins and ends with helicopter flights that frame mountain and glacier panoramas, offering uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps.
THE ICE
Up to two hours on New Zealand’s largest glacier
After landing at a remote drop-off, spend up to two hours exploring distinctive ice formations guided by experts who use traditional alpine skills.
THE VIEW
Aoraki/Mt Cook in full perspective
The itinerary delivers spectacular outlooks onto Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding ice-fields—one of the trip’s consistently noted visual high points.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this heli-hike suits and what to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guides outfit guests with crampons or snowshoes depending on season and conditions; expect to use that provided equipment on the glacier.
Crampons or snowshoes are provided as required by conditions; guides prepare route features such as steps in the ice.
Guides use traditional alpine skills while leading guests across the ice; group equipment provisioning varies with season and conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the experience?
The outing is three hours total, with up to two hours spent on the glacier.
Is there an age limit?
Participants must be aged 9 and over.
What happens if I’m late?
Operators cannot delay departures for late arrivals due to strictly scheduled flight times.
Is the trip weather dependent?
Yes—trips are subject to weather and glacier conditions and may be limited or altered as required.
What equipment is provided?
Guides outfit guests with crampons or snowshoes depending on the season and conditions.
Where does the trip depart and finish?
The experience includes helicopter transfer to the Tasman Glacier and concludes with a scenic flight back to the Aoraki/Mt Cook base.