Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The Tasman Glacier is Aotearoa New Zealand's longest glacier measuring at 27km long and as wide as 4km in places, so this is an experience of a lifetime to explore the ever changing ice formations that carved this wonderful landscape in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
Your journey will begin with a scenic helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier, landing 1200m above sea level. A two hour hike with professional and experienced guides amongst epic glacial ice formations, gentle undulating terrain below the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. The snow-clad giants tower above vast icefalls that flow down the mountain sides. On the return flight, pass the Hochstetter Icefall as your adventure nears its end.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 10 years years
Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
Moderate level of fitness is required
The maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150kg.
It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Snow landing with the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook before you.
Tasman Glacier
Aerial views of the Tasman Glacier Lake and the stunning Tasman Glacier itself before landing on the Tasman Glacier for your guided hike.
What‘s Included
Glacier Landing
2 hour Guided Hike on Tasman Glacier
Informative pilot commentary
Crampons and quality Walking Boots
Walking Poles
Waterproof Jackets & Trousers (if required)
Return Scenic Helicopter Flights
Woolen socks
We recommend bringing a small backpack with snacks and drinks for the trip.
Options
Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Helihike - not to be missed
cjandjo,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked with Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd and they are excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Staff at the airport were efficient and made sure we were all equipped correctly (boots and crampons supplied) and briefed thoroughly on safety. The helicopter ride is short and lands on the glacier. Our guide on the glacier was excellent. We walked slowly and carefully along the ice – not huge distance but enough to get a good feel for it. So glad they supplied us all with crampons as we crossed back and forth over small crevasses. 5* recommendation. We were extremely lucky with the weather as the next day the cloud was very low and into the valley.
Must do!
LeanneSteeghs,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, highly recommanded, everything feels safe and under control. The hike on the glacier us short but worthwhile! .
Amazing little excursion. Very weather dependent.
Leslie C,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an amazing experience to see the glacier and hike on it. The hiking guide was friendly and informative. Boots and crampons were provided. Tip to bring waterproof gloves if sprinkling. Our trip was one of the rare ones that week since weather conditions caused many cancellations. Our trip was shortened 30 min due to incoming bad weather. But I appreciated the extra safety precaution. Set your expectations that Mother Nature may affect your plans!
Bucket list -1 Great,Amazing experience
duncank223,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booking was straightforward, confirmation received promptly. Communication received regarding check in and weather update. Arrived promptly staff friendly, boots, socks provided other items available if necessary. Safety briefing provided in verbal format. But also written format English and mandarin l believe. Heli flight was smooth and pilot Dan provided info regarding the surroundings on the way up and back. Multiple checks of wrist bands regarding which flight on. Save entry and exit of the aircraft. Tremendous experience on the glacier with Scott entering small prepared voids below the surface. Great to see the colour variations in the ice depending on the depth below the glacier surface and the compaction process. Walked with crampons on boots and walking stick no issues He talked about the history of and evolution of the glacier, sadly its diminishing size as well. A must for everyone , do it before they eventually disappear. Naturally there are risks doing this, but at no time did l believe we were in any danger. Would happily to it again.
153liranl,,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00First heli experience in my life, and was amazing. Was enjoying a good view in heli and thanks for my heavy weight to allow me sitting at the front seat :)
Great experience.. great team!!!
ragheshd,,Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super stuff... The only feedback I would have is to follow a route on the Heli hike so that it feels structured... Though I enjoyed It thoroughly ... It seemed as if we were randomly moving in search of something to see and doubling back on our route... Again.. nothing bad... But didn't get the sense of a hike... great stuff nonetheless!!!!
Tour operators disregard for my precious vacation time
Jiri B,,Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The tour started 1 hour late…. Finished early… the ride and activities were OK. Actually nice. I would recommend if the tour was handled more professionally
Recommended!
maxlY1025MG,,Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb experience overall! Really enjoyed it! Ariana is a wonderful tour guide, made the hike super fun and informative!
Helicopter ride was...
Dan M,,Jan 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Helicopter ride was beautiful and Matt was an excellent guide! We had the chance to explore far down into an ice cave which was a unique sight to see.
Avoid this tour operator, there are others that provide better experience for same price
262sunila,,Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We booked a heli hike at Mt Cook for 9am on Jan 1st for 4 of our kids. The overall experience for such an expensive tour was way below par. The reasons being: 1. Most of the time was spent on 'rocks' instead of the glacier. The guide himself said many times that be prepared to walk on the rocks. 2. They barely spent any time within the cave. There were no other activities. 3. The guide spent 15+ minutes talking to other guide asking for directions/help. The rest of our large group went on the same heli-hike on the same day, at the same time, on the same glacier, but through another tour operator and had a fantastic experience. We feel the experience was subpar because these were kids, and the guide was barely two months into the job. When we complained to the manager, Suhaas, instead of being empathetic to the experience, he was very defensive, and at one point even threatened us with physical harm. We had to tell them that we'll call the cops if he keeps on threatening us. Our overall trip to New Zealand was excellent, except for this specific experience. I hope this is isolated and doesn't represent New Zealand's tourism approach.
From NZ$969.24
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