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
Walking Poles
Crampons and quality Walking Boots
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
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip
catherinekX4551MA,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great! They managed easily my autistic son and we had a nice walk on the glacier. It is not physically hard and was approximately 2 miles over 1.5 hours as there was lots of stopping to talk about the glacier and to walk through ice tunnels. We had to switch one person with another due to illness and it was no problem at all. Would definitely do this again
A must do
Catherine W,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Once in a lifetime chance to walk on a glacier! Everyone associated with our tour was professional. Tim our pilot and Connor our guide made us feel safe . A must do!”
Heli Hiking to Heaven!
Michael P,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was amazing! First time in a helicopter and the ride was awesome! Great hike i. The glacier with a great guide,Marie or Marion.. i am bad with names. Pilot was great especially on way dow giving us close up of Mount Cook Peak. Just wow
Enjoyable heli hike with Helicopter Line and Alpine Tours
885JaniceK,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enjoyable experience. I give my highest commendation to our guide,Scot, who works for Alpine Tours. Very professional and considerate, detailed minded too. Feels safe to go with him. Humourous too. I highly recommend taking the helicopter hike. Not dangerous but you need to follow the instructions of the guides and you do not need to put on too much warm clothing, just maybe 3C lower than ground temperature. Helicopter Line has all the professional gear for you (backpack, thick socks, boots, walking pole, jacket, crampons, etc.). Must bring along your camera for photos and videos. Most important is to have good weather. Enjoy!
Fantastic trip
Don B,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Walking on the Tasman glacier was an incredible experience. The Helicopter Line staff were all great. Our guide Matt was professional and ensured our safety and made the 2 hour hike fantastic. The Helicopter flight was great
Fantastic, fabulous, incredible experience
SoniaH926,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely well organised, friendly staff and competent clear instructions, good equipment and Tom was fabulous as a guide. The helicopter pilot was really good too, I would book it again in the future with family and friends and highly recommend to anyone else, an experience of a lifetime!
Great experience
eriny461,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Jasper for such an incredible experience. The glacier hike was unreal and you made it so fun and easy to enjoy. Really appreciated how you explained everything and made sure everyone felt comfortable. Something I’ll never forget
Great experience
Voyage14616575292,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience: taking a helicopter across the glacier and using crampons to climb the ice. Conor, the guide, was incredibly professional and could talk endlessly about the stories of the glacier for a whole week. Throughout the journey, he constantly took good care of us. Highly recommended!
Wonderful adventure with our guide Connor Bensen
Laura e,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hiking on the glacier was a one-in-a- lifetime experience. Connor Bensen was our guide and he was great - very communicative, considerate, and accommodating. He knew so much about the glaciers. It takes concentration as you walk on the glacier as it is not flat, but Connor made it very doable.
amazAmazing adventure on glacier with excellent team
V6281YQlesleyg,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing adventure, hiking on Tasman glacier & learning about it. Highly recommend this ezcellent team, from checkng in & reschedule due to bad weather, detailed briefing, helicopter flight landing on glacier, excellent knowledgeable guide to small group, giving clear instructions & sharing enthusiasm for activity & geography. Fascinating exploring glacier with blue ice cave. Felt safety was truly paramount to everything.
From NZ$969.24
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