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‘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.
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.
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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bucket list -1 Great,Amazing experience
duncank223,
Aug 19, 2025
- 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.
Great experience.. great team!!!
ragheshd,
Apr 13, 2025
- 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!!!!
Recommended!
maxlY1025MG,
Feb 12, 2025
- 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
- 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.
Brilliant, but have back up dates - Weather can be a factor!
trickyvillains,
Dec 20, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00We finally made it to the glacier on our third try! Be warned, the weather might be nice in Mt Cook but they are responsible for the safety of their guides and passengers on the glacier, so you might not be so fortunate. It’s a cool hello ride up and back, and the hike around the glacier is very interesting. Our guide was great (although they all seemed very friendly) and you’ll get to see some interesting aspects of the glacier. Well worth it!
An experience not to be missed
Priceisgd,
Nov 11, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was very organised, from start to finish. All staff was very friendly. Our guide Maddy was very knowledgeable and allow us plenty of time to go through crevices and ice cave. The experience of walking on glacier was exhilarating. Will definitely recommend this.
A great and memorable tour
Jonathan L,
Jul 11, 2024
- Viator
5.00The awesome view and the knowledge of the guide gave us a great and memorable tour. We would recommend our friend to take up this tour in future.
A must do at Mount Cook!
Boya W,
May 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00We totally enjoyed our trip. Our tour guide Maddie and pilot Greg were so nice, helpful and informative. It was a very special experience for me and my parents, and I’m proud they made it at the age of 68 & 74. Highly recommended. The view was absolutely stunning although a bit sad to see the glacier retreat due to global warming.
A must go experience in Mt Cook
NorthStar04839366329,
May 5, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely worth it. The whole trip lasts about three hours. Went through three blue ice holes, lucky enough to be the first public group to one of the newly found blue hole by our professional lovely guides.
Could not recommend this enough - words do not do it justice!
K3547RFedb,
Dec 29, 2023
- Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best experience from our entire 3 week trip to New Zealand. Landing on the glacier and then hiking across it for a mile before being picked up by helicopter and flown back across the mountains was like nothing we had ever experienced before and there honestly aren't enough superlatives to describe how much we enjoyed it! Matt and Sam (our guides) were brilliant - super friendly, very knowledgeable and really went out of their way to ensure we had the best time possible on the trip. Could not recommend this enough!
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