Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children and weight restrictions apply. Max weight: 150 kg (331 lbs) per traveler.
Guides provide safety instructions in English only. Travelers must understand English or be accompanied by a translator.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tasman Glacier
The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. Two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand
What‘s Included
Scenic helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier landing site
Scenic round-trip fixed-wing flight between Queenstown & Mt Cook
Transfers between central Queenstown accommodations and departure terminal
Hiking boots, crampons, and all glacier safety equipment
Professional mountaineering guide
Guided glacier hike (approx. 2 hours)
Lunch (please bring your own food/snacks as time is limited in Mt Cook)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown
Pickup included
Reviews
73 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unbelievable once in a lifetime experience - Tasman helihike less likely to be cancelled due to weather than franz josef
jessicabF4411JK,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I don’t have words for this heli-hike. What a cool, once in a lifetime experience. The views were unbelievable. The flight and helicopter rides were incredible. Although this was my most expensive excursion, I have no regrets about the cost. Genuinely stunning. They provide coats, boots, crampons, and even a backpack to store your stuff in if you don’t have one. Also had hats and gloves available but you don’t need them. I did the heli hike from Queenstown which means I was deciding between the two options available to me - Tasman glacier and franz Josef glacier. I found it hard to find info on the differences online beforehand, so here is a summary of what I’ve learned. The franz Josef glacier in Milford sound is the most popular heli-hike glacier and the hike is more adventurous/challenging. However, seems like it gets cancelled due to weather all the time. That’s because it’s located on the side of a mountain that’s more susceptible to weather. The Tasman glacier hike is located on the other side of the mountain and is less likely to get cancelled due to weather. However, the hike will basically be a walk around an open space. It’s not adventurous in the sense that you’re going through winding paths. It’s an easier hike. We did see and enter two ice caves which was awesome. So: if you have your heart set on doing the popular helihike with the adventurous path, and have some backup days if the hike gets cancelled, you can do the franz Josef one. If you have limited time in New Zealand and want to maximize your chances of actually getting to do one, and are okay with it being an easier walk, do the Tasman glacier. To give you an anecdote, on the day I did the heli hike, the franz Josef one got cancelled due to weather but my Tasman one went ahead. One of the people on the franz Josef one mentioned that this was their second time trying to do the hike after their first booking also got cancelled due to weather. Also, I had another friend mention that she’d signed up for the franz Josef heli hike but it got cancelled and she never got to do any helihike because she wasn’t available any other days. My one constructive feedback is to remove the requirement for sunglasses. I didn’t bring sunglasses and was told they were mandatory because the ice will reflect and hurt my eyes, so I paid for sunglasses. Frankly I did not use them a single time and my eyes were just fine. I don’t think the sunglasses should’ve been mandatory. They also say that you must bring food/lunch. Again, I’m not sure that needs to be a requirement. I did nibble on my food but I could’ve gone without. It’s not like it’s a full day activity - it’s just a few hours. I also didn’t see anyone else eating their food.
An unique adventure combining a scenic flight, a helicopter flight and a glacier trekking
MarcinM673,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was a very well-organized activity delivered by both True South Flights (the scenic flight by a small plane to Aoraki) as well as by Alpine Guides (the helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier and the glacier trekking). It took about 56 min to get from Queenstown Airport to Aoraki and 49 min from Aoraki to Queenstown. The view of mountain peaks covered with snow, especially during the return journey, was truly breathtaking! Our pilot was driving the plane in a safe and confident manner, and provided us with lots of interesting information regarding the local geography and venues we saw during our flight. At Aoraki base we very supplied with boots suitable for glacier trekking. A short helicopter flight was an unique opportunity to see the Tasman Glacier's forehead and dramatic changes to the local landscape caused by a rapidly melting ice. Before we started our trekking we were given crampons and taught how to use them properly. The glacier trekking was a great chance to learn about glacier geomorphology (caves, crevasses, holes). Since the trip time did not exceed 6 hours (7 hours with a shuttle bus transfer from your accommodation) I would recommend this activity to all travellers who would like to see a lot, but do not have too much time to spend one day on driving from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier and back. This heli-hike adventure by Alpine Guides combined with a scenic flight by True South Flights left fabulous memories in my mind and was a very good idea for enriching my ski holiday in Queenstown.
Heli - hike Tasman Glacier
Q4888AJmichelel,,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The heli - hike was fantastic, a magical experience that we will never forget. The day was so special, enhanced by the very friendly staff, starting with the staff at the office, the young guy who guided to the plane, the pilot Luke, and Pablo and Andy at the glacier. Overall a wonderful day, full of fun and laughter.
Unreal experience , a must do activity !
Matthew D,,Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Unreal experience , the view and the hike was amazing. The tour guide ( Kerry or terry ) i think his name was very friendly and helpful towards our group.
Amazing experience with True South Flight!
Jerry G,,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just wanted to give a big shoutout to the True South Flight crew! They were absolutely fantastic! Belinda was so helpful and took the time to understand our preferences. She managed to book us a flight to Queenstown, and then she even arranged for us to go on the incredible Heli Hike at Mt Cook! It was an experience of a lifetime. And let’s not forget about our captain, Luke. The whole flight was so smooth and the views from the plane were breathtaking. Luke was also incredibly knowledgeable about the area and shared all sorts of interesting information with us. That made our tour even more special. If you’re ever in New Zealand and looking for an amazing flight experience, I highly recommend True South Flight. They’re truly a top-notch team!
265neread,,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible and very well organized! Everything was so beautiful! The staff was also very nice — from the pilot to the team at base camp and the glacier guide, everyone was kind.
I did the Tasman Glacier...
Tasnova S,,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I did the Tasman Glacier heli hike and it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life! The views from the helicopter rides, stomping on the glacier with crampons and crawling through ice caves made for an unreal day. The pilot, Luke, was super friendly and made for such a smooth flight that I nearly fell asleep both ways! Our guide on the glacier, Scott, was also just fantastic - enthusiastic, passionate and helped everyone break the ice (pun intended) and be friends. Super expensive but worth every dollar - don’t think twice!
Great day out
946sophian,,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day! Very well organised- special thanks to Deborah, Andrew, our pilot Luke and our very patient Bristolian tour guide Matt!!
A Must in Mt. Cook
DennisSB,,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helihike is an amazing experience. We are able to see the Glacier from height and also really have a nice walk over the Glacier! It is also interesting to have pilot Lily who picked you up from hotel and fly with you on plane. Glacier Walk guide Kenri brought us a joyful and special Glacier Walk experience!
Highlight of our Trip!
MelissaK3029,,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip with True South Flights was an incredible experience that really allowed us to explore and honor the beauty of the south island. Our pilot, Luke, was excellent - professional, knowledgeable, and very skilled. The flight was breathtaking and he offered a lot of information about the area, including places to visit and some history of its development. We appreciated the many photo opportunities from the plane and felt very safe and comfortable for the entirety of the flight. The flight & glacier hike were very well organized and communication was excellent throughout. Tasman Glacier is an incredible sight and is also an absolute must-see when visiting New Zealand. Looking forward to our next trip and next flight!
From NZ$1,899.00
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