The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Combining two scenic flights this is a low fitness Tasman Glacier exploration for up to 2 hours ice time at approximately 1300 metres. Following your knowledgeable, professional, NZMGA trained Guide you will learn about and be in awe of New Zealand's big mountain country. This is Mother Nature at her finest and you will leave understanding why this area forms a part of the UNESCO Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please bring

3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing

Warm trousers (no jeans)

Sunglasses and sun protection

Hat and gloves

Drink and snacks

Subject to favourable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

We are unable to delay the departure time of our experiences due to strict helicopter scheduling. If you miss your confirmed departure time and we are unable to resell the space created, you will be charged for 100% of the cost

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Harness (if required)

Quality leather boots and woolen socks

Two scenic flights

Crampons (and/or snow shoes in winter)

Professional guide

Water proof jacket and over-trousers

Adjustable walking poles

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Mount Cook Airport

Mount Cook Road, Canterbury Region 7999, New Zealand

The turn off to Aoraki/Mt Cook is on SH8 by Lake Pukaki. Driving east this can be found 8kms from Twizel and driving west, 50kms from Lake Tekapo. Turn onto SH80, which leads you to the Mt Cook Village. 6kms from the Village, follow signs to the Mt Cook airport.

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

You will fly in to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier. Once your crampons or snowshoes are fitted you’ll go exploring the amazing ice formations, following your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers. Your trip finishes with another spectacular scenic flight back to our Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.

Options

8:45am

Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealands biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealands largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You fly in to your drop

10:45am

Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealands biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealands largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You fly in to your drop

Reviews

4.90

87 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

This was a premium...
Jignesh H,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a premium experience, the guides were incredible (we had Hunter as our guide and both Mark as our pilots) and the scenery was breathtaking. The helicopter ride itself was like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We loved it
Must try!
Sarah C,
Jun 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
From the offline arrangements up to the actual day, communication between the tour company and myself was great. We had to reschedule our initial booking due to road closure and we were very lucky to have gotten a slot 2 days later :”) Do allow some days of buffering as these activities are very dependent on weather and road conditions. Overall, my husband and I felt very happy to have gone for this experience. The safety briefing was really necessary, our instructor Anna was very knowledgeable as we asked a lot of questions about the glaciers and she patiently answers them. She ensured that the group is safe throughout the entire heli hike experience. Lots of time to take photo and it was really cool to go through the ice caves. Do note that these Cave’s sizes varies from time to time, sometimes it’s small and sometimes it’s big! We are really thankful!
Top notch excursion
Marco F,
Jan 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The best glacier excursion ever. Walked/crawled through glacier caves/wholes. Drank glacier water. Made slushie with glacier ice. Learned tons. Hunter was an awesome guide. The heli ride was amazing. On the way back we made a close fly by a glacier on a mountain’s face. Highly recommended.
Beautiful experience
Caroline S,
Dec 7, 2024
- Viator
5.00
We had a great experience both with the helicopter ride and the glacier hike. The staff and guide were competent and the views were stunning.
Fantastic adventure on tasman glacier
Timothy C,
Nov 27, 2024
- Viator
5.00
This experience was everything promised in the description-- a 2-hour experience out on tasman glacier beneath majestic Mount Cook, even Including a descent ten feet down into a blue white hole with the water surging underneath. with the help of Jimmy, our expert guide. He was not only quite informative but also extremely generous and patient In helping each of us make the most of all the different kinds of experience out on the glacier.

From NZD 819.5