The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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
NA
Options
10:45am Heli Hike
10:45am: Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand's biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter flight.
8:45am Heli Hike
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.
Reviews
93 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend - Great Experience
Michael M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience from start to finish. Everything was timely, guides we great, and the experience overall was wonderful. Would highly recommend.
Loved it
scgoldsbury,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this experience, it was a highlight of our trip. Getting to walk on a glacier and go into an ice cave was amazing. Highly recommend if you can stretch the budget
What an experience
jacksV5852GO,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Hunter, was fantastic - experienced, knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions we had. Would definitely recommend this - an amazing experience! The helicopter ride to the glacier was one of the best things we’ve ever done!
Awesome family adventure
plj2011,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely sensational Tasman Glacier Helicopter Hike. Hunter (and Rich) were hugely engaging and knowledgeable. Helicopter flight and pilot awesome. Check in and prep flawless. Did as a family with 18 and 10yo children and all agreed was experience of a lifetime. I was worried (actually terrified) at the prospect of helicopter and hiking on the glacier, but not scary at all. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Amazing Glacier Experience
Scenic23642714651,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience! Flying in on a helicopter over the Tasman Lake was surreal, then trekking around the glacier for a few hours took it to a whole new level. Our guide, Liam, was incredibly knowledgeable, had many great stories about the glacier, and kept us safely navigating the terrain. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and would highly recommend.
Excellent worth it, A highlight !
Sascha S,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular visually stunning, easy walking, great guide informative. Squeezed through some ice tunnels which was fun. Well organised.
This was a premium...
Jignesh H,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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
- Review from Viator
5.00From 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!
Must do
DXB Maple,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of my tour of NZ. We went as a family with our two children - age 14 and 12. We all loved it although the trip got cut short due to clouds moving in (nobody’s fault at all). We loved the time we got to spend on the glacier. The helicopter ride was the first for us. Anna was amazing with our kids and their never-ending questions. She also explained everything very well and told really interesting and informative stories. We even saw an avalanche that was over 2km away. If you think it’s expensive, it is but it’s sooooo worth it!
Booking error
mareas2025,Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I am unable to review this experience as there was a mistake made when the trip was rebooked after cancellation due to bad weather. When we arrived on a perfect morning the booking didn’t exist. It had been mistakingly booked for the following week. A promised email had not been sent so I was unaware of the mistake until the time of the trip. As a result we were unable to fit in a flight before we needed to depart Mt. Cook. While we appreciate flights have to be cancelled the mistake in booking really upset our plans. It was the main reason we stayed at Mt Cook, not a cheap exercise
From NZ$922.10
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Operated by Mt Cook Glacier Guiding