Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking
with Southern Alps Guiding
$795.00 per person Book Here
ICE CAVING
Southern Alps Guiding Ltd pioneered Heli-Hiking at Aoraki Mt Cook. Chief guide Charlie Hobbs with over 39 years of guiding experience, has explored every inch of the Tasman Glacier, and knows the best areas to visit on this incredible journey. Our trips involve small groups and personalised service.
Our guides are the “legends” of Tasman Glacier Guiding and have vast amounts of experience and knowledge of the area.
This fly-in, fly-out heli-hike combines the excitement of walking on the mighty Tasman Glacier and the excitement of two helicopter flights. By flying in, you are able to access and explore the white ice of the Tasman Glacier where it runs beside the biggest mountains in New Zealand and where the glacier's forces work hard often creating spectacular ice formations.
Equipped with sturdy boots and other equipment, you board your helicopter or skiplane for your flight over the icebergs of the Tasman Glacier Lake. Then you will fly past the famous Hochstetter Ice Fall and the east face of the mighty Aoraki Mount Cook.
We then land on the Tasman Glacier where we begin our adventure and exploration on the ice. Your landing site is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, your guide outfits you with crampons, specially designed for these ice conditions. You will follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the impressive ice formations and possibly ice caves. Yes, ice caves! We’ll explain the workings of the Tasman Glacier, how it flows, and what makes the crevasses and sink holes appear.
We start at 9:00AM. There are so many exciting features on the Tasman Glacier! The scenery of the Southern Alps will impress you beyond expectations. Weather permitting, ice walking time is about 2 hours. Please note that this is a natural and ever changing environment. New ice features evolve constantly, therefore, no guarantee can be given that specific features will be seen.
What to Bring:
- Several layers of warm upper-body clothing.
- Sunglasses and sun protection.
- A day pack, a drink and snacks
- Your own boots (if you prefer).
- Rain/wind jacket
- Warm hat and gloves.
Fitness level required: Low to Moderate
Trip Duration: 3-4 hours
From 1 October: $795 per person.
Includes: Two aircraft flights, guide, boots, crampons, and ice-axe/ski pole. Book Here
Reviews
Full Day Heli-Hiking Tour - Private Charters
Full Day Heli-Hiking Tour - Private Charters
Join us on a beautiful one-day expedition to our remarkable destinations. Fly with your guide to either the famous Tasman Glacier, or the Grand Plateau. At over 7000ft or 2200 metres, enjoy spectacular views of the east faces of Aoraki Mount Cook and the vast expanse of glacial terrain of Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
The guide will teach you some basic skills, then it is off on the adventure of a lifetime, trekking and hiking down the easy gradient of one of these mighty glaciers. Along the way, we'll visit ice caves, view some very large crevasses and thundering ice-falls and even the occasional avalanche – all from a safe distance. We'll be trekking close to spectacular ice-falls. It is stunning scenery and an unforgettable day out.
At the end of the day it's another spectacular scenic flight back to Aoraki Mount Cook airport and then we return to The Old Mountaineers' Café, Restaurant & Bar (and Historic Photographic Gallery), for some well-earned refreshments.
Our glacier destination will be decided on the day after weather and snow conditions have been checked by your guide.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Several layers of warm upper-body clothing.
- Sunglasses and sun protection.
- A day pack, a drink and snacks
- Your own boots (if you prefer).
- Rain jacket
- Warm hat and gloves.
- Bring your camera!
Fitness level required: Good level of fitness
Trip Duration: 5-6 hours
These trips operate as private charters for private groups or families.
Ask us for a price to do an exclusive tour.
Includes: Two aircraft flights, guide, boots, crampons, and ice-axe/ski pole.
Our guides are members of The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association
There is a long history of glacier hiking here. We do our best to maintain this tradition and look forward to sharing the experience with you.
WHY WE HAVE SO MUCH ICE AND SNOW ON THE TASMAN GLACIER:
We close for the month of June, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
“Southern Alps Guiding Ltd works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to ensure that our impact on New Zealand's National Parks and reserves is minimal. We are an approved concession holder, ensuring that your visit with us to conservation lands adheres to best practice and contributes to the management of these protected areas.”
CANCELLATION POLICY
We reserve the right to cancel or change any part of any trip. This could be due to adverse snow,avalanche, mountain or weather conditions or any other mountain related scenario. We have a strict 72 hour cancellation policy which means that if WE cancel the trip due to any of the above conditions will give you a full refund. If you decide not to do the trip within 24 hours of the trip start time for any reason (you sleep in, have a vehicle breakdown, an unexpected illness or injury etc) or we cancel your booking because of client unsuitability due to poor fitness or health there will be no refund. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover all potential cancellation scenarios.
Southern Alps Guiding and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd
Risk Disclosure Form
This activity takes place in remote and dynamic backcountry settings which are natural and unmodified. Our focus is on your safety and actively managing the risks - but we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks. It is important you understand that as a participant you have joint responsibility in managing safety by firstly acknowledging that there are risks, and secondly that you acknowledge the importance of understanding and following all safety information and instructions.
We ask you to carefully read the following Risk Disclosure Statement, and only sign if you understand the content and agree to abide by the terms outlined within this statement.
Risk Disclosure Statement
Understanding the risks
I accept that participation in this Activity inherently involves risks and hazards some of which are additional to those normally associated with Helicopter Skiing and Snowboarding, Alpine Trekking, Heli Hiking, Heli Trekking, Snowshoeing, Glacier Skiing, Mountaineering, Ski Mountaineering, Ice Climbing, 4WD adventures, Glacier Walking, Boating/Kayaking, Stargazing and travel to and from and within any locations (“the Activities”)
In addition, I accept that added risks are involved when Filming and Photo shooting is carried out. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:
Natural Hazards - Avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, crevasses, collisions with unmarked natural features including rocks and vegetation, extreme or sudden changes in weather conditions (like heavy rain or snow and strong winds), cold and heat exposure, exposure to heights (cliffs and drop offs), earthquakes (including without limitation injury from natural or man-made structures, interaction with fauna (collision, bites or stings).
Man-Made Hazards - risks associated with air travel (including without limitation helicopter crash or accident or injury from collision with helicopter spinning rotor blades), vehicle travel, travel on water in boats or helicopters, remoteness of locations and access to external rescue services, additional risks of “The Activities” operations with one guide and collisions with others.
I also accept that these risks, dangers and hazards involve the possibility of personal injury, emotional trauma, death, property damage and loss which may affect me, my family and friends. I am aware that participating in the guided activities offered by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. Knowing the risks, I still wish to participate in the activity and I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, however caused.
Medication/health conditions
I understand it is my responsibility to disclose any conditions (health or otherwise) that may affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around me.
I have informed the staff of Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd (or will, prior to undertaking the activity) of any medical conditions, previous injuries and any medication I am currently taking which may affect my ability to undertake the activity/activities I have booked with Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd.
I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
I consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activity.
Drugs, alcohol and smoking
I agree that I cannot be under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs or medication which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.
I agree to not bring any smoking devices including but not limited to cigarettes, vapes and lighters.
Conditions of participating in activity
I agree to follow all instructions and rules by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd guides, pilots and other staff at all times.
I agree to seek clarification if I do not understand any instructions or rules, or the content of safety briefings.
I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund. This is necessary to ensure my safety and the safety of others.
I accept that Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.
I agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.
Participant Acceptance
I agree that by completing and signing a Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd Risk Disclosure Form that I accept all the statements and terms in the Risk Disclosure Statement and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk.
Participant name*
First Name:
Last Name:
Participant date of birth:
Date:
Participant email address:
Participant nationality
By signing this form I accept all the statements and terms in this document and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk. *
Participant signature ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the contents of the Risk Disclosure Statement, please contact our team at info@mtcook.com or call 0274342277 prior to signing this form.