The Glaciers at Your Pace
A private glacier tour dedicates a guide, vehicle, or helicopter to your group — the itinerary, the pace, and the experiences are shaped around your interests and your schedule. The glacier region offers enough variety (ice walks, helicopter flights, kayaking, hiking, lake tours, wildlife) for two to three full days, and a private guide curates the combination that matches your group’s priorities.
Private heli-hikes provide your own guide on the glacier — a more intimate ice experience with flexible pacing, personalised narration, and the ability to linger at ice formations or photography spots that interest your group.
Private scenic flights charter a helicopter for your group — the route, the landing spots, and the flight time are customised. Private charters can combine glaciers, Mount Cook, and the wider Southern Alps in a single extended flight.
Private guided walks cover the valley tracks (Hooker Valley, Franz Josef Valley Walk, Lake Matheson) with ecological and geological narration tailored to your group’s knowledge and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private glacier tour cost?
Private guides: approximately NZD 500–1,200 per day depending on the activities and the guide’s qualifications. Private helicopter charters: approximately NZD 2,000–5,000+ depending on the aircraft, the flight time, and the number of passengers.
Is a private tour worth it for the glacier region?
For groups who want flexibility (weather contingency, personalised pacing), specialist interests (photography, geology, ecology), or families — yes. For solo travellers or couples on a standard itinerary, the group heli-hikes and scenic flights are excellent.