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Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown
About This Tour
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.
What's Included
✓ 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)
✗ Not Included
- Lunch (please bring your own food/snacks as time is limited in Mt Cook)
Itinerary
1
Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.
2
Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart.
3
Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area
4
Great views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Ohau from above
5
Get some stunning views of Mt Cook and the surrounding Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, including some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Mt Cook Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.
6
Check in with our guiding partners, gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide.
7
Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Tasman Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base.
8
Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane.
9
Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.
10
Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.
Good to Know
- 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.