Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike: Land on New Zealand's longest glacier

Fly to the ice and walk among formations carved by 27km of glacier

A 3-hour heli-hike combines a scenic helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on the ice itself, landing at 1200m above sea level in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The helicopter passes the Tasman Glacier Lake and the Hochstetter Icefall on the return. All gear (crampons, walking boots, waterproof layers and poles) is provided, and the guide is live and in English. Children from age 10 are welcome, though moderate fitness is required and the tour depends on weather conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and glacier hike

• Scenic helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier
• Snow landing with Aoraki/Mount Cook views
• Two-hour guided hike on Tasman Glacier
• Return flight passing Hochstetter Icefall

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in the Mount Cook region and want to step onto a glacier without a full day of trekking, this combines the two halves that make it possible. The helicopter flight gets you to the ice at 1200m elevation in minutes, landing you directly on Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest at 27km, so the walk itself stays manageable and the time on the ice is the point. You'll hike for two hours among the formations the glacier carved, with the Southern Alps towering above and icefalls flowing down the mountainsides.

The guide is experienced and leads you through the terrain on foot. Crampons, walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, woolen socks and walking poles are all included, so you arrive with nothing but layers underneath. The pilot provides commentary on the flight out and back, and on the return you'll pass the Hochstetter Icefall as the helicopter climbs away. Weather decides what happens on the day (a guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour, but conditions can change it), so the operator will confirm the final plan closer to your departure.

The whole experience runs three hours door to door. Moderate fitness matters because you're walking on uneven ice, and children can join from age 10. The maximum weight for a rear helicopter seat is 150kg. Bring warm layers and sturdy footwear under the provided gear, and a small backpack with snacks and water will make the hike more comfortable.

What’s included

• Scenic helicopter flight to and from Tasman Glacier.
• 2-hour guided hike on the glacier with a professional guide.
• crampons, walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, woolen socks and walking poles.
• informative pilot commentary on both flights.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line

Is this one for you?The three-hour window (helicopter, hike and return flight combined) fits a free afternoon without eating into a full day, so you can explore the glacier and still have time for other stops in the Mount Cook region. If you need a longer glacier experience or prefer to walk from the valley floor, a different tour may suit you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 14 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual hike on the glacier?

The guided hike on Tasman Glacier lasts two hours, walking among the ice formations with an experienced guide. The full experience, including helicopter flights, takes three hours total.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

All tour activities depend on weather conditions. The operator will confirm the final plan closer to your departure date. A guided walk among ice caves is usually included, but conditions may change what is possible on the day.

What gear do I need to bring, and what is provided?

Crampons, walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, woolen socks and walking poles are all included. Wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers underneath, plus a small backpack with snacks and drinks for comfort during the hike.

What will I see on the helicopter flights?

On the flight to the glacier, you'll see aerial views of Tasman Glacier Lake and the glacier itself before landing. The return flight passes the Hochstetter Icefall as you climb away from the ice, with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps visible throughout.