Highlights
- Choose from heli hiking, snowshoeing, or ice climbing!
- The stunning scenery of New Zealand's biggest glacier, the Tasman Glacier
- Professional and knowledgeable guides to lead you the way
- No experience is needed!
Description
Mount Cook boasts some of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain country. On a trip with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding you will enjoy the spectacular views from the helicopter before feeling the ice and snow underfoot as you explore the Tasman Glacier on your chosen experience. Choose to heli hike, snow shoe or ice climb on the Tasman Glacier as your knowledgeable and experienced guides take you on a thrilling adventure.
The Adventurer - Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Take a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight to your starting point, a remote part of the glacier. In the summer you will be fitted with crampons designed for the hard ice conditions of the glacier and in winter you can try snow shoeing or the crampons. Your guide will take you on an exploration of amazing ice formations before another exhilarating flight back to the base.
Flight Time - 12 minute heli each way
Ice Time - 2 hours Guide Ratio - 1:11
Fitness Level Required - Low
Minimum Age - 10 years
The Wigley - Top of the Tasman Glacier Hike
Explore the beauty of the top snowfield of the Tasman Glacier. Fly in on your ski plane, admiring the rock and ice debris transform to a glistening white before landing at an altitude of 2200m. Your guide will then take you to explore the glacier by walking, hiking and snowshoeing. Along the way you may even see an iceberg in the glacier lake. Your return flight will take you down the eastern side of NZ's highest highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Flight Time - 18 minute ski plane each way
Ice Time - 3 hours
Guide Ratio - 1:6
Fitness Level Required - Low/Moderate
Minimum Age - 10 years
The Cool Climber - Tasman Glacier Ice Climbing
If you are feeling adventurous then this is the tour for you! An energising scenic helicopter flight takes you up the Tasman Valley to the best ice climbing location on the glacier. Your guide will teach you basic crampon and ice axeing techniques which you will then use to climb vertical and sometimes overhanging ice walls and pinnacles. You will be secured by a top rope at all times, attached to your harness for total safety. With a low guide to climber ratio you will receive special training to ensure the skills they teach allow you to advance quickly.
Flight Time - 12 minute heli each way
Ice Time - Up to 6 hours
Guide Ratio - 1:4
Fitness Level Required - Good/high
Minimum Age - 13 years (13-16 years must be accompanied by an adult)
Trip Includes
- Return scenic flight
- Professional & experienced guide
- All equipment including back pack, socks, specialised climbing boots, waterproof jacket, over trousers etc
Duration
- Allow 3 hours for The Adventurer, 5 hours for The Wigley & 8 hours for Cool Climber
Departures
- The Adventurer departs 8.45am, 10.45am & 12.45am
- The Wigley departs 8.15am & 11.30am
- Cool Climber departs 8.00am
- Depart from Mt Cook Glacier Guiding base, Mt Cook Airport
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- No previous experience required
- Minimum age 10 years for The Adventurer, 12 years for The Wigley & 13 years for the Cool Climber, 13-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring: warm clothing including 3-4 layers of upper body clothing, sunglasses & sun protection, snacks & a drink (lunch for Cool Climber), hat & gloves, camera & any medication required. Jeans are not permitted please wear warm comfortable trousers
- A back pack is provided for you during the experience. Any gear left behind can be stored in a locker at the base
- Bring essential medicine with you
- For The Adventurer a low/moderate fitness level is required. The Wigley requires a moderate fitness level
- Bring lunch with you for Cool Climber. There is no where to buy lunch at Mt Cook airport so please ensure you bring this with you before check in
- Please note a heli may substitute the ski plane on The Wigley depending on environmental conditions
- Maximum weight 116kg
Normal Retail Prices
- The Adventurer: Tasman Heli Hike:
- Adult (10yrs+) NZD$799.00
- The Wigley: Top of the Glacier Hike:
- Adult (12yrs+) NZD$899.00
- Cool Climber - Tasman Ice Climbing:
- Adult (13yrs+) NZD$999.00
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All prices shown in NZD$.
