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New Zealand
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Wellington
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Tours & Activities
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Mt Cook Helicopter Flight and Tasman Glacier Walk
3 h
By walk
About this activity
Meet your pilot-guide and get outfitted with the necessary equipment, including glacier boots and an ice axe.
Then board the helicopter and put on a provided 2-way headset that allows you to hear your pilot's commentary about the sights. As you take off, enjoy stunning views of Mt Cook (aka Aoraki, the native Maori name) and the Southern Alps, and then fly high above Tasman Glacier, an impressive 17-mile-long (27-km) natural wonder. While you look down, note the waters of Tasman Lake, which started forming in the 1970s due to melting glacial ice; it now measures more than 4 miles long (7 km), and scientists predict that it will continue to grow from more glacier melt.
After soaring over snowcapped mountains and pristine blue and white ice, you'll land high up on the glacier. Hop out of the helicopter and begin your 2-hour hike, following your guide through the spectacular frozen landscape and gaining access to areas that normally only skilled mountaineers can reach.
Tromp over the ice to see dramatic pinnacles, ice caves, crevasses and seracs, all the while learning about the history and geology of Tasman Glacier. If conditions allow, you can duck into an ice cave to experience the otherworldly blue ice from the inside. You may also have the chance to taste pure glacier water and peer into deep crevasses.
Enjoy plenty of time for photo ops during your hike, and then return to your helicopter for the ride back to town. Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.
Safety and helicopters:
The local tour operator uses well-maintained, high-quality equipment and boasts an excellent safety record. Your enjoyment and safety always come first.
Aircraft:
The fleet of modern Airbus helicopters specifically configured for flying in New Zealand's outstanding National Parks, glaciers, lakes, mountains and valleys. The Helicopter Line has the highest levels of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations, this involves regular monitoring and audit of all aspects of the operations.
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Then board the helicopter and put on a provided 2-way headset that allows you to hear your pilot's commentary about the sights. As you take off, enjoy stunning views of Mt Cook (aka Aoraki, the native Maori name) and the Southern Alps, and then fly high above Tasman Glacier, an impressive 17-mile-long (27-km) natural wonder. While you look down, note the waters of Tasman Lake, which started forming in the 1970s due to melting glacial ice; it now measures more than 4 miles long (7 km), and scientists predict that it will continue to grow from more glacier melt.
After soaring over snowcapped mountains and pristine blue and white ice, you'll land high up on the glacier. Hop out of the helicopter and begin your 2-hour hike, following your guide through the spectacular frozen landscape and gaining access to areas that normally only skilled mountaineers can reach.
Tromp over the ice to see dramatic pinnacles, ice caves, crevasses and seracs, all the while learning about the history and geology of Tasman Glacier. If conditions allow, you can duck into an ice cave to experience the otherworldly blue ice from the inside. You may also have the chance to taste pure glacier water and peer into deep crevasses.
Enjoy plenty of time for photo ops during your hike, and then return to your helicopter for the ride back to town. Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.
Safety and helicopters:
The local tour operator uses well-maintained, high-quality equipment and boasts an excellent safety record. Your enjoyment and safety always come first.
Aircraft:
The fleet of modern Airbus helicopters specifically configured for flying in New Zealand's outstanding National Parks, glaciers, lakes, mountains and valleys. The Helicopter Line has the highest levels of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations, this involves regular monitoring and audit of all aspects of the operations.
Included
- Helicopter ride
- Professional pilot-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Use of gear (glacier boots, crampons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Minimum age is 8 years
- It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers
- Moderate level of fitness is required
- Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please note: Walking among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all activities are dependent on the weather
- What to bring
- Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
- Leggings or light trousers; although shorts are acceptable
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)
Features
Original
95%
Tourism
95%
Adrenaline
85%
Cultural
20%
Reviews
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This was an amazing tour. Our morning tour got cancelled related to weather. Luckily we were able to get booked onto the afternoon tour. The weather cleared and we had an amazing time. It was a small group 10 people who had the entire glacier to ourselves. Our guide was knowledgeable and allowed the group to explore at our own pace. This was probably one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand!!!
Were delayed a day due to weather but all worked out fine with our schedule and the staff and pilot and guide were all very accommodating, knowledgeable, and made it a great experience...especially once we got on the glacier. Got some great pics and made some great memories. Thanks to all!
The helicopter ride to the glacier was not very long just that it was moving quite slowly. Alternatively, it could have taken it to a higher altitude for better views of Mt. Cook and glaciers. Also, the walk on the glaciers could have been made more interesting by having some planned activities, like use of ice axe by individuals etc. All in all, the experience was not worth the price tag put against it of 555 NZD.