Product Overview

A heli hike on the Tasman Glacier in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an adventure usually reserved only for experienced mountaineers. At 27 kilometres (17 mi) long, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) wide and 600 metres (2,000 ft) thick, it covers an area of 101 square kilometres (39 sq mi), starting at a height of 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) above sea level.

You’ll fly from Mount Cook airport over the gorgeous Tasman Glacier Lake and ice formations on the lower reaches of the Glacier to a location 3000m above sea level and assessed on the day to be safe. Venture on to the surprisingly undulating ice terrain in the shadow of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps (Aoraki and Mount Tasman); equipped with glacier boots and crampons and spend the next 2 hours in another world in the mountains. On the return flight home, you’ll fly close by the massive 1,000 metre high (3,200 feet) Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern face of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

We team up with Alpine Guides Ltd, Mount Cook who have been taking visitors over this epic icefall terrain since 1966 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. They have an immaculate safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is taken care of.

Product Description

• Scenic helicopter flight onto the Tasman glacier for an epic hiking adventure.
• Explore glacial ice formations on a professionally guided hike for up to 2-hours.
• Soar over the Southern Alps on a stunning scenic helicopter flight.
• A unique walk on NZ’s longest glacier.

Departure Times

11am all year round

Duration

3 hours 

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).

Company Info

The Helicopter Line is New Zealand’s leading helicopter operating company. Formed in 1986 when 3 separate helicopter companies combined, The Helicopter Line has grown to become the largest Kiwi owned Helicopter Company in New Zealand and the largest provider of scenic flights in the country.

The Helicopter Line fleet consists predominantly of AS350 Squirrels. They are perfectly suited to scenic flights, the open plan cabin allowing for excellent views from all seats. We have an excellent record of safety and have the highest level of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations. This involves regular monitoring and auditing of all aspects of our operations.

Our professional team is dedicated to ensuring you experience the best. We have professionally trained pilots who have specialist experience flying in New Zealand’s alpine environments and all of our crew are qualified to ensure your safety, both in the air and on the ground.

Many of the scenic flight options are within New Zealand’s national parks and The Helicopter Line has a large number of concessions from the Department of Conservation, allowing flights to parts of the country which may not otherwise be accessible. This access to some of the most iconic landscapes within New Zealand is a privilege The Helicopter Line is proud to share with you.

As well as scenic flights, The Helicopter Line offers private charter rates and undertakes commercial work.

• Largest New Zealand owned helicopter company and  provider of scenic flights
• 27 years of experience operating in NZ’s unique Alpine environment
• Professionally trained staff and excellent safety record
• Fleet of AS350 squirrels, offering great viewing from every seat
• Access to unique landing areas within the National Parks