Scenic flight to Mt Cook and Heli Hike on the Tasman Glacier

Trip Highlights

• Scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
• Two hour uncrowded cruise through Milford Sound
• Three and a half hour guided walk featuring Giant Gate waterfall
• Complimentary tea and coffee available on-board
• We go further, and get you closer than any other cruise operator
• Great photo opportunities as we get you closer to waterfalls and wildlife
• Return scenic flights on different flight paths over Fiordland National Park from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Duration

7.5 Hours

Your Journey

Departing from Queenstown, this stunning 1-hour scenic flight to Aoraki/Mount Cook takes in the dramatic landscapes of vast valleys, stunning lakes and New Zealand’s highest mountains. The only way to truly appreciate the sheer size and ruggedness of the Southern Alps is by air and this flight won’t disappoint.

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 by helicopter 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.

Important: A minimum of 4 passengers are required to confirm a trip. Moderate fitness is required, and a minimum age of 8 years applies.

Inclusions

Inclusions from Queenstown

• 1 hour scenic flight from Queenstown to Mt. Cook.
• 1 hour scenic flight from Mt Cook to Queenstown.
• Complimentary hotel transfers.

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Inclusions

• Scenic helicopter flight
• Glacier landing and 2 hour glacier hike
• Professional and experienced guides
• All equipment – glacier boots, ice crampons, and a waterproof jacket if required