exclusive tasman encounter

a Tailored glacier Helihike experience

Duration

4 to 5 Hours

Season

All Year

Gearlist

View gearlist

PRICE FROM $1,395 NZD Per person

Private TAsman GLacier Helihike—YOur Glacier, Your Pace

Escape the crowds and step into a world of blue ice and towering peaks. This is the Haupapa Tasman Glacier on your terms—an exclusive, privately guided mission into the heart of New Zealand’s biggest mountains.

Exclusively Yours

Forget the fixed itineraries. With a private helicopter and your own dedicated alpine guide, the day is yours to shape. Whether you’re a family looking for a relaxed wander through ice caves*, or a small group keen to push deeper into the glacier’s wilder features, we tailor the adventure to your preferred pace.

Time to Explore

With up to four hours on the ice, there’s no rush. Take the time to soak in the scale of the Tasman Valley or hunt out the perfect photo op. Your guide doesn’t just show the way; they unlock the secrets of the shifting ice, from deep crevasses to hidden moulins

*The natural ice features of the Tasman Glacier are carved by the weather. They change constantly, across the seasons, and even day to day. Every Tasman Encounter is a unique experience. Ice caves are not guaranteed.

Price: NZ$1,395 per person

A minimum of one person is required to operate, but there is a minimum charge for 3 people.

 Tours are scheduled at10:00 AM, but can be tailored to fit your schedule.

Check-in at Alpine Guides' office in Mount Cook Village.

How to book

You can book online, or contact us. Bookings need to be made at least 5 days in advance.

Credit card details are needed to confirm your booking. No charge will be made until the day of your trip.

You can cancel your trip with no penalty until 6 days before the trip.

If we cannot operate because of bad weather, you will not be charged.

What’s Included

We provide all the specialized gear and professional instruction you need—no mountaineering experience required. Just bring your sense of wonder; we’ll handle the rest.

  • Qualified professional glacier guide

  • Two scenic helicopter flights

  • Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views

  • Up to 4 hours on the glacier

  • All technical snow and ice equipment is provided

Disclosure of Risk

The Exclusive Tasman is an adventure activity.

By New Zealand law, we must advise you of the potential risks involved before you make a booking.

Please read the Risk Disclosure

Minimum Age

You must be at least 12 years of age to participate. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.

Please see our full booking conditions below.

Ability required and itinerary

Ability Required

The Exclusive Tasman Encounter is for adventurous travelers seeking the remotebeauty of the glaciers. We let you set the pace, and take time to soak in the spectacular landscape of the Tasman Valley.

The pace is tailored to your needs - as to how challenging, or relaxed you want it to be. Because it is a private experience, there is no pressure to go faster (or slower) from people you don't know. 

Ability Checklist

  • “Average” or better fitness level

  • Able to walk with a small backpack on uneven terrain

  • Have a good sense of balance

  • Able to climb and descend stairs without using your hands

  • Good flexibility - you may need to crouch and move through some smaller spaces

  • Happy to be in the elements for between 3 to 4 hours

The HIghlights

The natural ice features of the Haupapa Tasman Glacier are carved by wind and water. They change constantly, across the seasons, and even day to day. This means every Private Helihike is a unique experience.

We offer at least 3 hours on the ice. If you have a more active group, we can extend to 4 hours. Just let us know. Start and finish times can be adjusted, to fit your travel plans

On The Ice

After a thrilling helicopter flight, your NZMGA-certified guide will introduce you to crampons and safe travel and the realm of ice and rock. Then beings your exploratory journey through the labyrinth of natural ice features.

  • Safely peer into crevasses and moulins

  • Squeeze through blue ice caves, channels, and opalescent tunnels carved by water

Your guide’s intimate knowledge of the glaciers, local history, ecology, and mountains of New Zealand makes the trip a true encounter with the forces of nature.

Exclusive Tasman Encounter Itinerary

All times are approximate

10:00 Check-in. Meet your glacier guide at Alpine Guides’ base. We sort the technical gear and run an in-depth safety briefing before driving to Mount Cook Airport. You will be in the elements for between 3 to 4 hours.

10:45 Fly on to the glacier to start your unforgettable experience

14:30 (approx) Take a scenic flight back to the airport, and transfer to Alpine Guides to end your trip.

Times are approximate. We reserve the right to alter itineraries to work around the weather, guest abilities, and special requests.

Booking Conditions

The Exclusive Tasman Encounter has different booking conditions from our mountaineering program. When you book, it is assumed you have read and are happy with our terms and conditions. All guests must sign a waiver at check-in. 

  • Mountain activities are weather-dependent. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if the weather is not safe/suitable for the helicopter, or walking. Customers may transfer to another date if guide availability, the weather, and their itineraries allow.

    Alpine Guides reserves the right to change the duration of the trip around changing weather conditions.

    If a trip is shortened due to incoming weather, there is no refund due.

  • Travel insurance is recommended to cover last-minute cancellations and potential loss of payment/deposits due to injury or travel disruption. Most standard travel policies will cover you for this, up to specific limits.

    If we cannot operate due to weather, a refund of 100% of the pre-paid deposit will be made.

    If paid by credit card the refund will be credited to the same card you paid with. Charges will appear in the name of ‘Alpine Guides Aoraki’ on the credit cardholder's statement.

    General Cancellations

    Cancellations 6 or more days in advance of the trip start date will incur no charge, or a full refund.

    Cancellations 5 days or less from the start date will incur a 25% cancellation fee.

    No refund will be given for cancellations 24 hours or less before the trip start time, or for guests who do not show.

    Cancellations should be made by phone (+64 3 435 1834), email, or in person.

  • It is important that you understand the hazards involved when participating in these activities. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.

    Guided hiking, climbing, and snowshoeing, are classified as “adventure activities’” There is a degree of risk of personal injury. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.

    We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:

    • Uneven and icy terrain and slopes

    • Natural, uncontrolled terrain features

    • Potential exposure to cold

    • Potential exposure to UV light

    All guests receive a full briefing on hazards.

  • Our guides only provide interpretation and safety instruction in English. The inability to understand your guide’s instructions is a safety risk. If you cannot understand basic English, you must accompany a person who can translate for you. If you are hearing impaired, please inform our staff.

  • Most healthy people with 'average' and higher levels of fitness should enjoy these activities.

    Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part in an activity. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, when completing your booking.

    Lack of physical fitness or medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip.

    We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.

  • All minors (under 18 years) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.

    Children need to be 12 years old.

  • You must be 18 years or older to make a booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian travelling with you must complete your registration form prior to the trip.

    Helicopter Loads are determined by weight and balance. If the weight of your party exceeds the allowed weight, an extra helicopter load may be required and will be an additional cost.

    Pregnancy: so long as there are no health issues associated with exercise, if a pregnant woman can travel safely by airline (up to roughly 27 weeks), they can participate in the trip. Pregnant women in their 3rd trimester (28-40 weeks) should not participate.

More trip ideas

Mount Cook Day Hikes

  • Challenge level:
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Tasman Glacier Helihike

  • Challenge level:
    A walk in the Park
  • Length:
    3.5 Hours

Tasman Glacier Ice Adventure

  • Challenge level:
    Achievable Adventure
  • Length:
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A group of people sitting on a balcony over a sign reading 'Alpine Guides' with a background of mountains and trees.
Two climbers in snow-covered mountains, wearing helmets and backpacks, standing on a peak.
Topographic map with Suunto compass placed on it, showing various contour lines and geographic features.