exclusive tasman encounter
a Tailored glacier Helihike experience
Difficulty
Duration
7 Hours
Season
October thru May
Gearlist
PRICE FROM $1,375 NZD
exclusive tasman encounter
Join us on a full-day private heli-hike on the Huapapa Tasman Glacier, surrounded by the spectacle of New Zealand’s highest mountains. This is Alpine Guides’ tailored ice experience for small groups and families. You have exclusive use of a helicopter and a personal glacier guide for the day. The options are endless on this highlight of your visit to Aoraki Mount Cook.
First up, you will enjoy a thrilling scenic helicopter flight to the “white ice” of the Glacier. Then, your NZMGA-certified guide will take you on an exploratory journey through the labyrinth of natural ice features.
You can safely view crevasses, moulins, blue ice caves*, and other amazing natural features. Your guide’s intimate knowledge of the glaciers, local history, ecology, and mountains of New Zealand make the trip a true encounter with the forces of nature.
A gourmet picnic lunch will be taken, before continuing your exploration. As the trip is privately booked, you can make your day as adventurous, or as relaxed as you wish. There is plenty to see and do at any skill level.
Your day will finish with an awe-inspiring scenic flight out, hovering over the landscape of glaciated peaks of Ka Tiritiri o Te Moana, the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
*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.
| Group Size | Price per person in NZD |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $4,600 |
| 2 People | $2,550 per person |
| 3 People | $1,725 per person |
| 4 People | $1,525 per person |
| 5 People | $1,375 per person |
Groups of 6 or more require 2 guides and an additional helicopter load. Contact us for pricing.
Pricing and Inclusions
All trips start at 09:00 AM.
Check-in at Alpine Guides' office in Mount Cook Village.
How to book
Please, contact us with your date of choice. We will confirm guide availability.
What’s Included
Qualified professional glacier guide
Two scenic helicopter flights
Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views
Gourmet lunch on the ice
Up to 5 hours on the glacier
All technical snow and ice equipment is provided
Minimum Age
You need to be at least 12 years of age to participate. Minors need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.
Please see our full booking conditions below.
Operating Season
Tasman Encounters run from spring to autumn (October through to May). We do not run this trip during the winter months.
Ability required and itinerary
Ability Required
The Exclusive Tasman Encounter is for adventurous travelers seeking the remote beauty 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 up to 5 hours
Exclusive Tasman Encounter Itinerary
All times are approximate
09:00 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 up to 5 hours.
10:30 Fly on to the glacier to start your unforgettable experience
15:30 (approx) Take a scenic flight back to the airport
16:00 (approx.) Back at Alpine Guides to end your trip
Times are approximate. We reserve the right to alter itineraries to work around the weather, or guest abilities and requirements.
Booking Conditions
The Exclusive Tasman Encounter has different booking conditions than 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.
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The Exclusive Tasman Encounter will be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form/waiver and a deposit of 25% of the trip fee. The 25% deposit is non-refundable.
The balance of payment is due within 21 days of the trip date.
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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.
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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% will be made
If paying 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 8 or more days in advance of the trip start date will incur no charge, or a full refund.
Cancellations 7 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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All minors (under 18 years) must be accompanied buy a parent/guardian 18 years or older.
Children need to be 12 years old.
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You must be 18 years or older to make a booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling 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.
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking. Full payment is due within 21 days.
