exclusive tasman encounter

a Tailored glacier Helihike experience

Duration

4 to 5 Hours

Season

All Year

Gearlist

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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 at09:00 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

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 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. 

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:
    7 Hours
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.