Tasman Glacier Hike by Ski Plane
- As you fly in to 2200 metres (7200 ft.) aboard your ski plane, marvel at the rock and ice debris transform to glistening white
- Enjoy a snow shoeing expedition that’ll take you to the top of the Tasman Glacier, the largest glacier in the country
- Marvel at the immense beauty of the glacier’s summit and wade through the lush snowscape
- Explore the ice formations in this ever-changing environment; you’re in the heart and birthplace of New Zealand mountaineering.
- Delight in the spectacular views of a gigantic iceberg in the middle of the glacier’s majestic lake
- Your flight home tracks down the eastern side of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the stunning Hochstetter icefall
What to expect
Explore the immense beauty of the upper snowfield of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, this is where its 23-kilometre journey begins. As you fly in to 2200 metres (7200 ft.) aboard your ski plane, marvel at the rock and ice debris transform to glistening white. Get ready to explore the glacier by walking, hiking and snowshoeing, you may even see an iceberg in the glacier lake!
If you have never tried snowshoeing in NZ, now is the time to give it a go! Snowshoeing is a great way to confidently make your way across snow-covered terrain. Once on the glacier, we will provide you with snowshoes, adjustable walking poles, harnesses and any additional equipment you may need. After your gear is fitted, you are ready to explore the ice formations in this ever-changing environment; you’re in the heart and birthplace of New Zealand mountaineering.
Your flight home tracks down the eastern side of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the stunning Hochstetter icefall. You’ll return home with incredible memories of your Tasman Glacier hike in this vast mountain landscape.
This experience is named in honour of Harry Wigley, pilot and pioneer of the retractable ski for glacier and airfield landings. Although the Haupapa/Tasman glacier is the primary landing site this may vary depending upon environmental conditions.
Good to know
What To Bring:
- Any essential medication
- 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing
- Warm trousers (not jeans)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks
- A warm hat and gloves
- A camera