Heli Hike the Tasman Glacier with Alpine Guides

This glacier hike was a fantastic experience! We chose a time when, as it turned out, only four of us were in the group, so we had even more interaction with the guide. Our guide was Andrea from Canada (her Chinese name is 烈婭). She was very friendly and professional, and through our conversations, you could really feel her passion for hiking. During the process, besides learning how to walk on snow with crampons, we also went to two small ice caves to take photos and drank water flowing from the glacier. She also took the initiative to capture some beautiful photos for us. It was a truly fulfilling experience!

The original appointment day was canceled due to strong winds and could be arranged for the next day. Fortunately, the weather was very good the next day, there was sunshine, and the wind was not strong, so we could set off smoothly. The store provides snow boots, thick socks, windproof jackets, backpacks, sunglasses, cold hats, gloves, and sunscreen lotion. They can be borrowed for free. You only need to wear basic clothing for your money. The helicopter can seat about 6 people, and they will sit in the back row on the outbound trip. They may also be seated in the front row on the return trip, so don’t worry. The scenery from the helicopter is beautiful and you can see Tasman Lake. After arriving at the glacier, you put on your crampons, took your hiking poles, and followed the tour guide to walk among the glaciers, explore, see ice caves, and even pass through ice caves that only one person could pass through. The weather is so good that you must wear sunglasses, otherwise the reflection will be bad for your eyes.

Andrea guide is so nicee and guide us well to different photos points, and clear explanations on safety measures. Definitely a must visit location if u come to Mount cook! the view is so stunning!

We registered at 8:45, and actually started checking in and changing clothes at 9:00. We were very lucky that both of us were in the front row of the helicopter. It was probably because of the weight arrangement. We were the first group of the day. It felt like an expedition team. We watched the instructor dig the ice ladder. It was convenient for everyone to walk, and it was confirmed that there was no problem in the ice cave before everyone could go down. It was very hard work after confirming that there were many small scars on my hands. It was a great experience.

This experience is worthwhile and unforgettable. The glacier changes every day. The ice cave that did not appear yesterday was enough for people to pass today. Coming to this land via helicopter, seeing the snow-capped mountains and endless glaciers on all sides made me feel very small. Fortunately, I have this opportunity to experience it without having to prepare too much luggage.

You can rent hiking boots, socks, crampons, backpacks, and jackets for free during the trip. The guide is also very patient and will let you know the precautions in the most vivid way. Highly recommended! Be sure to check out the different terrains!

What a rare experience! Although the employee made the reservation for the wrong date, luckily I found out and corrected it in time. You need to call to check the weather before departure (free cancellation if the weather is bad). I drove to Mt. Cook Airport by myself that day (about 1 hour from Lake Tekapo). After arriving, I went up to the Helicopter Line Check-in. The tour guide will briefly introduce the itinerary and equipment. (Socks/snow boots/jackets/gloves are all provided) Although the weather was sunny that day, the gusts were so strong that the helicopter almost couldn't take off and had to be cancelled! Fortunately, the pilot said that the weather on the mountain was relatively mild, so we became the last group of the day. However, the group members slept late and were late to leave in time. My wife and I finally chartered the entire helicopter~ It only takes 15 minutes from the airport to the glacier. After arriving, the tour guide helped us put on ice gripping shoes and distributed hiking poles, so it would not be too hard for us to walk on the glacier. Then we walked into some natural ice caves. The ice caves lacked sunlight and looked blue. It was so beautiful! We stayed on the glacier for about two hours and then started to go down the mountain. The beautiful scenery of the mountain and the glacier was really unforgettable. The tour guide said that the area of the glacier has shrunk a lot with climate warming. If you want to visit the glacier, don’t wait too long ~

I am very lucky to have participated in this trip. There have only been three flights in the past six weeks. Due to global warming, glaciers are gradually disappearing. It is recommended to join as early as possible.

It’s a fantastic experience! We are so lucky to have done this on our first attempt, and on a sunny day with no strong winds. The glacier walk is stunning, providing insight into how glaciers form and how climate impacts them. The helicopter ride was exceptional, and the guide was very professional.

Worth it! The staff is very nice 👍🏻. The view is very beautiful, a view you can't see from the ground. Pay attention to sun protection ❤️.