Tasman Glacier

Enjoy a tour that will acquaint you with New Zealand’s biggest glacier and provide you with spectacular helicopter views of the country’s largest mountain, Aoraki or Mount Cook. To start your tour you will fly to your drop-off point on a remote part of the glacier. During your tour, explore amazing ice formations, following your guide as they cut steps in the glacier. Complete your trip with another spectacular scenic flight back to the base of the mountain. Every journey is unique because the glacier is everchanging. Your experienced guides are always finding something new and interesting to show you. Spend up to 2 hours on the ice, weather permitting.

**Itinerary** **Christchurch** – Our journey begins as we leave the Garden City (Christchurch) and head south toward our destination. Along the way, our knowledgeable driver will highlight some of the key landmarks and attractions of Christchurch. **Canterbury Plains** – Surrounding Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains stretch out, offering views of farmland as far as the eye can see. The plains are home to a variety of farming activities, including crop cultivation, vineyards, dairy farming, and livestock production. **Fairlie Bakehouse (10 mins)** – Nestled in the charming farming town of Fairlie, located in Mackenzie, this stop is a true delight. The town is especially stunning in autumn, as the landscape transforms with vibrant colors. Here, you can enjoy one of the famous meat pies from the local bakehouse. This is also where we’ll grab your lunch, ensuring you’re fueled for the rest of the journey. **Lake Tekapo & The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 mins)** – Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking alpine destination. At the right time of year, the lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. We’ll head to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, perfect for those Instagram-worthy pictures. **Lake Pukaki (10 mins)** – This glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes with its shifting colors, ranging from ice blue to deep blue, depending on the weather. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Mt Cook, rising from the lake’s edge. **Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5 hrs)** – Welcome to the heart of our journey! Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is named after the famous explorer James Cook. Once you arrive, you'll have the option to embark on the **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint** walk. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic helicopter ride for you and your family. - **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk (2-2.5 hrs)** – This track leads through the old terminal moraines of the Tasman Glacier, offering incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river, and lake. PLEASE NOTE, THE DOC ADVERTISED TIME FOR MT COOK IS 3 HOURS. HOWEVER, DUE TO POTENTIAL DELAYS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS OR ROAD CONDITIONS, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS TIMEFRAME. At 2:15 PM, please follow your guide's instructions to ensure you have time to check in at the hotel as you won't be returning back to Christchurch with us.

Fly in a ski plane and a helicopter on the same day for an unforgettable experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Enjoy a scenic adventure that includes a glacier snow landing. From take-off to landing, enjoy spectacular views. Fly up the Tasman Valley over the breathtaking blue glacier lake. See the Hochstetter Icefall and the cloud-piercing Aoraki/Mount Cook before landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier.  Take time to enjoy this unique alpine environment. These mountains are covered in snow and ice all year round, and the aircraft fully shuts down on landing.  Then, swap aircraft and return to Mount Cook Airport. During the tour, you'll also see Tasman Terminal Lake, Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut, as well as the full length of the Tasman Glacier.

-IMPORTANT UPDATE- *Temporary tour conditions due to partial closure of the Hooker Valley Track. *We may be able to increase the capacity even if the booking shows full or sold out. Please contact us from the company details below. -Itinerary- Meeting point 8:00 AM The meeting point for our tour is either the car park at the Tekapo Four Square supermarket or the public parking area next to the supermarket. Peter’s lookout 9:00 AM One of the best views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki(Mt Cook),and the surrounding Southern Alps is absolutely stunning, making it a must-visit spot. Hermitage Hotel 9:30 AM If you prefer not to participate in the hiking activity, you can choose to disembark at the hotel and reassemble at 3 PM. Tasman Glacier view track 9:45 AM For a memorable experience, consider exploring a short walking track offering magnificent views of the Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake. Please note that while the track is a relatively easy walk, it does involve ascending approximately 300 steps. If you prefer an alternative, we also offer the Tasman River Track, which is a very easy walk. Hooker Valley track 10:45 AM You are free to walk at your own pace on this self-guided walk. The average walking time is 1.5 to 2 hours. At any time, our driver can take you to the village after you finish hiking. Enjoy your free time in the village until the return time. If you are not very keen on long day hikes, alternative short walking tracks are available around Mount Cook village. Additional Walking Options: Kea Point Track (approx. 45-60 minutes return) – Easy Red Tarns Track (approx. 1.5-2 hours return) – Moderate Sealy Tarns Track (approx. 2.5-3 hours return) – Hard Track access is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen maintenance work by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Please check with our friendly driver on the day to confirm availability. Hermitage Hotel 3:00 PM Please gather in front of the hotel at 3 pm to return to Lake Tekapo. If you are engaged in another activity or require pickup from a different location, please inform the driver on the day of the tour. Lake Pukaki 4:00 PM A brief stop is scheduled at Lake Pukaki, allowing time for taking photos and visiting the Alpine Salmon Shop. Lake Tekapo 4:30-5:00 PM The group returns to the village around 5:00pm. Please ask our driver if you require a drop-off at your accommodation.

Experience dramatic glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful alpine walks on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. After pick-up from your hotel, journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, located a 4 hours' drive through spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the historic town of Geraldine. Then discover the heart of Mackenzie Country, the captivatingly turquoise Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and the well-recognized statue of Sheepdog. Travel through Lake Pukaki and admire stunning views of Mt. Cook from a distance. Enjoy a short scenic hike in the National Park to view the 23.5kms long Tasman Glacier which is the longest glacier in New Zealand before returning to Christchurch.

Enjoy a once in a lifetime heli hiking experience on the Tasman Glacier in the Aoraki (Mount Cook) National Park. Begin your adventure with a flight from Mount Cook airport over the gorgeous Tasman Glacier Lake and ice formations. Venture on to the surprisingly undulating ice terrain, in the shadow of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki, and Mount Tasman. Be equipped with glacier boots and crampons and spend 2 hours in another world in the mountains. On the return flight home, you will fly close to the massive 1,000-meter high Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern face of Aoraki. Take in the picturesque landscapes that are covered in beautiful white snow and ice year round. 

**Itinerary** **Christchurch** – Our journey begins as we leave the Garden City (Christchurch) and head south toward our destination. Along the way, our knowledgeable driver will highlight some of the key landmarks and attractions of Christchurch. **Canterbury Plains** – Surrounding Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains stretch out, offering views of farmland as far as the eye can see. The plains are home to a variety of farming activities, including crop cultivation, vineyards, dairy farming, and livestock production. **Fairlie Bakehouse (10 mins)** – Nestled in the charming farming town of Fairlie, located in Mackenzie, this stop is a true delight. The town is especially stunning in autumn, as the landscape transforms with vibrant colors. Here, you can enjoy one of the famous meat pies from the local bakehouse. This is also where we’ll grab your lunch, ensuring you’re fueled for the rest of the journey. **Lake Tekapo & The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 mins)** – Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking alpine destination. At the right time of year, the lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. We’ll head to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, perfect for those Instagram-worthy pictures. **Lake Pukaki (10 mins)** – This glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes with its shifting colors, ranging from ice blue to deep blue, depending on the weather. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Mt Cook, rising from the lake’s edge. **Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5 hrs)** – Welcome to the heart of our journey! Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is named after the famous explorer James Cook. Once you arrive, you'll have the option to embark on the **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint** walk. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic helicopter ride for you and your family. - **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk (2-2.5 hrs)** – This track leads through the old terminal moraines of the Tasman Glacier, offering incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river, and lake. PLEASE NOTE, THE DOC ADVERTISED TIME FOR MT COOK IS 3 HOURS. HOWEVER, DUE TO POTENTIAL DELAYS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS OR ROAD CONDITIONS, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS TIMEFRAME. At 2:15 PM, please follow your guide's instructions to ensure you have time to check in at the hotel as you won't be returning back to Christchurch with us.

**Itinerary** **Christchurch** – Our journey begins as we leave the Garden City (Christchurch) and head south toward our destination. Along the way, our knowledgeable driver will highlight some of the key landmarks and attractions of Christchurch. **Canterbury Plains** – Surrounding Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains stretch out, offering views of farmland as far as the eye can see. The plains are home to a variety of farming activities, including crop cultivation, vineyards, dairy farming, and livestock production. **Fairlie Bakehouse (10 mins)** – Nestled in the charming farming town of Fairlie, located in Mackenzie, this stop is a true delight. The town is especially stunning in autumn, as the landscape transforms with vibrant colors. Here, you can enjoy one of the famous meat pies from the local bakehouse. This is also where we’ll grab your lunch, ensuring you’re fueled for the rest of the journey. **Lake Tekapo & The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 mins)** – Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking alpine destination. At the right time of year, the lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. We’ll head to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, perfect for those Instagram-worthy pictures. **Lake Pukaki (10 mins)** – This glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes with its shifting colors, ranging from ice blue to deep blue, depending on the weather. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Mt Cook, rising from the lake’s edge. **Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5 hrs)** – Welcome to the heart of our journey! Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is named after the famous explorer James Cook. Once you arrive, you'll have the option to embark on the **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint** walk. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic helicopter ride for you and your family. - **Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk (2-2.5 hrs)** – This track leads through the old terminal moraines of the Tasman Glacier, offering incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river, and lake. PLEASE NOTE, THE DOC ADVERTISED TIME FOR MT COOK IS 3 HOURS. HOWEVER, DUE TO POTENTIAL DELAYS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS OR ROAD CONDITIONS, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS TIMEFRAME. At 2:15 PM, please follow your guide's instructions to ensure you have time to check in at the hotel as you won't be returning back to Christchurch with us.

Take in three of New Zealand’s most impressive glaciers during a helicopter ride. Land on the elevated snow landing site to take photos of the spectacular views. Meet at the local partner’s office to check in and attend a safety briefing. Then, following a transfer to a private hangar, you will meet your pilot and board the helicopter for takeoff. Put your headset on to listen to your pilot's guided commentary. Fly over the terminal moraine of the ancient Franz Josef Glacier and up the valley to see the big three from above. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are ice rivers that plug New Zealand's longest glacier: the Tasman Glacier. Take in their ice pinnacles and crevasses while flying amongst some of New Zealand’s biggest mountains. Admire Mount Cook in the impressive Southern Alps. Land on an elevated snow landing site to enjoy stunning views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park for 15 minutes. You will have plenty of time to take photos before returning to the hangar.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier and soar above the Liebig mountain range, taking in the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Make an alpine landing to take in the breathtaking panoramic views. Depart from the Aoraki / Mount Cook Base and check in for your flight. Board your helicopter and take off into the sky. Soar above the lower Tasman Glacier and the Liebig mountain range, taking in the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Make an alpine landing to take in the breathtaking panoramic views. Take photos of the stunning scenery and feel the thrill of being surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.