If you’re any kind of outdoor enthusiast, then you’ve likely been on almost every kind of hike that there is. Forests, coastal walks, mountain trails; you’re absolutely spoilt for choice in the frankly ridiculously picturesque New Zealand countryside.
But there’s one hike that very few people get the opportunity to do, and that’s a glacier hike. In several spots across the South Island, New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking glacial rivers you’ve ever seen, all fed by glaciers dotting the mountain landscape. If you’re seeking a hike along a glacier, then the South Island is the place to do it.
The Tasman Glacier heli-hike is one of the best ways for any outdoor adventurer to get up close and personal with a glacier. Luckily, it’s also one of our most popular tours, allowing you to enjoy the eastern side of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in just one day.
Explore what to expect from the Tasman Glacier with us to see if this is the next outdoor adventure on your bucket list!
What makes the Tasman Glacier so amazing?
The Tasman Glacier, despite its cold and isolated appearance, is alive with so much history and science that it’s almost difficult to take in all at once. As the largest glacier in New Zealand, this gorgeous feature stretches roughly 23 kilometres long and sits within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. It’s a well-loved feature of Aotearoa, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area protecting the broader Fiordland area.
The Tasman Glacier heli hike takes you right to the ice, so you’re not just walking with a view of the glacier, but you’re actually touching down on it. As you walk, your guide will explain how the glacier moves, melts, and reshapes the surrounding valleys. You’ll learn about how climate and geology work together to sculpt the landscape (and how the glacier’s slow, inching retreat tells the story of our changing environment).
This is truly once-in-a-lifetime, because you’re not only stepping onto a glacier, but you’re also stepping onto one of the most unique glaciers New Zealand has to offer. For almost any outdoor adventurer, this is an unmissable experience.
How does a helicopter hike work?
If you’ve never had the pleasure, a Tasman Glacier heli hike might sound a touch intimidating. But you can think of it as the perfect blend between a scenic flight and an awe-inspiring hike, one very few people ever get to experience.
It starts at Queenstown airfield, from which you’re flown to Mt Cook on a one-hour fixed-wing flight over the Southern Alps. You’ll head North, and your pilot will give live commentary as you fly, pointing out landmarks and sharing a few local stories that add depth to the view below.
Once the flight is through, you’ll find yourself landing near the glacier to meet up with our guiding partners at Alpine Guides. Their job is to provide you with a safety briefing and outfit you with everything necessary to safely hike the glacier. From there, you’ll hop into a helicopter, which is the main transport of the Tasman Glacier heli hike, and that flight will transport you to the lake at the centre of the glacier to begin your hike.
From there, you’ll begin your guided hike. The Tasman Glacier heli hike gives you around two hours to explore this remarkable landscape, moving between sparkling ice formations, hidden crevasses, and deep-blue meltwater pools that look like something from another planet.
Depending on the season, you might even spot moulins (vertical shafts formed by flowing water) or the eerie blue glow of ancient compacted ice that’s been buried for centuries.
How to come prepared:
While you might crave adventure in the outdoors, you don’t need to be an elite hiker to enjoy a Tasman Glacier heli hike. The terrain is moderate, and your guide will take care to tailor your route to the group’s comfort level.
As we said, your guides will provide a variety of equipment, including:
- Glacier boots and crampons for a safe grip
- Walking poles (optional, but helpful)
- A waterproof jacket and safety gear
- Expert instruction and local insight
All you really need to do is dress in comfortable activewear, bring your camera, a solid pair of sunglasses for the snow glare, and let the experience do the rest.
Bottom line? The Tasman Glacier heli hike is challenging enough to be exciting, accessible enough to be doable, but still rewarding enough to leave you speechless. So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to finally lace up your boots again, this is it.
Done it all? There’s one more outdoor adventure waiting for you.
We at True South Flights provide the best South Island experiences, and our Tasman Glacier heli hike is one of the best. Book your scenic flight with us today or talk to us about curating a package for your group trip. When it comes to South Island outdoor adventure experiences, we’re the team to trust.
