Tasman glacier ice trek

Duration

7 Hours

Season

All year round

Gearlist

View gearlist

PRICE FROM $1095 NZD

Tasman glacier ice trek

This is Alpine Guides' “full-day” helihike, designed for the fitter, or more adventurous traveler, who wants to get close and personal to the mighty Haupapa Tasman Glacier.

The Ice Trek combines the thrill of 2 scenic helicopter rides, plus a true exploratory journey on the ever-changing hard ice of the ‘Tasman.

You fly by helicopter to a high landing at approx. 1,400 metres above sea level. Then, with your glacier guide, you traverse the incredible glacial landscape, while moving through the regular Tasman Glacier Heli Hike terrain and on, into more “adventurous” zones.

You can join a scheduled trip (running 2 times per week) or book a private, more customised, trip for your small team of ice explorers.

HoW The Ice Trek Works

Explore The Ice

Hiking on the Ice Trek may cover up to 5 kilometres of distance, with many diversions.

You will explore fascinating ice features, squeeze through winding canyons, peer into moulins and caves - and the many surprises the ice delivers!

The glacier changes constantly through the season, so no two trips are the same.

A Full Day on the Ice Hike

This is a full-day helihike. You can join with other intrepid ice trekkers on our scheduled trips, or arrange an exclusive private experience with us.

The ice trek will have you out in the elements for at least 5 hours. You need to be moderately fit, good on your feet balance, and a sense of adventure.

Seasonal Variation

The Ice Trek can run at any time of year. Features on the ice of the Tasman Glacier change constantly, across the seasons, and even day to day. No two trips will be the same.

Standard Ice trek

This summer our scheduled Ice Trek runs every Wednesday and Saturday.

Price from May 2024: NZ$1395 per person

A minimum of 4 people are required to operate. Bookings are accepted on the basis that reservations will be coordinated to achieve minimum numbers

All trips start at 09:00 AM.

Check-in at Alpine Guides office in Mount Cook Village.

What’s Included

  • Qualified professional glacier guide

  • Two 15-minute scenic helicopter flights

  • Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views

  • Up to 5 hours on the glacier

  • All technical snow and ice equipment is provided

Not Included

  • Lunch - please bring your own lunch and snacks

Minimum Age

You need to be at least 16 years of age to participate. Minors need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.

Please see our full booking conditions below.

Private Ice TRek - Prices from May 2024

Group Size Price per person in NZD
1 Person $4,325
2 People $2,275 per person
3 People $1,595 per person
4 People $1,275 per person
5 People $1,095 per person

All trips start at 09:00 AM.

Check-in at Alpine Guides office in Mount Cook Village.

The price is based on the number of participants. Groups of 6 or more should contact us for a price.

This trip is 100% 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. 

What’s Included

  • Qualified professional glacier guide

  • Two 15-minute scenic helicopter flights

  • Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views

  • Lunch on the ice

  • Up to 5 hours on the glacier

  • Ice climbing option available

  • All technical snow and ice equipment is provided

How to Book

All private Ice Treks are “on request”.

Please contact us with your date of choice and we will get back to you to confirm guide availability before you make a reservation.

Experience required and itinerary

Experience Required

The Ice Trek is for fit people with a taste for exploration. You must be confident walking on uneven terrain continuously for several hours carrying a small backpack.

You must be able to easily climb or descend stairs without impaired balance.

Children may join, the private Ice Trek. They must be at least 12 years old, accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Ice Trek Timetable

All times are approximate

09:00 Check-in. Meet your glacier guide at the Alpine Guides base. We sort gear before driving to Mount Cook Airport.

10:30 Fly on to the glacier - your Ice Trek begins!

15:30 (approx) Fly back to the airport

16:00 (approx.) Back at Alpine Guides to end your trip

Booking Conditions

The Ice Trek has different booking conditions than 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. 

  • Private Ice Treks will be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form/waiver and a deposit of 25% of the trip fee. The 25% deposit is non-refundable.

    The balance of payment is due within 21 days of the trip date.

    For scheduled Ice Treks full payment is due while booking.

  • Mountain activities are weather-dependent. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if the weather is not safe/suitable for the helicopter, or walking. Customers may transfer to another date if guide availability, the weather, and their itineraries allow.

    Alpine Guides reserves the right to change the duration of the trip around changing weather conditions.

    If a trip is shortened due to incoming weather, there is no refund due.

  • Travel insurance is recommended to cover last-minute cancellations and potential loss of payment/deposits due to injury or travel disruption. Most standard travel policies will cover you for this, up to specific limits.

    If we cannot operate due to weather, a refund of 100% is due for any pre-paid deposits.

    If paying by credit card the refund will be credited to the same card you paid with. Charges will appear in the name of ‘Alpine Guides Aoraki’ on the credit cardholder's statement.

    General Cancellations

    For all booking cancellations, except due to weather, we reserve the right to retain a 25% portion of payment.

    Cancellations should be made by phone (+64 3 435 1834), email, or in person.

  • It is important that you understand the hazards involved when participating in these activities. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.

    Guided hiking, climbing, and snowshoeing, are classified as “adventure activities’” There is a degree of risk of personal injury. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.

    We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:

    • Uneven and icy terrain and slopes

    • Natural, uncontrolled terrain features

    • Potential exposure to cold

    • Potential exposure to UV light

    All guests receive a full briefing on hazards.

  • Our guides only provide interpretation and safety instruction in English. The inability to understand your guide’s instructions is a safety risk. If you cannot understand basic English, you must accompany a person who can translate for you. If you are hearing impaired, please inform our staff.

  • Most healthy people with 'average' and higher levels of fitness should enjoy these activities.

    Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part in an activity. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, when completing your booking.

    Lack of physical fitness or medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip.

    We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.

  • All minors (under 18 years) must be accompanied buy a parent/guardian 18 years or older.

    Private Ice Trek - Children need to be at least 12 years old and confident on uneven terrain to join private.

    Scheduled Ice Treks - Children need to be 16 years old.

  • You must be 18 years or older to make a booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling with you must complete your registration form prior to the trip.

    Helicopter Loads are determined by weight and balance. If the weight of your party exceeds the allowed weight, an extra helicopter load may be required and will be an additional cost.

  • For scheduled Ice Treks a minimum of 4 participants is required to operate. Bookings are accepted on the basis that reservations will be coordinated to achieve minimum numbers.

Private Treks - a 25% deposit is required to secure your booking. Full payment is due within 21 days.

Scheduled Treks - full payment is required when booking.

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