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Exclusive Tasman Encounter drone view of helicopter and guests on glacier

Exclusive Tasman Encounter

Private Glacier Exploration

A Private Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike. Your Glacier, Your Pace

Escape the crowds and step into a world of blue ice and towering peaks. This is the Haupapa Tasman Glacier on your terms—an exclusive, privately guided mission into the heart of New Zealand’s biggest mountains.

Exclusively Yours
Forget the fixed itineraries. With a private helicopter and your own dedicated alpine guide, the day is yours to shape. Whether you’re a family looking for a relaxed wander through ice caves*, or a small group keen to push deeper into the glacier’s wilder features, we tailor the adventure to your preferred pace.

Time to Explore: With up to four hours on the ice, there’s no rush. Take the time to soak in the scale of the Tasman Valley or hunt out the perfect photo op. Your guide doesn’t just show the way; they unlock the secrets of the shifting ice, from deep crevasses to hidden moulins.

Your day wraps up with a spectacular scenic flight, hovering over the jagged spine of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps) for a perspective few get to see.

No Stress, Just Ice
We provide all the specialized gear and professional instruction you need—no mountaineering experience required. Just bring your sense of wonder; we’ll handle the rest.

* Ice caves are constantly changing and not guaranteed

trip level
Easy
guide ratio
1:5+
duration
Up to 4 hours on Ice
season
All Year Round
Group Size
Min 3
start location
Alpine Guides' base, Aoraki Mount Cook
start and finish time
09:00 - Tailored
mountain Access
Aircraft
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price
NZ $1,525 per person
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Exclusive Tasman Encounter guest exploring ice formation on glacier
Highlights

The natural ice features of the Haupapa Tasman Glacier are carved by wind and water. They change constantly, across the seasons, and even day to day. This means every Private Helihike is a unique experience.

We offer at least 3 hours on the ice. If you have a more active group, we can extend to 4 hours. Just let us know. Start and finish times can be adjusted, to fit your travel plans

On The Ice

After a thrilling helicopter flight, your NZMGA-certified guide will introduce you to crampons, safe travel and the realm of ice and rock. Then begins your exploratory journey through the labyrinth of natural ice features.

  • Safely peer into crevasses and moulins
  • Squeeze through blue ice caves, channels, and opalescent tunnels carved by water

Your guide’s intimate knowledge of the glaciers, local history, ecology, and mountains of New Zealand makes the trip a true encounter with the forces of nature.

Trip Schedule
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Price List
Group Size
Price
1
NZ $4375
2
NZ $2675 per person
3
NZ $2100 per person
4
NZ $1775 per person

Price

NZ $1525 per person

A minimum of one person is required to operate, but there is a minimum charge for 3 people.

Trip Profile

Know before you go

Plan Your Trip
What's Included
included
  • Qualified professional glacier guide
  • Two scenic helicopter flights
  • Incredible mountain, glacier, and lake views
  • Up to 4 hours on the glacier
  • All technical snow and ice equipment is provided
Other Info
Skills you need

No mountainering experience is needed

You must:

  • Have average or better fitness level
  • Be able to walk with a small backpack on uneven terrain
  • Have a good sense of balance
  • Be able to climb and descend stairs unassisted
  • Have good flexibility, and be able to bend and stretch - you may need to crouch and move through some smaller spaces
  • Be happy to be in the elements for up to 4 hours
trip specific
  • You need to be at least 12 years of age to participate.
  • Children need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, 18 years or older.
  • We reserve the right to alter itineraries to work around the weather, or guests' abilities and requirements.

Minimum Numbers:

  • We need a minimum of 3 people to run these adventures. For one or 2 people, the minimum price is the 3-person rate.

>> Please read the full Booking Terms and Conditions <<

gear list short summary

All the gear you need for a fun adventure is provided; including boots, crampons or snowshoes, hiking poles, warm jackets, hats, gloves and socks.
Dress in what you normally would to go walking—in comfortable clothing.


Please bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block and lip balm (UV is high all year)
  • Warm hat and gloves for cool days
  • Sun protection for warm weather
  • A windproof jacket
  • A small backpack
  • Long trousers - no shorts or skirts


Don’t worry if you forget anything or do not have everything. We have supplies of socks, gloves, warm hats, backpacks, jackets, and more, that you can borrow.

Concession holder with Department of Conservation, authorised to operate in New Zealand’s alpine conservation areas.Kea Conservation Trust logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for Kea Conservation Trust and the protection of native alpine wildlife.Partner logo of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations representing Alpine Guides’ alignment with international guiding standards and best practice.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Guides Association representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to professional guiding standards and safety.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Safety Council representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to mountain safety and education.Qualmark Gold Award logo recognising Alpine Guides’ commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable tourism practices.Qualworx - Safety Audit CertifiedTiaki logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for the Tiaki Promise.Alpine Guides support Trap NZ
Concession holder with Department of Conservation, authorised to operate in New Zealand’s alpine conservation areas.Kea Conservation Trust logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for Kea Conservation Trust and the protection of native alpine wildlife.Partner logo of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations representing Alpine Guides’ alignment with international guiding standards and best practice.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Guides Association representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to professional guiding standards and safety.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Safety Council representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to mountain safety and education.Qualmark Gold Award logo recognising Alpine Guides’ commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable tourism practices.Qualworx - Safety Audit CertifiedTiaki logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for the Tiaki Promise.Alpine Guides support Trap NZ