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Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Nature At Its Most Awesome
Welcome to New Zealand’s dramatic mountain country and Aoraki/Mount Cook area; enjoy spectacular views from the air, feel the ice crunch underfoot as you walk on the Tasman Glacier and hear the groan and grind of this massive moving river of ice.
The turn off to Aoraki/Mt Cook is on SH8 by Lake Pukaki. Driving east this can be found 8kms from Twizel and driving west, 50 kms from Lake Tekapo.
Turn onto SH80, which leads you to the Mt Cook Village. 6kms from the Village, follow signs to the Mt Cook airport. This is where our operating base is situated.
Please be aware of the travel times to our base, this will ensure that you allow sufficient time to travel safely. We are unable to delay a trip departure if you are running late.
These times are based on travel during summer and do not include any stopping along the way. Allow extra time if you are travelling in winter:
From:
Mt Cook Village 10 minutes
Twizel: 50 minutes
Tekapo: 1.5 hours
Wanaka: 2.75 hours
CHILD POLICY Heli-hike 9 years or older, Ice climbing 13 years or older
CANCELLATION 24 hours 100% | Full refund if trip is cancelled by the operator for any reason
SEASON Open year round
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Nature At Its Most Awesome
Welcome to New Zealand’s dramatic mountain country and Aoraki/Mount Cook area; enjoy spectacular views from the air, feel the ice crunch underfoot as you walk on the Tasman Glacier and hear the groan and grind of this massive moving river of ice.
Glacier Exploring – Breath Taking Adventures
Discover the magnificent Aoraki/Mount Cook region by experiencing heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing in and around the imposing Haupapa/Tasman Glacier.
It is our pleasure to guide you on a thrilling experience and be part of your alpine adventure in one of the most visually stunning parts of New Zealand.
Mt Cook Guides – Experience Counts
Mt Cook Glacier Guiding was formed by combining Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters and Fox Glacier Guiding. The combination of leaders in aviation tourism and glacier guiding professionals has provided us with a long and safe history of operating in this beautiful alpine environment.
Combine the excitement of crampon hiking or snowshoeing on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of our highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Fly into a remote point on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier and experience up to to 2 hours on the ice. Snow-shoeing limited to winter trips. Duration 3 hours.
Explore the immense beauty and ice formations of the upper snowfield of the glacier. As you fly in to 2200 metres (7200 ft.) aboard either a helicopter or ski plane, marvel at the rock and ice debris transform to glistening white, this is where the glacier’s 23 kilometre journey begins. Your guides provide you with snowshoes or crampons, adjustable walking poles and any additional equipment necessary. Magnificent views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Hochstetter icefall on your return flight. 5 hour trip (3 hrs ice-time plus 18 flight each way).
Feeling adventurous? Come ice climbing in New Zealand’s big alpine environment!
A thrilling scenic helicopter flight takes you up the Tasman Valley to the best ice climbing location. Take in awe-inspiring views of the home of New Zealand’s big alpine scenery, watch for the Haupapa/Tasman glacier lake and marvel at the spectacular Hochstetter Icefall.
Our expert guides will quickly teach you how to master basic crampon and ice axe techniques. Using ice tools and the front points of your crampons, you climb vertical and at times, overhanging ice walls and pinnacles, or maybe you’ll climb into a crevasse; you are always safely secured by a top rope attached to your harness.
On this trip you receive personalized ice climbing instruction. Our ice-climbing guides receive special training to ensure they teach skills in the correct order so you advance quickly.
Come on an adventure you will never forget!
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre in Mt Cook Village showcases the first ascent of Mt Everest by a New Zealander who trained in these mountains. Complete your alpine experience with a meal or drink at the Old Mountaineers Cafe in the village.
