Our Glacier Heli-hike takes place on the remote Isobel and Tyndall Glaciers in the Te Wāhipounamu / South West New Zealand World-Heritage site and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana / Southern Alps. Our trips are run in small private groups adding to the feeling of isolation. This allows all trips to be individually tailored to mountain conditions, fitness, and personal ambition. Savor the views of high alpine peaks of Tititea / Mount Aspiring through to Pikirakatahi / Mount Earnslaw as you explore the glacier with its crevasses and icefalls and remote landscapes with your certified guide.

The helicopter flight will transport you up above 2000m in the mountains, where temperatures can be much colder than the valley floors.

A full range of conditions can be expected, and participants need to be suitably prepared. You will need:

• Snow boots (available to borrow)

• Gloves (warm and waterproof)

• Long-sleeved thermal tops (polyprop or merino)

• Warm layers (fleece or synthetic-fill)

• Waterproof jacket

• Long outdoor trousers or thermal leggings

• Sunhat and sunscreen

• Warm hat and neck gaiter (eg Buff®)

• Sunglasses (with good face coverage)

• Backpack and water bottle

On the morning of the trip, your guide can pick you up from your accommodation in Wānaka or you can meet them at the Aspiring Helicopters hangar at Cattle Flat on the Wānaka / Mount Aspiring Road.

After introductions and gear checks, the helicopter takes off and travels 15-20 minutes along the Matukituki Valley, across the Harris Mountains, and deep into the heart of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

The group is dropped off high on the glacier under the slopes of Mount Tyndall.
Your guide will introduce the technical equipment and skills required to safely move around the glacier including using ropes, crampons or snowshoes.

The group is dropped off high on the glacier under the slopes of Mount Tyndall.
Your guide will introduce the technical equipment and skills required to safely move around the glacier including using ropes, crampons or snowshoes.