Breath-taking helicopter flights

Aoraki/Mount Cook dominates the Southern Alps mountain range that divides New Zealand’s South Island.

Breath-taking helicopter flights with The Helicopter Line offer magnificent views of the Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park exposing views of vast snowfields, glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook. Land high above the glaciers and step out onto a carpet of snow to snap that special photograph. Scenic helicopter flight options range from 20 minutes to 45 minutes.

To become truly immersed in this pristine landscape The Helicopter Line offers the Tasman Heli Hike in conjunction with Alpine Guides Ltd, Mount Cook.

The Tasman Glacier is the largest of several glaciers which flow south and east towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island. At 27 kilometres (17 miles) in length, Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier. It is as much as 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2000 feet) thick, and lies entirely within the borders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The glacier covers an area of 101 square kilometres (39 square miles).

Witness the beauty of the Tasman Glacier Lake and the stunning ice formations from your helicopter as you fly over the Tasman Glacier. Once you descend and step foot onto the ice you will encounter fresh alpine air as your guide introduces you to the world of the Tasman Glacier.

Your professional guide will lead you into the most spectacular terrain that is usually seen only by experienced mountaineers.

With an excellent safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment are assured. You will land at around 1,200 metres above sea level and spend up to two hours in the mountains. This is a guided interpretative trek on the “white ice”. As your crampons bite into the ice, you will trek on gentle undulating terrain, below the highest peaks of the Southern Alps (Aoraki and Mount Tasman). The snow-clad giants tower above vast icefalls that bulldoze and grind down the mountain sides.

On your return flight you will fly close by the massive 1000 metre high (3,200 feet) Hochstetter Icefall as your adventure nears its end. This is a unique experience and one which will not be forgotten.

The Helicopter Line Mount Cook operates scenic flights year round. The Tasman Heli Hike operates from October through to April. All trips are weather dependant. Courtesy transfers are available to and from central locations.

www.helicopter.co.nz