THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take a full-day small-group trip from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook and land on the Tasman Glacier. This combo blends a scenic coach run, two helicopter flights and a guided glacier walk — an alpine day built for views and hands-on ice travel.
Take a full-day small-group trip from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook and land on the Tasman Glacier. This combo blends a scenic coach run, two helicopter flights and a guided glacier walk — an alpine day built for views and hands-on ice travel.
Morning light slices the Southern Alps as the minibus eases out of Queenstown, guides narrating the landscape that unfolds: the Kawarau Gorge cuts steep and pale, Lindis Pass widens into tussock plains, and then Lake Pukaki appears — an impossible, glacial blue framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel · Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, Canterbury
Morning light slices the Southern Alps as the minibus eases out of Queenstown, guides narrating the landscape that unfolds: the Kawarau Gorge cuts steep and pale, Lindis Pass widens into tussock plains, and then Lake Pukaki appears — an impossible, glacial blue framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook.
This full-day small-group route stitches together high-country farming history, alpine geology and Māori place-name significance. Aoraki (the mountain) and the Tasman Glacier are products of uplifted greywacke and long winters of snow that compact into flowing ice. European shepherding and hydro schemes reshaped valleys here in the 19th–20th centuries, while local Ngāi Tahu hold deep cultural ties to the peaks and waterways.
The heli-hike portion lands you on the Tasman Glacier for a guided exploration of crevasse fields, blue ice, and moraine edges. Your guide cuts steps, fits crampons, and interprets glacier features shaped by melt and movement. Helicopter approaches give repeated, cinematic views of Aoraki’s ridgelines and the sprawling ice tongue.
Practical edge: this is a long, weather-dependent day — expect early pickup from Queenstown, about 10–12 hours total. Dress in 3–4 warm layers, avoid jeans, and bring sun protection and hydration. Operators supply mountaineering boots, gaiters, crampons, poles and waterproofs; still, break in footwear beforehand and carry a small daypack for layers and camera gear. Fitness matters — there is sustained walking on uneven, icy terrain. Flights can be cancelled at short notice for safety; flexibility in plans and travel insurance are wise.
No — the heli-hike is guided and the operator supplies boots, crampons and instruction, but you should be comfortable walking on icy, uneven ground.
Flights are subject to pilot decision; if cancelled you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund per the operator’s policy; allow flexibility in your schedule.
Children under 12 are not permitted on this activity; age and weight limits are applied for safety and aircraft weight-balance reasons.
Yes — bring a secure camera or phone, but protect it from cold and moisture; keep it in an inner pocket between photos to conserve battery life.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Morning light slices the Southern Alps as the minibus eases out of Queenstown, guides narrating the landscape that unfolds: the Kawarau Gorge cuts steep and pale, Lindis Pass widens into tussock plains, and then Lake Pukaki appears — an impossible, glacial blue framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Morning light slices the Southern Alps as the minibus eases out of Queenstown, guides narrating the landscape that unfolds: the Kawarau Gorge cuts steep and pale, Lindis Pass widens into tussock plains, and then Lake Pukaki appears — an impossible, glacial blue framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook.
This full-day small-group route stitches together high-country farming history, alpine geology and Māori place-name significance. Aoraki (the mountain) and the Tasman Glacier are products of uplifted greywacke and long winters of snow that compact into flowing ice. European shepherding and hydro schemes reshaped valleys here in the 19th–20th centuries, while local Ngāi Tahu hold deep cultural ties to the peaks and waterways.
The heli-hike portion lands you on the Tasman Glacier for a guided exploration of crevasse fields, blue ice, and moraine edges. Your guide cuts steps, fits crampons, and interprets glacier features shaped by melt and movement. Helicopter approaches give repeated, cinematic views of Aoraki’s ridgelines and the sprawling ice tongue.
Practical edge: this is a long, weather-dependent day — expect early pickup from Queenstown, about 10–12 hours total. Dress in 3–4 warm layers, avoid jeans, and bring sun protection and hydration. Operators supply mountaineering boots, gaiters, crampons, poles and waterproofs; still, break in footwear beforehand and carry a small daypack for layers and camera gear. Fitness matters — there is sustained walking on uneven, icy terrain. Flights can be cancelled at short notice for safety; flexibility in plans and travel insurance are wise.