The Ice is Calling: Why a Glacier Heli-Hike Should be on Your NZ Bucket List

Image credit Rachel Gillespie

You've seen the photos of New Zealand's famous glaciers, but nothing prepares you for the feeling of actually standing on them. If you are building a list of must-do activities for Aotearoa, a Glacier Heli-Hike is not just an item—it's the ultimate bucket list experience.

At Mackenzie Helicopters, our Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is one of our most popular experiences for a reason: it allows you to connect with the raw, frozen heart of the Southern Alps like a true explorer.

Your extraordinary adventure begins with a thrilling scenic flight from our base at Lake Tekapo. We lift you out of the golden grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin, soaring over the turquoise glacial lakes, before taking you deep into the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

From the air, you’ll witness spectacular ice formations and the sheer scale of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest. But the real magic happens when we land.

After touching down on the ancient ice, you’ll be immediately equipped with crampons and introduced to your expert, professional guide. They will lead you on an unforgettable guided 2-hour hike across this frozen wonderland.

This is your chance to step into a hidden realm:

• Explore shimmering ice caves and deep crevasses.

• Marvel at towering seracs (ice pinnacles) sculpted by millennia of pressure.

• Witness the raw power and immense beauty of nature up close.

As you navigate the maze of blue ice formations, your guide will share their deep knowledge, giving you a powerful perspective on the glacier's formation and its future. This is a truly unique experience that offers a chance to connect with the land and create lasting memories in a truly remarkable landscape.

The adventure concludes with an equally spectacular return flight. As we lift off, you’ll soar above the Southern Alps once more, passing the monumental Hochstetter Icefall before making your return journey to Lake Tekapo.

If your goal is to experience the ultimate adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook, this Glacier Heli-Hike is the only way to tick that box.