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. Anyway, great photos of an amazing place in NZ! A few kilometers before Mount Cook Village, turn right on Tasman Valley Road. Top 10 things to do in South Island New Zealand. There are several connected tracks on the Tasman Glacier hike. Experience a scenic helicopter flight and glacier landing. Explore New Zealand's largest glacier, blue ice caves and incredible ice formations while you make turns down our longest ski runs. Hooker Valley is the most popular trail in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The Terminal Face is the technical term for the cliff-face of ice which marks the end of the Tasman Glacier’s tongue of ice. But that’s nothing compared to the distant views of the Mt Cook Summit, which can only be viewed on a cloudless day. Mt Cook National Park is home to a very dark night sky, which is perfect for stargazing with no light pollution from urban areas. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Mt Cook Glacier Guiding was formed by combining Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters and Fox Glacier Guiding. Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking You Can Do It. The trail is steep to the lookout, but it’s a short trail. The Southern Alps await! Your email address will not be published. It’s a 30 minute walk one way from the car park which makes it the best option for viewing sunset. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing face of the Tasman Glacier terminal lake and its icebergs. The first, and seemingly most popular, takes you up a hill to a viewpoint overlooking Tasman Glacier … The park has walking tracks for all skill and fitness levels—the Blue Lakes trail is good for beginners, while the up-glacier hikes are recommended for more seasoned hikers. Get my FREE Travel Packing Checklist by subscribing to email! The Hooker Valley trail will take you one hour to walk from the car park to Hooker Lake, which is the trail end. Twin Glacier – 30 Minute Helicopter Flight Perfect for families that … The Tasman Glacier View track starts at the Tasman Glacier Car park, also known as the Blue Lakes Car Park. The silts and sediments deposited from the Glacier outflow cause the pronounced blue colour of the Lake. Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters were so friendly and gracious and all of us had a wonderful time! See reviews and check for discounts. This is in the Tasman valley, one valley to the east of Hooker valley. Lying long and deep in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is the incredible Tasman Glacier, a terminal ice structure that is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand.. Read more about flying over New Zealand’s glaciers. 09:00-09:15 - Arrive in Mt Cook – Ski The Tasman day begins. Accommodation offerings around Mt Cook are limited to the Mt Cook Village. 16:30 - 17:00 - Arrive back at Wanaka At 12,349ft Mt Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand. The best views of the summit can only be found within the vicinity of Mount Cook Village because of the undulating terrain which obscures views from further back in the valley. Perhaps not the picturesque of  Glaciers in New Zealand, the sight of this mammoth wonder of nature retreating back to the mountains should be enough evidence for visitors to appreciate the scale and speed at which the planet is changing with the effects of climate change. You can view the glacier with ease at a distance from a lookout point not far off the road. The track begins near the carpark at the end of the road. Length Of Walk – 500 m one way, about 15 minutes.. 14 reviews. The Tasman Glacier Track is a popular short hike in Mount Cook National Park — just go for the views and not to see a pristine glacier! 38 reviews. Aoraki-Mt Cook Glacier Guiding Limited Partnership T/A Mt Cook Glacier Guiding. Difficulty – Easy. Highlights – Truly breathtaking views of glacier, glacial moraines, lake, and mountains.. We use aircraft to access NZ's two longest ski runs. Fly over the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to reach Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier and a frozen wonderland of ice caves, snow fields, crevasses and pinnacles. Then you are driven by bus to the airfield where the Planetarium guides give an interactive talk on the night sky and setup telescopes for viewing planets, star clusters and nearby galaxies. Although its upper reaches are snow-covered, rocks carried by the glacier are exposed by ablation along its course, and … The show gives an insight into the correct star constellations and planets available to view later. Glacier Explorers Details. Look forward to a good workout climbing the steps to the lookout. The Blue Lakes. 07:30 - Check-in at Southern Alps Air at Wanaka Airfield, and fly to Mount Cook. Enjoy 15% off your scenic flight when you mention KIWITRAVEL on booking. No permit is required to visit Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lake. This magnificent glacier is the largest of several in the region that flows towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps. South Island Itinerary: Road Trip New Zealand, Martinborough: Wine Tasting in New Zealand, 25 Photos to Inspire you to visit New Zealand, 7 Tips for Staying Healthy on Long Flights, Pilots in Paradise: Island Hopping the Bahamas by Plane, Maldives Wanderlust: 20 Photos to Inspire Your next Holiday. As the sun retreats behind the towering Southern Alps, orange and red light reflects from the mirrored surface of the snow capped Mt Cook summit. Years of experience and exploration of the glacier by your guide has resulted in extensive local knowledge allowing you to explore the hidden gems of the Tasman Glacier. With your professional glacier guide, you will fly high onto the “white ice” of New Zealand's longest and largest glacier – the mighty Tasman (Huapapa). Activities: +6427 434 2277 The national park has no entry fee, so get out and enjoy! Seeing it from above must me incredible! Use our Interactive map of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore the sights. Spent a couple of nights at Mount Cook to explore the area and loved it! The evening begins at the centre with a 3D tour of the night sky in the Planetarium. The Tasman Glacier is home to a couple of great short walks in the Mt Cook National Park. Glacier Explorers operates from the start of September to the end of May. US$424.31 per adult. From Twizel you can take an all-weather sealed road to Mount Cook Village. The Southern Alps await! 62 reviews. The Hooker Valley carpark is the closest drop off point for commencing these trails if you want to avoid the extra distance from the Mount Cook Village. Quick View. Every scenic flight includes a landing on the Tasman Glacier. There are a number of short walks in the Mount Cook Village area which give access to the best Mt Cook views. Tasman Glacier Heli-hike Mount Cook. if you like our Facebook fanpage, you can read everyday such amazing stories. It contains 1/3 of all the glacier ice in New Zealand! This incredible day combines the breathtaking views of flying over the Southern Alps and the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of actually skiing on the famous Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. The glacier lake freezes over winter so the start of the season is subject to the lake thawing. Tasman Glacier View Walk Overview. 15:45 - 16:00 - Flights departs to Wanaka. Clear views to the summit require luck and a little patience. You can also book Glacier Explorers and other Aoraki/ Mount Cook activitie s in conjunction with your accommodation booking. Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier (small Group Tour Including Lunch) Queenstown to Tasman Glacier: It’s possible to fly from Queenstown to Mount Cook airport with Glenorchy Air. Which was 2 more days. Icebergs litter the lake and flow towards the out-flowing river located in the south east corner which has large rocks to clamber over and explore on foot. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Nature At Its Most Awesome. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park  is a great choice for your South Island New Zealand itinerary. The road to Mt Cook navigates around the northern shore line of Lake Pukaki and provides many stunning viewpoints along the way. There is a small storm shelter and bathrooms about two-thirds of the way along this trail. Glacier Explorer Boat Trip . Restaurant: +643 435 1890. More info. It provides a logical stop on the route between Christchurch and Queenstown. Why go Whitewater Rafting in New Zealand? 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 … At over 750 metres above sea level you can become part of the environment, paddle beneath towering glaciated mountains and view the majestic glaciers and summit of the mighty Aoraki Mount Cook. Looking into the distance you can see the rock covered Hooker Glacier which submerges into the Lake at the Terminal Face. There is one good mountain bike permitted trail in Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO world heritage area. As your pilot hovers the helicopter over the vast snow covered ice field you land and open the doors for a chance to explore this wonder of nature on foot. The Wigley: Top of the Tasman Glacier Hike, The Cool Climber: Tasman Glacier Ice Climbing. Top 10 things to do in North Island New Zealand. From Kea Point you can see the more popular Hooker Valley Trail which crosses the Hooker River at a suspension bridge (see below). Mt Cook Helicopter Flight and Tasman Glacier Walk. Definitely, Mt Cook National Park is a very special place. It provides a logical stop on the route between Christchurch and Queenstown. Cook National Park. Glacier Kayaking, Southern Alps Guiding, Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Company, Tasman Glacier Skiing, Tasman Glacier Heli Skiing and Heli Hiking are based in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. All the Ski The Tasman Classic 2-run day inclusions; DAILY ITINERARY 07:15 - We telephone to confirm we are operating. Tasman Glacier trail is a short drive from the Mount Cook Village with ample parking available. The trailhead starts from Tasman Glacier Car Park, just 15 minutes from Mount Cook Village, and there’s generally plenty of parking space. Do you want to read more similar stories? It’s only from the air that you can view the intricacies and natural structures that are formed on the glaciers including; turquoise blue pools of water and crevasses which slicing deep and the fracturing of rock and ice in the ablation zones. The park was established in 1953 and along with Westland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park forms one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Copyright © 2020 FLYING AND TRAVEL                        ABOUT                 CONTACT               TERMS OF USE                PRIVACY POLICY. You look up to the ice covered summit from one of the popular Mount Cook National Park walking trails. Learn More. A multitude of outdoor activities are available from the hub of Mt Cook Village; Boat trips, Glacier Flights, Climbing and Stargazing. Christchurch to Tasman Glacier: Tasman Glacier is a 3-4 hour drive from Christchurch., near the popular tourist spots of Omarama, Twizel and Lake Tekapo. The Tasman Glacier is a must for outdoors enthusiasts and all first-time visitors to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Here you can find the Hermitage Hotel or more budget friendly option of Mt Cook Lodge. And this Terminal face is camouflaged under the piles of rock which were deposited from the ablation zone. Popular: Booked by 264 travellers! Learn More. Yes, Lake Pukaki really is this blue, no filter required! From SH80 turn onto Tasman Valley Road before Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Kea Point is a short, sharp ascent up the Hooker Valley slopes next to the Mueller Lake and gives the best valley overlook without much effort. Directions: Take State Highway 8 to State Highway 80 (Mount Cook Road), at the south end of Lake Pukaki. I'd highly recommend getting up in the air with them whether it be for 10 minutes or a couple hours. New Zealand’s Longest Glacier. Tasman Glacier View Track Map loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information, Your email address will not be published. The hike to view the glacier is straight up, mostly on gravel stairs with no handrails. The hike to view the glacier is straight up, mostly on gravel stairs with no handrails. Skiing the Tasman Glacier is the classic Kiwi snow adventure, guided by Alpine Guides, Mount Cook's original, and most experienced mountain and ski guiding company. We arrived on a foggy day and stayed as long as it took until the sun was out and we could do the glacier hike. It is the larger glaciers that many smaller glaciers (i.e. Apart from the sight of the Mt Cook Summit, this National Park is home to the spectacular and accessible Tasman Glacier, a perfect example of beautiful New Zealand scenery. From this northern edge of the valley you begin to appreciate that this Lake was once the home to the Tasman Glacier, having since retreated over thousands of years. Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Which is therefore another reason to come for star gazing in the summer or autumn as less snow on the ground means less light can be reflected back into the dark sky. The car park is at the end of Tasman Valley road which you’ll take near the end of Mount Cook road. Drive north on SH 80 for 53.0 kilometers. US$284.54 per adult. Apart from the sight of the Mt Cook Summit, this National Park is home to the spectacular and accessible Tasman Glacier, a perfect example of beautiful New Zealand scenery. Available for direct bookings via our website. The highest mountain peak in New Zealand, Mount Cook stands at 12,349 ft, is a delight to gaze at. Helicopter Mt Cook Snow Landing Similar to the above tour, this 40-minute excursion tours Fox Glacier and Mt Cook from the air, then lands on Mt Tasman. Allow approx 2.5 hours total per trip - (60 minutes on the lake). Based at Aoraki/Mt Cook airport Heliworks Mt Cook offer spectacular scenic flights throughout the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Such an incredible place. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Aoraki-Mt Cook Tasman Glacier & Alpine Centre scenic day tour from Christchurch. Heliworks Mt Cook is privileged to be able to land at a number of locations on the Tasman glacier and throughout the National Park. The views are well worth it! Even better if the weather is clear, especially for Stargazing! We are located at the Old Mountaineers' Cafe Bar & Restaurant next door to the DOC Visitor Information Centre. You will fly in to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier. Without doubt, experiencing the wonder of New Zealand’s Glaciers from above is an opportunity not to be missed on your South Island New Zealand itinerary. Tasman Glacier is one of the glaciers to come off the Mount Cook range in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. The Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world!. The Glacier currently feeds into Lake Pukaki from the Tasman River. The Tasman Glacier terminates into a lake (Tasman Lake) which is currently 5km long and 240 metres deep and constantly expanding. Glacier Explorers 2.5 hour trip is a great way to experience the Tasman Glacier - New Zealand's largest glacier - in the most unique way possible! It’s possible to book a Tasman Lake boat tour in small speedboats should you wish to view these floating islands of ice. Planning a trip to the South Island? The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, also known as the “Hermitage” is  home to a full dome planetarium which organises stargazing tours. Get ready for a hassle-free day of adventures from Christchurch with round-trip transport, and admission tickets included. From the car park, walk past the Blue Lakes shelter and continue up past the Blue Lakes to a viewpoint on the moraine wall. No climbing experience is required to experience the presence of this colossal mountain. The Tasman flows south west from Hochstetter Dome and Mount Elie De Beaumont alongside the southern slopes of the Minarets peak and south along the eastern flank of New Zealand's two highest mountains, Mount Tasman and its higher southern neighbour Aoraki / Mount Cook. Travel by bus from the Hermitage Hotel to the Tasman Valley, followed by a 30 minute alpine walk through the moraine and National Park. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a great choice for your South Island New Zealand itinerary. Required fields are marked *. The mostly flat trail is an easy walk for all ages and abilities. Then read my 11 Day South Island Itinerary Road Trip, with full driving details, interactive maps and unbiased accommodation listings. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Soaring amongst these icy summits from a helicopter or aeroplane is only half the adventure. Tasman Glacier Snowshoeing You Can Do It. Absolutely loved the area of Mount Cook. Once the cloud settles in the valley its sure to obscure all summit viewing opportunities. Yes, Mt Cook is Stunning, especially if you can take a flight in a helicopter! If you aren’t wanting to tackle the longer but still awesome, Hooker Valley Track (3 hours return) then a great walk for kids is the Tasman Glacier View track or the Tasman Glacier Lake. "A group of 12 of us got the chance to hop on a couple of ski planes for a 10 minute scenic tour to the Tasman Glacier. Let me help you to travel; Saving you Time and Money! Ball and Caroline) feed into. In fact it’s so dark here, that just the smallest slither of moon light can blotch out the faint light of distant stars. Quick View. Tasman Glacier is located on the South Island of New Zealand, in Mount Cook National Park. World’s most scenic Journeys; Tranzalpine by Highway or Railway? Hooker Lake is your closest pass to Mount Cook. Views of … The rifleman, New Zealand’s smallest bird. Lake Tasman and the Tasman Glacier with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the background. Tasman Glacier Lake (1 hour return) Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View (40 mins return) Getting there. Tasman Glacier trail is a short drive from the Mount Cook Village with ample parking available. Glacier Kayaking is the ultimate way to experience the magnificence of this world famous national park. 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. That trail is a rough four wheel drive track that climbs relentlessly for 6km as it gains 300 metres (1000 feet) up to the crest of the lateral moraine of Tasman Glacier. Icebergs from the Tasman Glacier float in the Tasman Lake and give you a very accessible insight from the nearby Tasman Glacier lookout which is a short walk from the car park. NZ’s Longest Ski Runs – Ski the Tasman Glacier! Tasman Glacier Valley Tours ... PO Box 32 Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park NZ 7946. More info. 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. Discover the magnificent Aoraki/Mount Cook region by experiencing heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing in and around the imposing Haupapa/Tasman Glacier. We meet at Mount Cook Airport, provide a safety briefing, and check equipment - then embark on a thrilling helicopter flight into the mountains. If your’re lucky with a clear sky, the blue of the lake merges into the blue of the sky. It’s approximately eight kilometres away from Mount Cook Village. On your journey to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park be sure to stop off at the Lake Pukaki viewpoint located just off the Route 80. Setting off from the Valley carpark, it makes a lofty crossing over the Hooker River across a suspension bridge with views over Mueller Lake. Tasman Glacier meanders through the Southern Alps like a river of ice, carving itself through rock and arriving with a splash at Lake Tasman. Mount Cook Private Day Tour via Lake Tekapo including Lunch. Google Coordinates:-43.698012, 170.163101. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight from Mt Cook to Tasman Glacier followed by an exhilarating 2-hour guided walk on the glacier itself. If you’ve chosen to fly by aeroplane, then  you’ve chosen the ski plane which allows snow landings! The 27 km Tasman glacier is the longest in New Zealand. The mountain is in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, in the Canterbury region. From Christchurch, it’s a 4 … Location – Aoraki Mt. This Mt Cook scenic flight takes in the highlights of the magnificent scenery of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Mt Cook + Tasman Glacier Experience. The Haupapa/Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand, currently 23 kilometres (14.2 miles) long and up to 2 kilometres wide. The park contains more than 140 peaks standing over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and 72 named glaciers, which cover 40 percent of its 700 square kilometres (170,000 acres).