It turns out that the glacier hike at Mount Cook is not just a simple trek; it’s an adventure that requires advance booking and a thrilling helicopter ride up to the glacier! This experience is quite different from the Tasman Glacier Lake hiking trail. The paid experience is indeed more enjoyable and offers a far superior adventure, as many would agree with a mix of laughter and tears [laughing and crying R].
📞 **How to Book:**
– Book online on the official website at least two weeks in advance, or use gofun for a more budget-friendly option. Remember, tickets are not available for purchase on-site!
📍 **Meeting Point:**
– The check-in location for the Tasman Glacier helicopter hike by The Helicopter Line is on the second floor of Mt Cook Airport.
– The main office of this company is located at Glentanner, which is en route to Mount Cook Airport. If you need to check the weather or confirm your booking, head to Glentanner Aerodrome.
💪 **Itinerary:**
1. Due to the unpredictable weather at Mount Cook, this activity has a high cancellation rate. Both weather conditions and the number of participants can affect the trip. It’s essential to call and confirm the weather conditions the day before at 5 pm and again two hours before the trip.
– (Phone check-in template: “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling to check the weather conditions for our upcoming heli-hike trip. Is everything good to go?”)
2. Arrive 45 minutes early the next day. The activity also offers hotel pick-up, so staying overnight at Mount Cook is recommended for a more relaxed schedule.
3. Check in at the front desk, receive a colored wristband, and wait in the store until the guide calls for your wristband color group. The guide will provide a safety briefing and assist with changing into the provided gear, then wait for the helicopter.
4. Each helicopter can carry up to 6 people, and seating is arranged based on weight.
5. Follow the guide for a 2-hour glacier hike, exploring two or three blue ice caves of varying sizes. There will be plenty of time for photo opportunities.
⚠️ **Precautions:**
1. Wear waterproof jackets and pants, as you may get wet from touching the ice when walking through glacier crevices. Avoid wide-leg pants, as they can easily get caught on crampons and cause tripping.
2. Do not wear scarves or hats that can be blown away, as they can get entangled in the propellers, which is very dangerous.
3. The helicopter company provides full gear, including high-top outdoor shoes, which must be worn. It’s best to choose a size larger for the provided wool socks.
4. The glacier may not always appear blue, as the weather affects what you see on the day.
Photos authorized by @coco, thank you 💗
Wow, the combination of a helicopter ride and glacier hiking sounds incredible! I had no idea it was such an exclusive experience. I wonder how long the booking process takes—would love to plan a trip there someday!
Thank you for your interest! The booking process usually takes a few weeks, but it’s best to start early as spots are limited and highly sought after. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time planning your trip. Let me know if you need any tips or resources!
Wow, I had no idea the helicopter ride was part of the experience! That definitely adds a cool factor. I’ll have to keep this in mind if I ever make it to Mount Cook.
You’re absolutely right! The helicopter ride is an unforgettable way to reach remote areas and offers breathtaking views that you just can’t get from the ground. It really elevates the entire experience to another level. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—I hope you get to try it someday!