Heli-Hike Adventure on the Grand Plateau

2 days 1 night
New Zealand
Photo Tim S.
Tim S.
Tour Provider
View Tim’s tours
Difficulty
Easy
Comfort
Basic
Group size
1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Imagine yourself standing on the edge of a big glacier, the icy views of the Grand Plateau stretching before you, framed by towering peaks. The air is crisp, and the silence of the mountains is only broken by the occasional crunch of snow beneath your boots. This is an adventure into the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where the Southern Alps reveal their raw, stunning beauty.

The adventure begins with a helicopter flight from Mount Cook Village, taking you directly to the Plateau Hut, located at the edge of the glacier. Here, surrounded by New Zealand’s highest mountains, you’ll stay at a cozy alpine hut, with the fascinating panoramic views. By day, you’ll explore the glacier, trekking across crevasses and shimmering ice with the safety of crampons or snowshoes. You’ll learn new skills, conquer the terrain, and experience the pristine, untouched landscapes in a way few will ever know. As the day winds down, you'll ascend Glacier Dome for a breathtaking summit view stretching all the way up the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier.

Whether you’re a skilled mountaineer or a first-time explorer, this tour offers a truly unique experience. Join us on this unforgettable journey through the mountains, where every step leads you deeper into the wild beauty of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness!

This trip is booked in small groups in a private basis. Please get in touch to express an interest in private trips. Price: $1590 / $1990 / $2790 per person for private groups of 4 / 3 / 2 people

from
$939
per tourist for 2 days
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Nov, 2026 and 30 Apr, 2027 are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
1-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Tim S.
Tim S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

Tour highlights

helicopter journey
Helicopter to the Grand Plateau
Take a thrilling helicopter ride directly to the edge of the glacier, surrounded by towering peaks, a rare, breathtaking entrance to the wild
new zealand alps
Glacier Exploration
Step onto the frozen landscape of the Grand Plateau, trekking across crevasses and shimmering ice
Aspiring Glacier
Summit Glacier Dome
Ascend to the top of Glacier Dome for panoramic views of the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, a vast expanse of ice that stretches to the horizon

Route details

Day 1
Helicopter Journey to the Grand Plateau

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Wānaka, in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Plateau Hut offers an incredible mountain experience surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks.

The adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight directly from Mount Cook Village to the edge of the hut, located on the Grand Plateau — a large glacier terrace surrounded by towering mountains.

After settling into the hut, you'll explore the glacier, navigating crevasses with crampons or snowshoes. For safety, you'll be roped to your guide throughout the journey.

new zealand glacier
helicopter journey
new zealand glacier 2 more photos
Day 2
Summit Glacier Dome and Views of the Haupapa Glacier
Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age
Tour provider's comments

All trips are individually tailored to mountain conditions, fitness, and personal ambition. There are a variety of options and routes available.

No mountaineering experience is required and training in all required skills is provided during the trip.

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
1 night
1 night
Mountain huts

Tents and cooking equipment are provided and sleeping bags and mattresses are available for hire.

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included
  • GST;
  • guide fees;
  • compliance costs;
  • 2 scenic helicopter flights;
  • all food during the trip;
  • overnight;
  • technical equipment.
Extras
  • other personal expenses;
  • additional optional extras include helicopter transfers from Queenstown or Wānaka, accommodation, and additional scenic helicopter flights including Milford Sound and Mt Cook. 

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • snow boots (available to borrow);
  • gloves and a warm hat;
  • long sleeved tops;
  • a warm and waterproof jacket;
  • long outdoor pants;
  • sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
  • sleeping bag (available to borrow);
  • personal overnight supplies.

We provide any required technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, trekking poles, or snowshoes.

Where do we meet?
Insurance
Tour Details
Fitness and Difficulty
What to Expect
Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Nov, 2026 – 30 Apr, 2027
    Request to book

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