Aoraki Glacier Adventure

3 days 2 nights
Wānaka
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R.
Tour Provider
View Douglas’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Group size
1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

The world above the clouds feels different — quieter, sharper, alive with the whisper of snow and wind. Here, at the foot of Aoraki/Mount Cook, glaciers flow like frozen rivers between peaks that pierce the sky. This is where adventure begins — a rare chance to step into New Zealand’s high alpine world and feel what true wilderness means.

By helicopter, you’ll reach the Plateau Hut, perched high among the Southern Alps and surrounded by some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Days are spent learning the art of snowcraft, traversing shimmering glaciers, or ascending nearby peaks as sunlight spills across the ice. For the bold, there’s the thrill of ice climbing in a vast crevasse, an unforgettable dance with the mountain itself.

Each evening brings a different kind of silence — stars stretching endlessly above, moonlight gleaming on the snow. This journey mixes comfort and adventure, learning and exploration. Come with us and chase the light across the ice — and discover what it feels like to stand in the heart of the mountains!

from
$1,741
per tourist for 3 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
  • Local prices – no extra fees
    Book tours directly from local tour providers
  • Verified tour providers
    All guides confirm their qualifications
  • Reviews from travelers
    We monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
For over 30 years we’ve been taking you with us into New Zealand’s backcountry. Wether you're looking for a senic day-hike, or an unfortgettable overnight trek to an alpine hut, our experienced guides are ready to join you on your next adventure. Our guides are carefully selected, internationally certified professionals who accompany you from the very first contact. Whether you’re climbing alpine peaks, backcountry skiing, or trekking through valleys and mountain passes, you’ll be guided by experts who truly live and breathe the outdoors.

Tour highlights

hike snow new zealand
Flight into the High Alps
Begin your adventure with a scenic helicopter flight into the spectacular Plateau Hut, surrounded by glaciers and peaks
hike snow new zealand
Learn the Glacier Way
Master essential snowcraft and glacier travel techniques with expert guidance in a true alpine setting
hike snow new zealand
Ice Climb a Crevasse
Challenge yourself on ancient ice walls deep inside the glacier — an experience few ever attempt (optional)

Route details

Day 1
Arrival and Ascent

This is a sample itinerary and can change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please use it as a guide.

Arrive at our Wanaka office at 8:30am to meet your guide for a complete gear check and weather briefing. Any last-minute items are organized and packed before departure, and you can leave any valuables safely at our office. From here, we drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook, where a helicopter carries us high into the mountains to the stunning Plateau Hut — our home for the next two nights. The afternoon is spent learning essential snowcraft and glacier travel techniques to prepare for the days ahead. As evening falls, clear skies often reveal a breathtaking night scene of moonlit peaks and endless stars.

hike snow new zealand
hike snow new zealand
hike snow new zealand 3 more photos
Day 2
Glacier Discovery
Day 3
Farewell to the Ice
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Our main aim is for mountaineers to enjoy this experience and be safe doing so. This is as much about the expectations you form as well as being realistic about your current abilities. If you’re in doubt, we recommend using the following guide to determine if this course is for you:

  • Capable of 500m ascent and descent in a day
  • Capable of 4-6 hours of physical activity a day
  • Capable of 3 consecutive days ascent and descent
  • Capable hiking 3-5 hours on undulating terrain carrying a small daypack.
  • Comfortable walking on snow / ice with crampons or snowshoes
  • Comfortable in a range of adverse weather conditions
  • No mountaineering experience required
  • No rope familiarity required
  • Multi-day trekking experience using huts or camping

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
2 nights

We recommend staying in Wānaka the night before your trip as we will meet and leave from Wānaka the day of your trip.

Wānaka offers a vast range of options for your pre and post trip accommodation. It can be busy over the winter and summer season, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.

2 nights
Mountain huts

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
  • terrain fees;
  • GST included — New Zealand 15% goods and service tax;
  • technical equipment;
  • hut or tent accommodation(not all huts allow for bookings, and if they are full during high season we might be required to camp);
  • meals and snacks for duration of trip;
  • transportation Wanaka to and from the staging area;
  • heli flight in and out of mountains;
  • qualified guide — Qualified Trekking Guide (NZMGA, ATG or NZOIA Bush 1).

All food and utensils are supplied on the trip. Clients will be encouraged to provide their own backpack with clothing layers and trekking boots. We can provide a sleeping bag if you require.

Extras
  • flights;
  • any other personal expenses.

Please note, sleeping bag is not included.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

BODY
• underwear;
• base layer (150–200g weight, merino or polypop, no cotton. example: Icebreaker 200 Oasis LS Crewe);
• top;
• leggings;
• mid layer top (fleece or windproof);
• insulating jacket (fleece or synthetic fill);
• waterproof jacket (e.g. Gore Tex® or similar);
• overpants* (waterproof as above);
• lightweight, quick-drying shorts or trousers;
• light collared trekking shirt or short-sleeve t-shirt;

FEET
• lightweight mountaineering boots. Compatible with crampons (eg La Sportiva ®Trango)*;
• snow gaiters*;
• 2 pairs of trekking socks (merino);

HEAD/FACE
• sunhat – cap;
• warm hat & neck gaiter (e.g. Buff®);
• sunglasses;

HANDS
• warm waterproof gloves;

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT (FOC)

• climbing helmet *; 
• crampons - with anti-balling plates*;
• ice axe *;
• climbing harness*;
• avalanche safety equipment*;
• snowshoes;

ACCESSORIES
• backpack (50+ litres);*
• sleeping bag (3 season, 0°C) & liner;
• bowl & spoon (supplied);
• personal toiletries and medication;
•  water bottles - 2 liters capacity minimum;
•  pack liner or plastic bag;
•  head torch - and spare batteries;
•  toiletries - blister kit & personal medication, toothbrush for overnights;
•  small container of sunblock & lip screen;

OPTIONAL – Personal Preference Items
• collapsible trekking poles (recommended);*
• camera
• earplugs for sleeping;
• lightweight approach/hut shoes (eg Crocs®).

*Available for loan as part of trip cost

What is included in the price?
Please note
Risk Disclosure
Where do we meet?
Why should I get insurance for my trip?
Can I hire equipment?
What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
What if I don't fit with the group ability?
Do I have to pay for a trip if the weather is bad?
Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are on the trip?
How do I get to Wanaka?
Equipment
Payment
Do I need a rental car?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

No reviews yet

Dates and Prices

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

Can`t decide? Our travel expert will be happy to help

Leave a request and get a consultation, and a selection of the most thrilling tours from one of our experts for free!

First name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Tell us more about your desired trip