Glentanner High Country Heli Hike
Fly up, hike down during this tour! Experience some of the best views in New Zealand!
Scenic Helicopter Flight
3.5 Hour Guided Hike
Exclusive Access to Glentanner's Historic Field Station Museum
Private property, no crowds!
Family friendly, no age restrictions!
Tour Details
Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views and walk a trail of High Country history on the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike!
Travel somewhere new in the Aoraki Mount Cook region, away from the familiar tourist route. This guided tour grants exclusive access to private land on family-owned Glentanner Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic and iconic stations, set in one of the country’s most magnificent landscapes.
It’s a journey back through time, to the rough and rugged early days of high country farming, and further, to the ancient past when glaciers carved the land to form the spectacular Mackenzie Country.
3.5 Hour Tour
Scenic Helicopter flight to a landing point high on Glentanner Station land.
Knowledgeable & friendly guide to take you along a 7KM, well-maintained, 4x4 track.
Access to our fully restored Historic Field Station and exhibition.
Walking poles provided, or bring your own if preferred.
Morning or afternoon tea break, with snack and drink provided.*
*Unfortunately we are not able to cater to specialized dietary requirements. If you are on a restricted diet please bring your own snacks.
*We do not offer pickup or drop-off services at this time. Guests will need their own transportation and should arrive at the Glentanner Holiday Park Reception Desk 30 minutes prior to their check-in time.
Booking Terms and Conditions:
Credit card details are required to confirm your booking. Your credit card details will be held as security over your booking and you will be charged on the day of your trip.
Minimum Numbers:
A minimum of 4 Passengers are required for this tour to go ahead. Bookings will be coordinated to achieve this where possible. If your booking is for less than 4 passengers, please contact us 24-48 hours before your hike to confirm numbers.
Weather
Glentanner High Country Heli Hike is a weather dependent activity. We reserve the right to cancel the hike if weather is not safe/suitable for the helicopter or walking.
You may transfer to another time-slot or day, if space, weather, and itineraries allow.
We reserve the right to adjust scheduled times due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Safety and Hazards
It is important that you understand the hazards when participating in this activity. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
Heli Hiking is classified as an "adventure activity." It has a low to moderate degree of risk. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk, we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Uneven terrain and slopes
- Natural, uncontrolled terrain features
- Potential exposure to cold
- Potential exposure to UV light
- All guests receive a briefing on helicopter safety prior to boarding
Weight restrictions: Any guests 120 kg or more will require the use of 2 seats in the helicopter.
Maximum weight: The maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150 kg.
This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5 unless they are carried by a caregiver or parent in a child carrier backpack (we do not provide these).
Pregnancy: So long as there are no health issues associated with exercise, if a pregnant person can travel safely by airline, they can participate on a Heli Hike.
You must be 18 years or older to make a Heli Hike booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling with you must complete your registration form prior to the Heli Hike.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
If a hike is cancelled by the operator due to weather conditions, the guest will not be charged.
Cancellations made by the guest up to 24 hours prior to departure will not be charged. Cancellations made by the guest within 24 hours of departure (when flying is possible) – full payment will be taken. There is a strict 100% charge for no-shows.
Cancellations should be made by phone, email, or in person.
We require credit card details to secure your booking. This credit card will incur the relevant charges (as above), should you cancel within 24 hours prior to the trip.
Health & Fitness
Lack of physical fitness and medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip.
Most healthy people with "street" level fitness should enjoy this activity.
Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part on a Glentanner High Country Heli Hike trip. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, on your booking sheet and when completing your registration before flying.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking:
- Ankle or knee injuries
- ACL damage
- Joint replacements or dislocations
- Neck or back injuries
- Heart conditions and high/low blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe asthma
If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip, we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking.
We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.
"This was a key part of our 'trip of a lifetime' to New Zealand."
-Jim, Canada
Scenic Helicopter Flight
The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station.
Take in dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman River Delta and Aoraki Mount Cook, towering over the landscape in the distance.
3.5 Hour Guided Hike
From the landing spot the tour continues on foot with an easy walk over a rugged farm track. The track descends gradually past alpine tarns, beneath towering peaks.
Your guide will ensure plenty of stops for photographs and will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora and fauna and present-day operations.
Historic Field Station
The walk features a stop at the recently restored Field Station huts — the perfect place for a morning or afternoon tea break, kindly provided by your hosts.
The exhibition at the Field Station features stories of early scientific and farming endeavours on Glentanner and the inter-relationship between farmer and scientist.
Pricing
Child
- 14 Years & Under (Including Infants)
- Drink & Snack Included
- Hiking Poles Provided
- Pricing in NZD
- Prices valid until 30 September 2025
Adult
- 15 Years & Older
- Drink & Snack Included
- Hiking Poles Provided
- Pricing in NZD
- Prices valid until 30 September 2025
Flight & Hike Route
Scenic Helicopter Flight, 7km Hike
The helicopter departs from Glentanner Holiday Park. After takeoff, the helicopter will rise over the Tasman River Delta, giving you incredible views of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the lake, the Ben Ohau mountains, and all the other amazing views from this amazing location!
The hike will begin at about 1000m elevation in the mountains above Glentanner Station. From there we will traverse the 4x4 track downhill, with incredible photo opportunities and views along the way.
The walking distance is approximately seven kilometres and guests must be comfortable on uneven ground.
A reasonable level of mobility is required for the walking tour but a return flight from the landing site can be arranged for guests who do not wish to walk.
*Flight route may vary depending on weather conditions.
Tour Times
8:30AM
Morning Departure
October 1 - April 30
Our morning tour departs at 8:30AM. Check-in at Glentanner Holiday Park at 8:00AM for a helicopter safety briefing.
1:30PM
Afternoon Departure
October 1 - April 30
Our afternoon tour departs at 1:30PM. Check-in at Glentanner Holiday Park at 1:00PM for a helicopter safety briefing.
10:00AM
Winter Departure
May 1 - September 30
Our winter tour departs at 10:00AM. Check-in at Glentanner Holiday Park at 9:30AM for a helicopter safety briefing.
Year Round Tours
Scroll left and right on the image to see what Glentanner looks like in Summer and Winter!
*Snow landings not guaranteed for any tours. Always dependent on weather conditions.
Learn About
Your guide will talk about the topics below, and much more during your 3.5 hour hike!
Glentanner Station
Hear stories from over the years of Glentanner's history. Glentanner Station was founded in 1858, and has been in operation by the Ivey family since the 1950s.
Maori Culture
Visit the Maori poe (signpost) on the property. Hear tales from Maori mythology and culture.
Merino Sheep
Discover what it takes to raise over 5,000 merino sheep, shear the wool annually, and care for young lambs. Also learn about the amazing properties of merino wool and why it is such an amazing fiber.
Mountains & Glaciers
How did Aoraki Mount Cook form, what is the geology like, and how did the glaciers form? What is currently happening to the glaciers in New Zealand?
Lake Pukaki & Hydroelectricity
Hear about Lake Pukaki's formation, it raising (twice), and its importance to New Zealand for the purpose of generating electricity.
Flora & Fauna
Learn about and identify a number of native species, and discover what some species were used for in the past.
Early Mountaineers
Hear the stories of the early mountaineers who attempted and successfully summited Aoraki Mount Cook.
Conservation & Invasives
Learn about the impact of invasive species on New Zealand's birds and plants, and what methods Glentanner Station uses to protect the native environment.
Snack Included
Enjoy a home baked treat, lovingly made with an old Glentanner recipe!
Drinks Included
While we take a break during our visit to the Historic Field Hut, your guide will prepare hot tea, hot chocolate, or coffee for every hiker!
Meet Your Guide
Brian Bezalel
Brian has been traveling the world over the past 10+ years. He hails from New York originally, but we won't hold that against him — he has a great passion for the outdoors and is now more at home in the mountains than he would be hailing one of NYC's famous yellow cabs.
The rich history and unique environment of the Mackenzie Region have captivated his interest.
"Being in the same areas and environment that other incredible explorers have experienced is a dream come true," says Brian.
His primary passion in life is photography, a handy skill for those of you wanting a decent group shot while up on the hike! So when he's not working, you'll find him in the outdoors with his camera never far from reach, often capturing the awe-inspiring night skies of the Mackenzie — the darkest in the world!
Guest Reviews
Monica
"Experience of a lifetime! What an amazing time we had last weekend!! From our welcome to the end of our visit we received absolute excellence in service from Helen and her team. A special mention has to go to Hiroshi and also to the lovely Matt who was a wonderful guide and a fantastic person to share our experience with. Thank you Thank you Thank you xxx"
Nicole
"Incredible, one of the best paid activities we've done in NZ! If you're in any doubt, book it in. This is one of those experiences that makes you glad to be alive! Amazing and unprecedented views of a very beautiful and impressive part of the country. The walk itself is actually really easy and all downhill, but through incredible scenery and constantly changing views, also really interesting to get the history of the station and area from our guide. Service throughout was outstanding from booking through to the very end."
Jonathan
"From the moment we landed amongst the tussocks 'til we crossed the road back to the Park buildings we were treated to magnificent views of Lake Pukaki and the surrounding ranges, from Mt Cook in the north to the horizon in the east and south, and from 1000 metres up, the horizon is a long way away. This was a highlight of our trip and is well worth considering."
FAQ
No, the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike does not land on a glacier. The tour includes a scenic helicopter flight over the Tasman River Delta and Lake Pukaki, offering stunning aerial views of the surrounding landscape. After the flight, you will land on our private property in the Ben Ohau mountain range and embark on a guided hike back to the base where your journey began, exploring the beautiful terrain of Glentanner Station. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and a visit to our historic field station museum along the way!
Yes! We have a child rate for children and infants 14 years and younger, including infants.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5 unless they are carried by a caregiver or parent in a child carrier backpack (we do not provide these).
Pricing is $445 per adult and $345 per child. Child rate is valid for children and infants aged 14 years and under at the time of the trip.
All flights have a minimum passenger number for departures. We do our best to co-ordinate the required minimum.
If you are traveling as part of a group of 10 or more, or are interested in bringing your school group to Glentanner, please contact brian@glentanner.co.nz to arrange a quote and manage your reservation.
Unfortunately, we do not offer pickup or drop-off services at this time. Guests will need their own transportation and should arrive at the Glentanner Holiday Park Reception Desk 30 minutes prior to their check-in time.
Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unfavorable for flying or hiking, we may need to reschedule or cancel the tour. In the event of a cancellation due to adverse weather, a full refund will be provided. Please note that this tour operates year-round, rain or shine, regardless of whether the skies are clear or cloudy, unless conditions render flying or hiking unsafe. Such determinations will be made by your pilot and guide.
Due to the unpredictable nature of weather in mountainous regions, we cannot forecast conditions in advance. Unless notified otherwise in writing, all guests are expected to arrive at their scheduled check-in time. A determination regarding the flight will be made at that time. Failure to show up at check-in will result in a no-show status and will require full payment.
The Glentanner High Country Heli Hike tour operates throughout the year depending on weather conditions. Contact us using the below form to inquire about specific dates.
Please Bring:
- Sunglasses
- Sun block (UV is high)
- Warm hat and gloves for cool days
- Sunhat for hot days
- Light windproof rain jacket
- Small backpack
- Appropriate footwear for a backcountry hike. Hiking boots/shoes
We Provide:
- Walking poles
- Morning/afternoon tea (those with dietary restrictions must self-cater).
- Fresh baked snacks
Weight restrictions: Any guests 120 kg or more will require the use of 2 seats in the helicopter.
Maximum weight: The maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150 kg.
This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5 unless they are carried by a caregiver or parent in a child carrier backpack (we do not provide these).
Pregnancy: So long as there are no health issues associated with exercise, if a pregnant person can travel safely by airline, they can participate on a Heli Hike.
You must be 18 years or older to make a Heli Hike booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling with you must complete your registration form prior to the Heli Hike.
Booking Terms and Conditions:
Credit card details are required to confirm your booking. Your credit card details will be held as security over your booking and you will be charged on the day of your trip.
Weather
Glentanner High Country Heli Hike is a weather dependent activity. We reserve the right to cancel the hike if weather is not safe/suitable for the helicopter or walking.
You may transfer to another time-slot or day, if space, weather, and itineraries allow.
We reserve the right to adjust scheduled times due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Safety and Hazards
It is important that you understand the hazards when participating in this activity. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
Heli Hiking is classified as an "adventure activity." It has a low to moderate degree of risk. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk, we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Uneven terrain and slopes
- Natural, uncontrolled terrain features
- Potential exposure to cold
- Potential exposure to UV light
- All guests receive a briefing on helicopter safety prior to boarding
If a hike is cancelled by the operator due to weather conditions, the guest will not be charged.
Cancellations made by the guest up to 24 hours prior to departure will not be charged. Cancellations made by the guest within 24 hours of departure (when flying is possible) – full payment will be taken. There is a strict 100% charge for no-shows.
Cancellations should be made in writing via email.
We require credit card details to secure your booking. This credit card will incur the relevant charges (as above), should you cancel within 24 hours prior to the trip.
Health & Fitness
Lack of physical fitness and medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip.
Most healthy people with "street" level fitness should enjoy this activity.
Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part on a Glentanner High Country Heli Hike trip. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, on your booking sheet and when completing your registration before flying.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking:
- Ankle or knee injuries
- ACL damage
- Joint replacements or dislocations
- Neck or back injuries
- Heart conditions and high/low blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe asthma
If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip, we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking.
We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.
The hike upon landing in the mountains via helicopter is approximately 7KM (4.4mi) in length, taking approximately 3.5 hours to return back to the Glentanner Reception building where the tour begins. There is a break in the middle of the tour at our historic field hut museum where drinks and snacks are provided. Expect to be finished with the tour approximately 4 hours after your check-in time. For example: Tours at 9:00AM will check-in at 8:30am, and the tour should be completed at approximately 12:30pm.
Unfortunately, drones are strictly prohibited as our tour operates within the Glentanner Aerodrome.
Yes, you can book a private tour! We offer the flexibility to customize your experience, including altering the flight length and departure time. For pricing and options, please reach out to Brian at brian@glentanner.co.nz.
If the date you wish to book is showing as unavailable, please contact us using the contact form on our website. We may be able to add additional tours to accommodate your request!
Have more questions? Please complete the form below.
Questions about the Heli Hike?
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