Glentanner High Country Heli Hike: Scenic Helicopter Tour with High Altitude Hiking in Southern Alps
5.0
26 Ratings
Glentanner
Experience the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike, a scenic helicopter tour combined with high altitude hiking in the Southern Alps. Explore private land on Glentanner Station and discover the history of high country farming and the ancient glaciers that shaped the landscape.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) - Stunning views of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park during your scenic helicopter flight, as well as along the 7KM, well maintained 4x4 track.
  • Lake Pukaki - Stunning views of one of the bluest lakes on Earth! See Lake Pukaki from a birds-eye view during the scenic helicopter ride, as well as stunning views of the lake and the Tasman River Delta during the length of the hike!
What's Included
  • Hiking poles provided
  • Sunscreen
  • Tea and coffee
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Proper Hiking Footwear
  • Proper Clothing (depending on weather conditions)
Additional Information

Experience the thrill of flying over the Southern Alps during an 8-minute helicopter sightseeing flight, and immerse in the rich history of the Glentanner High Country with our Heli Hike.

Discover a fresh perspective on the Aoraki Mount Cook area, straying from the usual tourist pathways. This guided tour offers you an exclusive opportunity to explore privately owned land on Glentanner Station, an emblematic and historic station of New Zealand, nestled within one of the nation’s most stunning landscapes.

Embark on a trip down memory lane, back to the early, challenging days of high country farming, and even further, to a time when glaciers were shaping the land, creating the amazing Mackenzie Country.

-Tour of about 3.5 hours (4 Hours including Check-In and Helicopter Safety Briefing)
-Picturesque helicopter ride to a landing spot high up on Glentanner Station land.
-Experienced and friendly guide leading you along a 7KM, well-maintained, 4x4 track.
-Visit our beautifully refurbished Historic Field Station and its displays.

  • Most healthy people with “street” level fitness should enjoy this activity.
Location
3388 Mount Cook Road
Mount Cook Road
Guests will check in at the Glentanner Holiday Park reception desk 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(26 Ratings)
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Tokyoadventurer
May 19, 2024
Panoramic views coupled with informative commentary make this hike special - This was certainly the highlight of the time we spent in Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, starting off with a brief, but breathtaking helicopter flight over Lake Pukaki and the surrounding valley before being dropped on the moutain above Glentanner Station. What followed was a leisurely but never dull trek down the mountain with stunning views in every direction. What made the hike really special was the commentary provided by our wonderful guide Brian, which really brought everything about the area into vivid life, from ancient geology to flora and fauna and the history of human interaction with the region. There was even time for a cheeky beer and a delicious homemade muesli slice before we ended up back at Glentanner Station. A wonderful way to spend half a day in the national park!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kinia_s
Apr 26, 2024
An unforgettable experience - We booked the morning tour but the weather was not too good. Our guide Brian suggested us postpone it to the afternoon that the weather was so nice to have our hiking. Brian was very good and shared a lot of interesting information with us. We had a wonderful afternoon with him and the experience was so amazing. Really appreciated!!
Review provided by Viator
Arlenf5
Mar 30, 2024
An unforgettable experience! - I went on the Glentanner Heli Hike with my adult son and had a truly unforgettable and positive experience. Our guide Brian could not have been more professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, and I cannot recommend him or the trip highly enough. After a thrilling helicopter ride over the glacial valley, we made a high country landing on Glentanner Station. We were lucky to enjoy spectacular views festooned with rainbows that included Mt Cook National Park, the glacial valley and Lake Pukaki far below. The walk back down was easy for anyone of average mobility or fitness and Brian provided an informed and interesting commentary of the station history, geology, flora and fauna of the area on stops along the way. There were beautiful scenic views the whole way down: you cannot take a bad photo. We had an afternoon tea stop at the old DCIR hut, where we greatly enjoyed Helen's famous muesli slice, before returning to the Glentanner Park Centre. My son and I had an experience together that we will never forget. I will always treasure the memory. Zero regrets!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mobile02060241394
Mar 24, 2024
Fantastic nice trip! - Fantastic trip! Started with a very nice helicopter tour in the beautiful mountain area. After this, a hike of approx. 7 km down the mountain, where we followed our guide, Brian. Easily accessible terrain to walk in and fantastic views all the way. Our guide, Brian told many interesting about nature, wildlife in the area and historical facts about ZN. A cozy coffee stop along the way with homemade muesli cake. Thanks to Brian for the trip and the event! Sincerely, Brit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces31062270616
Mar 22, 2024
Excellent - We had an amazing tour/day. Those fantastic views from the helicopter and on the way down the mountain. Our guide Brian was excellent supplying us with lots of information about the land, animals and so on. Majbrit and Niels
Review provided by Tripadvisor
451qingl
Feb 29, 2024
Great hiking experiece - It was a great hiking experience. Brian walked with us with his great knowledge and experience, plus his photographer background. Not like other tour, you can truly feel the native landscape, culture. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alice_a
Feb 22, 2024
Very informative guide! - Loved the helicopter flight as it was our first one! Brian was an excellent tour guide and gave us so much information about the terrain, wildlife, history, and culture. The hike was a good 4 hours, but we stopped a lot for breaks. Also, the terrain was relatively flat for about a third of the hike, the rest was downhill. Great views of Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki.
Review provided by Viator
Garyandalison
Feb 19, 2024
HeliHike over the Glentanner estate with views of Mount Cook. - Certainly one of the highlights of our 26 night tour of both North and South Island. The short Helicopter flight was amazing and we eventually landed on a plateau to commence the 7k walk back to Glentanner. The walk was excellent with our guide Brian a wealth on information. The walk down was quite gentle with lots of stops including a drink and cakes at the original survey station. Very well organised and would recommend without hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P1212dwchrish
Feb 14, 2024
Out and about in a unique landscape - This tour was the high point of a four-day trip to the area. I was a tad apprehensive at the prospect of a four-hour walk (we're both superannuitants and more used to a walk in the park than a hike in the mountains) but the track was well formed and all downhill, so about right to ensure a good night's sleep without being overtaxing. This is a uniquely spectacular part of the country and a hike like this is the ideal way to experience, rather than just "see", the country. We were travelling in summer and struck a clear calm day. The helicopter ride up lake Pukaki towards Mount Cook was spectacular in itself but still felt safe and calm. Landed comfortably on top of a ridge then walked down with views all the way. Our guide Brian was considerate, personable and a fountain of knowledge about the history, geology, flora and pretty much anything else relating to the area and beyond. I'm a Kiwi and have visited the area before and will no doubt visit again. This experience has made this beautiful part of the country that much more real for me. Definitely recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip32632604925
Feb 4, 2024
Highly recommended - A fantastic trip! After a safety briefing we boarded the helicopter. The pilot explained the landscape while we flew. After landing we started the descent. Our guide explained the landscape, flora and fauna. Very informative and interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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