Alpine Heli-hike
With several options available for all ability levels, our alpine heli-hike takes you trekking far from the valley floor. Flown into an extraordinary alpine environment you and your guide will share an unforgettable experience with stunning panoramas of the mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and Lake Wānaka.
Location
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Alpine Heli Hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDE5OjMxODU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 1")
On the morning of the trip, your guide can pick you up from your accommodation in Wānaka or you can meet them at the Aspiring Helicopters hangar at Cattle Flat on the Wānaka / Mount Aspiring Road.
After introductions and gear checks, the helicopter takes off and travels 15-20 minutes along the Matukituki Valley, across the Harris Mountains, and deep into the heart of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
We offer a variety of trips to suit all abilities and hiking distances. Venues include the Alta Tarns, Black Peak, Dragonfly Peak, and Albert Burn Saddle. These viewpoints offer spectacular perspectives over the Matukituki Valley and Tititea / Mount Aspiring. There are options to fly in and out or hike all the way out to the valley floor.
What to Expect
The helicopter flight will transport you up above 2000m in the mountains where temperatures can be much colder than the valley floors.
A full range of conditions can be expected and participants need to be suitably prepared. You will need:
- Walking boots (available for hire)
- Long-sleeved thermal tops (polypro or merino)
- Warm layers (fleece or synthetic fill)
- Waterproof jacket
- Long outdoor trousers or thermal leggings
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Warm hat and neck gaiter (eg Buff®)
- Sunglasses (with good face coverage)
- Backpack and water bottle
Trips are very weather-dependent. We recommend having at least a day on either side of your booked date free to give you the best opportunity to get good conditions. Trips take place in a dynamic and remote mountain environment and the itinerary will be flexible to account for conditions.
The Alpine Heli-hike is run in association with Aspiring Helicopters and Whare Kea Chalet.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Harris Mountains](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDk3OjMwNzI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 4")
Alpine Heli-hike Fitness and Difficulty
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Alpine Heli-hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTExOjI4OTE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 5")
All trips are individually tailored to mountain conditions, fitness, and personal ambition. There are a variety of options and routes available. Shorter-duration trips can be arranged to suit the group.
Booking Details
To discuss your requirements or for more information, register you interest or complete a booking below.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Alpine Heli-hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTgwOjMwNTI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 8")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Alpine Heli-hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTg4OjMwNTI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 10")
Overnight Options
We also provide overnight heli-hike options either camping on the glacier in our expedition tents, staying in alpine huts, or transferring to Whare Kea Chalet for a more luxurious experience. Staying overnight gives you the opportunity to witness the alpine panoramas throughout the evening light, sunset, and sunrise. The remote location will provide amazing star gazing opportunities and maybe even experience the Southern Lights / Aurora Australis. All food and equipment is provided.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Glacier Camp](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjE0OjMwOTY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 13")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjE4OjMzMzI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 14")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjIyOjMxMDU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 15")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Plateau Hut Overnight](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjI3OjIwNzk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 16")
See Also
We also offer multi-day trekking options including our favourite mountain journeys through our backyard of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. These remote trips cater to a range of abilities and take in beech valleys, alpine passes, off-track routes, and ridgeline traverses.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Adelaide Crique Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjQ2OjE4NTA=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 17")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Rabbit Pass Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjUxOjE5Njc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 18")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Gillespie Pass Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjU2OjE4NDk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 19")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Brewster Glacier Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjYxOjE5NjE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Alpine Heli-hike 20")
‘A great day out on the glacier. [We] learnt a lot of alpine skills. The scenic and blue sky were awesome. Thank you for organising a fruitful and safe glacier hiking’
— Ricky, Glacier Heli-hike
‘Really good no1 fun day. Perfect conditions, great guide, got everything out of the trip that we wanted and more: fresh tracks, beautiful scenery, stunning weather, great company, and very safe and knowledgeable guide.’
— Wayne, Treble Cone Backcountry Tour
‘WMG crafted an absolutely incredible day for us! The heli flights, the hiking, the lunch, everything exceeded our expectations. It was a joy to spend the day with him. We highly recommend Wanaka Mountain Guides for any adventure.’
— Debbie, Alpine Heli-hike