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 and Lake Wānaka.

Location

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 (polyprop 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 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.

Alpine Heli-hike Fitness and Difficulty

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Alpine Heli-hike

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.

Pricing

Duration: 4.5 hours or full day

Maximum ratio: 1:4

Summer 2023/24 dates: Monday to Saturday, November to April

Trips are run subject to weather. Please get in touch to express an interest in private trips.

2024 Price:

From $890 per person (minimum 3 people)

Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, 2 scenic helicopter flights, lunch and snacks

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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 — Glacier Camp

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet — Glacier Camp

‘A relaxing getaway with an old mate combined with a cool lodge and back country skiing. Awesome slopes. Staying at Whare Kea Chalet was an amazing place with awesome facilities and luxury beds with a view of the Milky Way! Back country ski touring with a guide in remote locations takes all the stress out of making decisions.’

— Murray, Whare Kea Chalet Ski Tour

‘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

‘Very good guiding, very good cooking, very good company.’

— Robert, Private Ski Guiding