Snow Heli-hike
Our Snow Heli-hike provides several options available for all ability levels. Travel 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 lifts high into the Harris Mountains and viewpoints 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.
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 on the snow heli hike 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 Snow Heli-hike is run in association with Aspiring Helicopters.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Harris Mountains and mount Aspiring](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDgyOjMxODc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 4")
Snow Heli Hike Fitness and Difficulty
All trips are snow heli hikes can be 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 |
| 2024/25 dates: Monday to Saturday, November to April Private trips are run subject to weather. Please get in touch to express an interest with your available datesand trips will be confirmed 24-48 hours before. |
| 2024 Price: |
| $990 per person for 3 or more people. Get in touch for smaller groups. Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, 2 scenic helicopter flights, lunch and snacks |
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Snow Heli Hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTMzOjMyODc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 7")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Black Peak](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTM3OjMyODM=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 8")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Snow Heli Hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTQxOjI4MzM=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA0NjEiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQ2MSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 9")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Snow Heli Hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTQ1OjMwMjI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow 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 [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTc1OjMzMzA=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 14")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTc5OjMxMDM=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 15")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Plateau Hut Overnight](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTg0OjIwNzc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow 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=NjAzOjE4NDg=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 17")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Rabbit Pass Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjA4OjE5NjU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 18")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Gillespie Pass Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjEzOjE4NDc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 19")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Brewster Glacier Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjE4OjE5NTk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Snow Heli-hike 20")
‘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