Plateau Hut is situated in a spectacular location at 2000m on the edge of the Grand Plateau and in the shadow of the mighty Aoraki Mount Cook.
Overnight Heli-hiking
Plateau Hut Experience
The Plateau Hut Experience offers a rare immersion into the glaciated heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, situated within the Te W?hipounamu World Heritage area. Staying at this high-alpine hut allows mountain enthusiasts to witness the Southern Alps / Ka Tiritiri o te Moana in their most dramatic states—from the fleeting glow of alpenglow at sunset to the first light hitting the Grand Plateau. By night, the hut serves as a front-row seat to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. You will experience unparalleled stargazing and, if the solar cycles align, the breathtaking dance of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).
During your visit, you will explore the surrounding glacier with its crevasses using crampons or snowshoes. You will be roped to your guide for security.
Meeting in Wanaka or Mount Cook, you will helicopter into Plateau Hut and get settled in. You will spend the time learning the skills to safely explore the surrounding glacier.
The nearby summit of Glacier Dome provides an excellent viewpoint for the sunrise with views of Mount. Tasman and Silberhorn and all the way up the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in Plateau Hut. This is remote, basic mountain hut with a large communal kitchen area and sleeping rooms. It is equipped with mattresses, crockery, and cookware. Sleeping bags can be provided. There is no heating so expect cold temperatures during winter.
Clothing and Equipment
A full range of conditions can be expected in the New Zealand mountains and participants need to be suitably prepared.
We provide any required technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, trekking poles, or snowshoes.
You will need:
- Long sleeved tops
- Long outdoor pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Personal overnight supplies
Available to borrow:
- Snow boots
- Gloves and a warm hat
- A warm and waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag
Fitness
The Plateau Hut Experience is available for all abilities. Expect small ascents and descents and distances of up to 10km per day.
Day packs. Up to 6 hours.
Technical Skills
No previous mountaineering experience is required.
Availability
Get in touch to arrange private dates throughout the year.
Pricing
$1,690 / $2,190 / $3,190 per person for 4 / 3 / 2 people.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Includes: Applicable taxes , guide fees, compliance costs, 2 scenic helicopter flights, all meals during the trip, mountain accommodation, and technical equipment
Booking Conditions
Optional Extras:
- Helicopter transfers are available from Queenstown or Wanaka accommodation.
- Additional scenic helicopter flights can also be arranged, including flights over Milford Sound and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Flights in and out from Plateau Hut are highly weather dependent. If weather conditions prevent spending the full duration at Plateau Hut your guide will provide alternative guided activities in the Mount Cook area, accommodation will be arranged in Mount Cook or Wanaka, and any unused flight expenses will be refunded.
‘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! Backcountry ski touring with a guide in remote locations takes all the stress out of making decisions.’
— Murray, Whare Kea Chalet Ski Tour
