Best of · HIKING & TREKKING
Four-seat aircraft and one weather window a day mean the good heli-hiking trips go early. Below: the 15 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
Fly over the Southern Alps, land on Franz Josef Glacier, and spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among crevasses, pinnacles, and ice caves. Guides such as Sarah, Maya, and Angus combine glacier safety with glaciology and Māori stories. Warm gear and crampons are provided.
“Awesome sights! Staff was amazing and knowledgeable, they are well equipped and well prepared professionals.”
Ride a helicopter onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, or Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking across changing ice with guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy. Boots, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied. Expect short flights, mountain views, and an active glacier hike.
“Serena was our AWESOME guide and was very safety oriented. She also watched her group carefully to be sure no one was in difficulty and kept an eye out for weaker members.She was always encouraging and affirming. We saw crevices, manu holes and she dug stairs for us to hike down into canyons and see tunnels (never have ice over your head). Our helicopter pilot was also amazing. It was wonderful flying between the mountains and over the glacier. She set us down so smoothly we didn’t even realize we had landed.”
Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest and rugged peaks, land on Franz Josef Glacier, then spend 2.5 hours exploring crevasses, ice caves, and changing blue ice with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for clear safety help and lively stories.
“Great experience. I wish we were given time to take photos while we were walking . It felt like we were in a rush, the only time we stopped walking was when we were waiting for the helicopter.”
Fly onto a remote part of Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and frozen rivers. Guides such as Billy, Kate, and Keeley explain how the glacier moves while you walk in boots and crampons. Return by helicopter when weather allows.
“Taylor our guide was excellent, finding plenty things to see on the glacier and explaining a lot about the terrain and glaciers in general.”
Fly from Mount Cook Airport to Tasman Glacier, then follow an experienced guide across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and changing formations for up to two hours. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, Tori, and Rich are praised for safety, photos, and clear explanations. Warm gear, crampons, and two scenic flights are included.
“Flavia was an excellent and knowledgeable guide as well as being very friendly and making sure all members of the party were catered for”
From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking among crevasses and ice formations. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have earned high praise for clear safety advice and glacier knowledge. Equipment is provided, but bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
“excellent day. the helicopter ride and the glacier hike itself was amazing. both the pilot and the glacier guide as well as all the staff at the airport were amazing. would recommend this activity”
Walk through Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, Tengboche, and the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. A licensed guide, porter support, meals, permits, and a shared helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla are included.
“Amazing experience with ACE Himalaya! Highly recommend this company for your next trek. They took care of all of our needs, both as a group and at the individual level. Our tour guide, Raj was phenomenal. He was so supportive and motivaRead more”
Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Aoraki/Mount Cook to a remote Tasman Glacier landing. After fitting boots, crampons or snowshoes, follow guides such as Hunter, Richard, Fiona, or Flav across ice caves, tunnels, and fresh snow. The 3-hour trip includes gear, two helicopter flights, and a small group of up to 11.
“We had a great experience both with the helicopter ride and the glacier hike. The staff and guide were competent and the views were stunning.”
Take a 20, 30, or 55-minute helicopter flight over glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and 10,000-foot peaks. Land near the Cline River for a guided one-hour hike to Twin Falls, then fly back over Abraham Lake. English-speaking pilots such as Jordan, Will, Victoria, and Ralph provide commentary.
“Jordan was an awesome pilot and guide! The starting location was unexpectedly gorgeous also and flying over the lake was breathtaking. We took a small hike and Jordan offered to take lots of pictures for us including at a waterfall we never would have seen without the helicopter ride. Highly recommend!!”
Fly from Queenstown to Mt Cook, then take a helicopter onto Tasman Glacier for about two hours on the ice. Your guide provides boots, crampons, and safety gear, leading you through changing ice formations and caves. The small group returns to Queenstown by air after a six-hour mountain day.
“I ended up at Franz Joseph and it was AMAZING. The flight alone from QT over the alps was unbelievable. I was originally cancelled for Tasman, but they did everything to find me something for the one day I had available. They were open and Read more”
Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook in a small group, then take two helicopter flights to the Tasman Glacier for a guided hike. Expect scenic stops at Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki, supplied glacier gear, and guides such as Tedd, Xavier, or Ryan, depending on the day.
“Amazing experience to fly above and then walk on the glacier. Breathtaking views on the helicopter ride. Fabulous hosts from start to finish.”
Trek from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then fly by helicopter to Lukla. A licensed guide, guesthouses, permits, gear, and Kathmandu transfers are included, while meals, insurance, and porters cost extra.
“We did the Everest Base Camp trekking with our guide Ram. It was fantastic and experienced guide and helped to create a great experience. 5/5.”
Join Trips & Tramps in Te Anau for a small-group Kepler Track hike. Fly by helicopter to Luxmore Hut, walk alpine tussock and beech forest trails, then cross Lake Te Anau by water taxi. Expect 7 hours, 8 km or more on foot, and a sustained 800 m descent.
“Fantastic guided hike on part of the Kepler track (about nine miles or 14 km total) with great views”
From Te Anau, Southern Lakes Helicopters combines a 25-minute flight, a Kepler Track hike, and a 10-minute water taxi ride. You fly over Lake Te Anau and the Hidden Lakes, land near Luxmore Hut, walk toward Luxmore Summit, then return along the lake.
“Great communication, great pilot, great views and a lot of fun. Highly recommended. I can't say enough great things about how well the company is run and how much we enjoyed the day.”
Trek from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. You return by shared helicopter, saving several walking days. Himalayan Adventure Treks and Tours provides guides, porters, permits, meals, lodging, and airport transfers.
“This hiking trip was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Words can’t fully capture the feelings and personal growth I experienced, but I’d like to focus on the outfitter who made it all possible. If I could give them 10 stars, I Read more”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
