Alpine Guides

Alpine Guides is New Zealand’s longest-established mountain guiding company (since 1966), with a year-round base in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, giving unparalleled access to this incredible area.

They offer everything from easily accessible, short, mountain based adventures, to full mountaineering expeditions and ski guiding.

Their trips include the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike, Tasman Glacier Ice Trek and overnight stays in a remote mountain hut with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

You don’t need to be a mountaineer to appreciate their extraordinary alpine playground!

Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

Hike and explore the “white ice” of New Zealand’s longest glacier at Aoraki/Mount Cook. Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier with Alpine Guides offers easy access to the realm of the mountaineer.

Meet at Mount Cook Airport where they provide you with all the required equipment for the trip. You then embark on a scenic helicopter ride into the mountains to land up high on the “white ice” of the glacier.

Accompanied by your professional glacier guide, you will discover an amazing landscape of blue ice features, runnels, moulins and winding streamlets. You will explore the gently undulating terrain, as your crampons bite into 100-year old ice.

Ski the Tasman

Ski The Tasman is an air-accessed glacier skiing package, professionally guided by Alpine Guides. Every fine winter day Alpine Guides accompany small groups of skiers on this unique ski adventure into the heart of the Southern Alps, the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

If you can ski blue runs at a ski area (intermediate ability) you can ski the mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier. The rental ‘fat’ skis make off-piste easy, even in knee-deep powder snow. With Alpine Guides you’re in good hands. They have been guiding there year-round since 1966. They know the glacier better than anyone and also provide the region’s avalanche forecasting service.

The standard Tasman Glacier skiing package includes the two longest ski runs in the Southern Hemisphere – from 8 to 10km long. Mountain flying experts, the Helicopter Line, provide all flights. The season operates from 1 July to 30 September.

Tasman Glacier Ice Trek

If you want more adventure than a 2-hour Heli Hike, plus the benefits of a private guiding experience, then choose Alpine Guides’ Ice Trek.

Hiking on the Ice Trek covers up to 5 km with many diversions. Explore fascinating ice features., squeeze through winding canyons. Peer into moulins and caves and the many surprises the ice delivers. You are on a private Heli-hike, so there is no pressure to go faster (or slower) by people you don’t know. The trip is 100% tailored to your needs, as to how challenging or relaxed you want it to be.

They also have an option to include ice climbing on your ice trek if you want to challenge yourself and have a more adventurous trip.

Plateau Hut Overnight

Looking for an extraordinary experience? Alpine Guides’ Plateau Hut Overnight  is the perfect “easy” mountain adventure and a trip to one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine locations.

Stay at a modern NZ Alpine Hut and enjoy the thrill of glaciated “big mountain” terrain, accompanied by your professional guide. Then, roped up for glacier travel, safely trek to the summit of Glacier Dome (2,452 metres), a beautiful snow-clad but non-technical peak on the flanks of Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.

This is a private trip that is 100% tailored to your goals and objectives.

Mt Cook Heliski

The Aoraki/Mount Cook Region offers the single largest heliski area in New Zealand. The terrain covered incorporates 6 mountain ranges, and features the highest landings (2,800 m), and the longest vertical drop (1,300 m) in New Zealand. Catching snow from every storm, and high terrain means consistent quality and the ability to operate on every fine day from 1 July to 30 September.

From exclusive terrain within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, to the shores of Lake Pukaki in the Ben Ohau Range – there are runs to suit all levels of heli-ski ability. The 5-Run Wilderness Day is big enough for most, but extra runs are always available for the experts. Mount Cook Heliski also specialises in private charter heliskiing.