Skiing The Tasman Glacier by Ski Plane
Take a Ski Plane up to New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand, blue ice caves and incredible ice formations Southern Hemisphere.
Join Mabey Ski on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Ski Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest run on the Tasman Glacier. Explore the stunning blue ice caves and marvel at the incredible ice formations as you ski or snowboard down the slopes.
Ski New Zealand’s longest runs on the Tasman Glacier, exploring blue ice caves and incredible ice formations as you go.
Our pace is relaxed, making it suitable for first-time off-piste skiers. Tailor-made ski holidays and packages will ensure a truly unforgettable experience. Book your trip now and discover the breathtaking beauty of Tasman Glacier
The day starts with a scenic flight up to the top of Tasman Glacier by ski plane. Take in the stunning views of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mt Cook, before landing on the famous glacier. Make turns down the country's longest ski runs with your ski guide, and explore the impressive ice caves, seracs and unique glacial features as you go. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the snow before skiing your second and final run of the day – they're 8-10km long so there's no shortage of skiing!
You'll load into your ski plane at Mt Cook Airport, and fly up to the top of New Zealand's largest glacier – The Tasman. We can also arrange flights up from Queenstown or Wanaka, where you will need to swap over to the designated ski plane at Mt Cook Airport. If you're looking to stay nearby, we have partnered with Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat so let us know and we can arrange that for you.
With mellow terrain similar to resort blues, this full-day ski trip provides the perfect opportunity for intermediate skiers and snowboarders to experience off-piste skiing and riding for the first time. More advanced skiers will also enjoy the expansive terrain and adventurous experience, exploring ice caves, seracs and unique glacial features. As the group will often need to traverse and sidestep through the icefall and Canyonlands, it is recommended that snowboarders bring poles with them. This is a family-friendly experience, though children need to be a minimum of 10 years old, and must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of 2 children per adult). There will be a maximum of 6 guests per guide.
The best snow conditions on the Tasman Glacier are usually experienced in July and August. Spring conditions are typical in September, and often in early October, depending on the year. Thanks to New Zealand’s temperate maritime climate, the conditions are always changing and The Tasman can expect to receive a fresh powder dump with any winter storm.
Skiing Tasman Glacier – What to Expect
Make your way to Mt Cook Airport, taking in the views of the towering Aoraki Mt Cook – meaning “cloud piercer” in Maori – understandable considering it reaches an elevation of 3,754 metres. You’ll meet your ski guide at the airport before loading into your ski plane, and flying up to the top of New Zealand’s longest glacier, The Tasman.
The ski runs are leg-burningly long at 8-10km, but you’ll hardly notice with the spectacular scenery surrounding you. Ideal for intermediate and first-time off-piste skiers, The Tasman offers the equivalent of gentle blue run skiing. Explore seracs and ice caves as you go and feast on a picnic lunch on the glacier after your first run.
PRICING
Starting at NZD $849 per person for a full day glacier-skiing adventure.
Inclusions:
- 3 scenic flights by ski plane
- 2 long 8-10km runs with approx. 5 hours on snow
- Professional ski guiding (6:1 maximum guest to guide ratio)
- Alpine picnic on the snow
- Avalanche safety demonstration and equipment rental
- Return transportation to and from your Mt Cook accommodation (if required)
Exclusions:
- 3rd run available at an additional cost $100-200 pending numbers and conditions on the day
- Video service, available on request
- Powder ski rental, available on request
Please note this is a family-friendly experience, though children need to be a minimum of 10 years old, and must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of 2 children per adult).
Note that ice caves and seracs cannot be guaranteed as the glacier moves around 30cm each day and guest safety is our top priority.
Exploring the Mighty Tasman Glacier
New Zealand’s Largest Glacial Wonder
The Tasman Glacier is located in the Southern Alps on the South Island. It is over 27 km (17 miles) long and up to 4 km (2.5 miles) wide and is part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The Tasman Glacier is unique as it is the only place in New Zealand where visitors can take ski planes and helicopters to ski or snowboard on the glacier.
Tasman Glacier is also known for its spectacular ice formations, including blue ice caves, seracs and moulins. Many visitors also take the opportunity to go on a guided hike on the Tasman Glacier to explore the glacial environment and learn about the geology and glaciology of the region.
an Epic Ski Adventure on the Tasman Glacier
The Tasman glacier is most likely on every skier’s bucket list. The beautiful blue glacier is home to some of New Zealand’s best skiing terrain offering a vast expanse of snow. Tasman glacier is a true reflection of skiing paradise that is sure to take your breath away. Mount cook is a great place to explore and learn about the glacial environment, and the geology of the region whilst taking in the culture of the Māori people. It’s a ski bucket list trip that you’ll remember forever.
Exploring Mount Cook
Mount Cook is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, offering a wide range of challenging climbs and hikes. The mountain’s glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier, and Franz Josef Glacier, are also popular destinations for visitors. The Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s largest glacier and is the only place in New Zealand where visitors can take ski planes and helicopters to ski or snowboard on the glacier.
The region around Mount Cook is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kea parrots, rock wrens, and the endangered alpine parrot, the rock wrens. The main village of Mount Cook has great restaurants and other amenities. Visiting this area is an unforgettable experience, when you’re coming to ski the glacier e sure to take in stunning scenery. Mount cook is a great place to explore and learn about the glacial environment, and the geology of the region whilst taking in the culture of the Māori people. It’s a ski bucket list trip that you’ll remember forever
The Skiing Experience of a Lifetime
Tasman Glacier is a beautifully unique place that gives you a chance to explore the blue ice caves and incredible ice formations when you’re not skiing. Experiencing natural wonders like these are created by the movement of the glaciers that constantly change. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the beauty of the area, including the terminal lake, which is constantly changing in size and shape and is an impressive sight.
A ski trip to the Tasman Glacier is not just about the skiing, it’s also about the journey to get there, we take the ski planes to reach the top of the glacier, that then ski down which is an incredibly thrilling and unforgettable experience you will never forget.
History of Tasman Glacier
Skiing down the Tasman Glacier you can feel the energy dating back to 2 million years ago during the Pleistocene ice ages. Situated near the most beautiful alpine surroundings this relic is one of the most sought after ski trips. This glacier has seen the climate warmed and cooled with advances and retreats leaving behind evidence in the form of the beautiful Lake Pukaki.
The first discovery of the Tasman Glacier was during the late 19th century by intrepid explorers who dared to venture into the unexplored regions of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. In 1909 was the first ski descent of the Tasman Glacier by adventurers Harry Wigley and Jack Clarke, marking a huge milestone in the history of skiing the Tasman Glacier.
About Your Tasman Glacier Ski Guides
We create out-of-the-ordinary ski adventures across the globe that push boundaries and challenge the conventional. We practice what we preach and ski all over the world to find those unmarked backcountry huts, mountainside hot springs, and larger-than-life ski guides that become lifelong friends, so that we can create the most authentic and exhilarating ski adventure for you.
We know that some of the best memories come from when you step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Our team lives to ski and travel, and our passion lies in bringing that knowledge and experience together to give you the kind of adventure and excitement you will chase for the rest of your life.
Looking for something extra special?
If you’ve got a small group or just want a private ski experience, why not charter a plane for the day? Set your own pace, choose your timings and we can even organise a special picnic lunch. Prices from $4,794 for a full day, up to 6 guests.
For those staying in Queenstown or Wanaka, we can arrange a short 40-minute scneic flight over the rugged Southern Alps before meeting your guide at Mt Cook Airport. Prices from NZD $1,249 per person.
Looking for the ultimate Kiwi winter experience? Check out See and Ski New Zealand’s Big Three.
Looking for something more from your ski trip?
Thought of something we haven’t? Been dreaming something up for a special milestone, but don’t know how to make it happen? Drop us a line today – impossible is our specialty.
