Make the snowy landscape of New Zealand your winter playground when you go heli skiing and heli hiking!
When you read the words “heli skiing” or “heli hiking”, the images that pop into your minds might be movie-like scenes of professional skiers jumping out of a running helicopter into a snowy mountain slope. For most beginners, the words heli skiing and heli hiking may sound too extreme and might even scare you away from trying it out.
But guess what—heli skiing and heli hiking aren’t as challenging as you might think they are. Actually, you don’t have to jump from a helicopter! Intermediate skiers and hikers can quickly go on a trip and try out heli skiing and heli hiking for themselves. Read on through for everything you need to know about these thrilling activities. By the end of this page, you’ll surely be looking for heli skiing and heli hiking trips near you!
Heli skiing is perfectly safe for intermediate skiers! Credits: @harrismountainsheliski
WHAT IS HELI SKIING AND HELI HIKING?
First off, heli skiing is just skiing on a downhill slope usually accessed by helicopters. You can head straight into the wilderness without the hassle of actually going there. Plus, you escape the long lines at ski resorts and get to enjoy unlimited runs in the powdery snow! Heli skiing season usually lasts from July to September.
On the other hand, Heli hiking is as simple as hiking in a remote area only accessible via a helicopter ride! Both heli hiking and heli skiing are considered amateur recreational activities and are extremely popular in the country.
If you finally decide to give heli skiing and heli hiking a go, make sure you wrap up in warm layers and get comfortable with your attire before you go on that helicopter. You’ll also need a lot of sunscreen since the sun rays bounce off the white snow, and if you plan to go heli skiing, it would be best to have powder skis to make it easier to cut through the powder crust.
We recommend heli hiking to people who enjoy off-trail adventures! Credits: @laurenberridgee
WHERE DO I GO?
Convinced to try out heli skiing and heli hiking? New Zealand has plenty of prime spots for such activities! Queenstown, a ski Mecca, offers a ton of heli activities and is a perfect starting point for new heli skiers. For intermediate skiers, you can try out the snowy slopes of Wanaka and Mount Cook!
If you’re more inclined to go heli hiking, you should definitely look for tours around the Franz Josef Glacier.
With Klook, you can book any kind of heli skiing and heli hiking tour that suits your needs. Check out our list here:
HELI HIKING
- Tasman Glacier Hiking Experience
- Flying Fox Heli Hike
- Heli Hike in Franz Josef Glacier with Free Hot Pool Admission
- Mountain & Lakes Heli Hike
HELI SKIING
- Heli-Ski Queenstown, Wanaka or Mt. Cook
- Southern Lakes Heliski
- Alpine Heliski
- Mount Cook Heliski
OTHER HELI ACTIVITIES
- Dog Sledding and Helicopter Flight in Queenstown
HELI HIKING
1.Tasman Glacier Hiking Experience
Explore Tasman Glacier to your heart’s desire. Credits: @leona76
If you’re looking for heli hiking tours, we suggest you try out this hiking experience on Tasman Glacier! Hop on a helicopter and get breathtaking views of New Zealand’s largest glacier and the stunning landscape of the towering Mount Cook.
Enjoy the winter breeze on your face as you hike across this icy wonderland. And the best part? If you choose to do this again, your heli hiking experience will be completely different from your first one! This is because the glacier’s formation shifts through time, changing the pathways each time it moves.
2. Fox Glacier Heli Hike Experience
Learn how to climb down ice caves at Fox Glacier! Credits: @foxglacierguidingn
Stand in the middle of the West Coast’s icy wonderland when you go heli hiking on Fox Glacier! You can choose three packages a half-day hike, a full-day one, or an upgrade with an exhilarating ice climbing experience.
The heli hiking experience gives you front row seats to the majestic Victoria Falls and the magical ice caves at Fox Glacier. Make sure you pack your cameras to keep these memories unforgettable! All packages are inclusive of hiking gears and safety equipment if you choose to try ice climbing.
3. Heli Hike in Franz Josef Glacier with Free Hot Pool Admission
Have a fun-filled snow day at Franz Josef Glacier! Credits: @agnekatic
Ecstatic to try out heli hiking now? Start trekking across the majestic Franz Josef Glacier!
Learn the art of step-cutting from your expert guide as you spend half a day exploring the stunning glacier. With up to 3 hours of free time, you will surely master the art of walking through ice caves, and find yourself exploring the snow wonderland with ease! After your challenging hike, relax your tired body at the Main Pool of Franz Josef Hot Pool.
4. Mountain & Lakes Heli Hike
Conquer Mount Cook with this Mountain & Lakes Heli Hike! Credits: @queenstownmountainguides
Experience an amazing off-trail adventure along the pristine landscape of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains of Queenstown!
Ride on a helicopter and let it take you to a remote mountainous area where you can hike at your own pace. Marvel at the vibrant local flora and fauna along the way, and stop by on a terrific mountain location to feast on your gourmet alpine lunch. After that, everything is up to you! Whether you want to explore a bit more or bask in the scenery and take beautiful photos, this heli hiking tour gives you the freedom to choose.
HELI SKIING
1. Heli-Ski Queenstown, Wanaka or Mount Cook
Zoom down the slopes of the Southern Alps! Credits: @harrismountainsheliski
Beginners are encouraged to try out heli skiing on the Southern Alps! Depart from Queenstown or Wanaka, and enjoy the ultimate snow experience at Mount Cook as you zoom down the snowy alpine terrain against the majestic landscape view of New Zealand’s South Island! Choose your experience based on the number of runs and pace you want. An intro package is available for first-time heli skiers, too.
Get picked up from your accommodation and be guided by a professional mountain specialist who will teach you all the precautionary measures once you’ve landed from the helicopter. You’ll also get an alpine buffet lunch and avalanche transceiver, plus training on how to use it.
2. Southern Lakes Heliski
Make memories of a lifetime with heli skiing! Credits: Southern Lakes Heliski Facebook page
Have the best winter backcountry adventure when you go heli skiing with Southern Lakes Heliski!
Choose from their daily run packages with difficulty levels ranging from intermediate to expert, and climb aboard their luxurious helicopter. Rest assured, professionals pilot alll their aircrafts, so you can sit back and be mesmerised by the breathtaking scenery below. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the fine powder snow safely with a professional heli skier by your side!
3. Alpine Heliski
Have fun in the snow with friends when you go heli skiing! Credits: @alpineheliski
Alpine Heliski’s regular run packages are perfect for heli skiing newbies! Take your pick from a 4-run, 6-run, or 7-run day, and start packing for the best ride of your life.
From your Queenstown accommodation, ride hassle-free transfers to and from their staging area, and receive a full safety briefing from their friendly professional guides. Delicious gourmet lunch and pick-up and return of rental skis/boards are included in their packages.
4. Mount Cook Heliski
Have a fun skiing experience on Mount Cook. Credits: @mtcookheliski
Conquer the snowy terrain of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, with these heli skiing packages from Queenstown or Wanaka!
Experience a fantastic 40-minute scenic flight above the charming landscape of New Zealand! From Wanaka, you get to see Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and enjoy the breathtaking Southern Alps range when coming from Queenstown. Afterwards, start your heli skiing adventure with five incredible heliski runs, which usually averages up to 800 vertical metres.
OTHER HELI ACTIVITIES
1. Dog Sledding and Helicopter Flight in Queenstown
Snow Farm’s friendly canines await you!
If you’re done heli skiing or heli hiking, here is another heli experience for you! Experience a unique dog sledding adventure at Snow Farm, a location easily accessed with a scenic helicopter ride!
Meet the friendly Queenstown canines, and enjoy maximum winter fun with dogs who love the snow just as much as you do. Immerse yourself in the dog sledding scene, and try your hand out at exploring some stunning high country trails with the alpine dogs at the Farm.
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