This guided hiking tour grants exclusive access to private land on family-owned Glentanner Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic and iconic stations, set in one of the country’s most magnificent landscapes.
It’s a journey back through time, to the rough and rugged early days of high country farming, and further, to the ancient past when glaciers carved the land to form the spectacular Mackenzie Country.
The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. Take in dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman River Delta and Aoraki Mount Cook, towering over the landscape in the distance.
From the landing spot the tour continues on foot with an easy walk over a rugged farm track. The track descends gradually past alpine tarns, beneath towering peaks. Your guide will ensure plenty of stops for photographs and will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora and fauna and present-day operations.
The walk features a stop at the recently restored Field Station huts — the perfect place for a morning or afternoon tea break, kindly provided by your hosts. The exhibition at the Field Station features stories of early scientific and farming endeavours on Glentanner and the inter-relationship between farmer and scientist.
The walking distance is approximately seven kilometres and guests must be comfortable on uneven ground.
Cancellation Policy – If a hike is cancelled by the operator due to weather conditions, the guest will not be charged.Cancellations made by the guest up to 24 hours prior to departure will not be charged. Cancellations made by the guest within 24 hours of departure (when flying is possible) – full payment will be taken. There is a strict 100% charge for no-shows.
Weather – Glentanner High Country Heli Hike is a weather dependent activity. We reserve the right to cancel the hike if weather is not safe/suitable for the helicopter or walking. You may transfer to another time-slot or day, if space, weather, and itineraries allow.We reserve the right to adjust scheduled times due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Safety and Hazards
It is important that you understand the hazards when participating in this activity. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us. Heli Hiking is classified as an “adventure activity.” It has a low to moderate degree of risk. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk, we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:
Health & Fitness Lack of physical fitness and medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip. Most healthy people with “street” level fitness should enjoy this activity.
Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part on a Glentanner High Country Heli Hike trip. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, on your booking sheet and when completing your registration before flying.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Heli Hike. It’s important that you advise us of the following when making your booking:
If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip, we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking.
We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Booking Restrictions
Weight restrictions: Any guests 120 kg or more will require the use of 2 seats in the helicopter.
Maximum weight: The maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150 kg.
Pregnancy: So long as there are no health issues associated with exercise, if a pregnant person can travel safely by airline, they can participate on a Heli Hike.
You must be 18 years or older to make a Heli Hike booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling with you must complete your registration form prior to the Heli Hike.
