Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

• Email confirmation will be received immediately after confirming your booking. 
• All flights have a minimum passenger number for departures. We do our best to coordinate the required minimum.
• Maximum allowable weight for a person on a rear helicopter seat is 150kg.
• Moderate fitness and hiking ability required. For example, you must be able to walk at least 1 kilometer and be able to climb or descend stairs easily to participate.
• Our guides provide interpretation and safety instructions in English. The inability to understand your guide's instructions is a safety risk. If you cannot understand basic English instructions, you must accompany a person who can translate for you. If you are hearing impaired, please inform our staff.
• Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. They must be confident walking on uneven terrain and able to follow instructions. We reserve the right to change this requirements for children due to glacier/snow and weather conditions.
• Drones, iPads and selfie sticks are not allowed on board for safety.

The Helicopter Line operates scenic flight activity that takes place within an environment involving aircraft and over water/mountainous terrain, where there are elements of risk involved. The primary risks being (but not limited to) equipment failure, human error, changing weather conditions, unavoidable external occurrences and potential aircraft hazards. 

Operating as a professional tourism helicopter company requires highly skilled pilots who are extremely disciplined, particularly when flying in the Southern Alps.  To operate safely our team of pilots require the support of management and an equally disciplined team on the ground. The Helicopter Line takes all reasonable, practicable and lawful steps such as complying with strict New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules to ensure your safety whilst on your experience with us.

Safety is our number one priority.

1. Changing Weather Conditions: Mountain weather can change rapidly and significantly. Storms, high winds, snowfall, and cold temperatures are common. Although we will not operate with a poor weather forecast, you must be prepared for the potential of unexpected weather conditions impacting your trip, leading to increased dangers. Escaping the glacier environment or communicating with external emergency support may be delayed.
2. Terrain Hazards: The terrain in glacial environments includes, but is not exhaustive, things such as falling rocks, cliffs, ice cliffs, crevasses, changing snow conditions, steep slopes, loose rocks, and icy surfaces. It is crucial to exercise caution and follow all of your guide’s instructions to avoid slips, or tripping hazards that may lead to serious or fatal injuries.
3. Avalanche Risk: Our guides continually assess avalanche risk. The potential of an avalanche affecting the lower Tasman Glacier is unlikely, but there is still an inherent danger. Avalanches can cause severe injuries, burials, or fatalities.
4. Physical Fitness: The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be prepared for two hours of hiking, exposure to the elements, and the potential for situations that may be outside of your comfort zone. It is essential to be honest about your fitness level or abilities to ensure you are adequately prepared.
5. Piloting and Helicopter Safety: Our pilots are experienced in mountain flying. However, flying in mountainous terrain adds risks due to unique weather patterns. Aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to Civil Aviation Authority standards. You must obey all helicopter safety instructions given by your guide, pilot, or ground crew.
6. Natural Disasters: The Southern Alps sits on the Alpine Fault. Natural disasters such as earthquakes can occur without warning.

Please find more risk and safety information HERE