MT. COOK GLACIER HIKE
IN FLIGHT
MT. COOK GLACIER - THE TASMAN GLACIER
WE took a group of friends on this trip and made several stops along the way (of course, there was a vineyard AND repelling down 200 feet into a dark water cave). It was an amazing adventure with jaw-dropping views small-plane flights over icy, blue lakes.
The glacier is located in the Aooraki National Park in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the largest glacier in New Zealand.
We checked into The Hermitage Mt. Cook at the base of the glacier. We decided to dine in the Panorama Room. The views are spectacular and the food was good. Just to be clear. You have 4-5 restaurant choices at this hotel. The teeny little town down the street is full of little bars and shops…nothing too fancy. Our daughter, her friend and 3 more of the “younger” gang went into town. It’s so small that we could feel comfortable allowing this little jaunt without worrying about (does that EVER happen to Moms???) something happening.
If you’ve read our travel stuff before, you know I love, love, love a great hotel. This is the best they have - it is not luxury. I called it “spartan” and felt it was fair. They staff is amazing and were always around if we needed anything at all.
The next morning we headed over to the helicopter pad at Mt. Cook ski planes/helicopter and guides. Rich (a longtime resident of the area) and Hunter were just incredible. We signed our group up for 3 hours of hiking excitement. First, this crew took great pleasure in making all of us weigh in. They required exact numbers for helicopter flight and ice path - there were a dozen of us plus older littles. This group was so well organized. They outfitted everyone with waterproof pants and jackets (if needed) as well as those super cool crampons for our boots.
The helicopter ride was so much fun. They landed it on a piece of ice maybe 4’ x 4’!!!! Such talented pilots. Rich is a very experienced guide and found some incredible spots to rest in. Icy blue water trapped in glacier holes - we stopped a few times to lie down and drink from the springs! Rich shared that they offer guided ski tours through the glacier. As usual, its now on our “must do” list!
If you have a Bucket List, do add this adventure - it really is a once in a lifetime experience.
