Ride the South Island’s big mountain Aoraki Mt Cook region
From powder filled bowls and open faces to steep chutes and technical lines. Join us for a big-mountain adventure in a region that receives the highest and most consistent snowfall in New Zealand.
This winter our annual heliski tour takes us to the Aoraki Mt Cook region as we ride the largest heliski area in New Zealand spread across 6 mountain ranges and boasting an average 800 metres of vertical.
The tour is a 4 night program based in Mt Cook Village with two heli-ski days included with Mt Cook Heliski.
Our lodging is based at the iconic Hermitage hotel right in the heart of the Mt Cook Aoraki National Park with stunning views of the highest peaks in New Zealand. Buffet breakfasts and dinners are included.
We also include return private transfers from Christchurch to Mt Cook Village. For anyone who wants extend their New Zealand trip, you have the option of starting or finishing in Methven so you can ride at Mt Hutt.
Dates
26 - 29 August, 2023
Guest to Guide Ratio
5 guests : 1 guide
Price
AUD $4,590 per person
Tour Type
Heli-ski / backcountry, suitable for advanced riders
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
AORAKI MT COOK HELI TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
2 DAY HELI-SKIING MT COOK
Heli-skiing at Mount Cook is unique as it has more advanced-level terrain, the most consistent snow quality, the deepest snowpack and the highest landings than any other heli-ski operation in New Zealand. Its truly worthy of your bucket list. The heli-ski area is a wilderness of ancient glaciers, blue lakes, and endless runs across 6 mountain ranges.
PREMIUM LODGING WITH MEALS
Our base for this tour is the iconic Hermitage Hotel in superior singe rooms (1 person per room). Start the day off with cooked breakfasts, and relax after a big day on the mountain with a local craft beer by the fire before enjoying the incredible Hermitage buffet dinner.
ALPINE GUIDES
The big mountains of the Mount Cook region are a serious place with rapidly changing weather and snow conditions - and more glaciated runs than anywhere in NZ. The terrain demands the best and most experienced heliski guides in the business. Mt Cook Heliski / Alpine Guides is New Zealand's longest established mountain guiding company.
SNOW AND CONDITIONS
This tour runs during peak heli-ski season as conditions are at their optimum. The vast terrain spans numerous mountain ranges which are affected differently by prevailing snow and weather conditions. It is these variations that allow us to ski or snowboard many aspects ensuring powder snow each day.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. On our heli-ski days, our guest to guide ratio is maximum of 5 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
ESSENTIAL INFO
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- 2 days Heli-skiing at Mt Cook Heli-ski (guaranteed 5 runs)
- 2 days of professional heliski guide services
- Use of safety equipment on heliski days
- Return transfers Christchurch Airport to Mt Cook Village
- 4 nights Single accommodation at the Hermitage Mt Cook (1 gust per room)
- 4 buffet breakfasts
- 4 buffet dinners
- Generous picnic lunch on heliski days
- Hosting by Mint Tours
Aoraki Mt Cook Heli Tour is 4 nights. If this isn’t enough, then book one of our multi-tour combo’s.
TOUR DATES
26 – 29 August, 2023
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
Book this tour as a private departure – with your own guide and all the benefits of a Mint group tour – for any group, big or small (even just one traveller). Get in touch to discuss.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
We take a maximum of 7 people on each tour. We know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable skiing and snowboarding in backcountry terrain. You can can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and is adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain including side-hits and jumps. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. Most of our guides work for us season after season.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can provide you with the best flight options for the tour.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered be comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. At the commencement of the tour we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your guide.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO CHRISTCHURCH?
We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to Christchurch and where to meet your guide. .
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Please bring your own equipment for the tour, rental equipment is not available.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Skiing and snowboarding in the New Zealand backcountry is like nothing else. Expect all kinds of weather and snow with temperatures typically ranging from 5 to -15 degrees Celsius. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.
PRICE PER PERSON
AUD $4,590 per person
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a 50% deposit is payable within 3 days of booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to tour departure.
If you would like some more information or a quote for the tour you can contact us by:
1. ONLINE
Enquire below and one of our New Zealand Tour Specialists will be in touch with further details.
2. OVER THE PHONE
Call us and follow the prompts to speak to one of our New Zealand Tour specialists.
Within Australia (03) 5296 0314
3. EMAIL
Drop us an email and one of our New Zealand Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.