This has to be one of New Zealand's finest days in the mountains. It starts with a thrilling flight by helicopter, over magnificent rainforest and ice pinnacles, into the valley of the Fox Glacier. Your helipad is at 1,270 metres (4,000 feet) on Chancellor Shelf, just above historic Chancellor Hut. In season, this area is rich in flowering alpine plants and the mountain antelope, Chamois, can frequently be seen.
From Chancellor Hut, the route ascends through snowgrass basins to a spot where a glorious view of Mt Tasman appears. Here your guide will organise you for a safe ascent of the gully. This gully gives access to a broad ridge and a beautiful snow shelf below the summit of Chancellor Dome. A highlight is the final ascent to the summit at 2,004 metres (6,526 feet). This climb, takes you to the point that affords the best view of the Southern Alps highest peaks and the magnificent snowfields that feed the Fox Glacier. To the west, you see the surf of the Tasman Sea breaking on Gillespies Beach.
After a relaxing lunch you descend to the hut, and fly down the glacier back to Fox Glacier township. As an introduction to mountaineering this trip cannot be surpassed.
Please note: This is a mountain trip with helicopter access, not a helihike on the glacier and is weather dependant.
An overnight option is also available. Please click here for more details.
A good level of fitness and agility is required. No prior mountaineering experience is necessary.
8-9 hours
All year round: 7.45am
Adult: NZ$ 599.00 (GST incl.)
( Valid from 1 Oct 2009 to 30 Sep 2010)
Adult: NZ$ 619.00 (GST incl.)
( Valid from 1 Oct 2010 to 30 Sep 2011)
Cost includes:
Two helicopter flights, guide, ground transport, technical equipment, boots and socks, raincoat, waterproof over trousers, gloves, hats and packs if required.
Availability
1 October - 31 May (dependant on snow conditions)
Please bring:
3 - 4 upper body layers with one being a long sleeved shirt, warm long trousers.
Lunch and a drink.
Sunglasses and sun protection.
Special notes and conditions:
Minimum of 2 people.
This trip does not operate on Christmas Day.
