Browne Fox: Chancellor Dome Heli-Trek

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, takes you from the township into the steep 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 at any time of the year the alpine vegetation is impressive. Chamois, the mountain antelope, can frequently be seen.

From the hut, the route ascends through snowgrass basins to a spot known as "Point A" where a glorious view of Mt Tasman appears. Here a gully gives access to a broad ridge and the beautiful snow shelf below the summit of Chancellor Dome. A highlight is the final roped ascent to the summit at 2,004 metres (6,526 feet). This delightful climb, over alpine gardens, rock and snowfields 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, enjoy a brew 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.

Fitness level:
A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required. No prior experience is necessary. This is an excellent beginner's day in the mountains.

Duration:
8 hours approx.

Availability:
1 October – 31 May (except Christmas Day)
Availability is affected by snow conditions.

Cost:
NZ$559.00 per person (GST incl.)
(Valid from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008)
(No child rate, minimum age 14, minimum 2 people)

Cost includes:
Two helicopter flights, guide, ground transport, technical equipment, ice axe, crampons, boots and socks, raincoat, gloves, hats and packs if required.

Please bring:
Lunch and a drink; sunglasses, sun cream, 3 - 4 upper body layers with one being a long-sleeved shirt, warm long trousers, hat and gloves, day pack and camera.

Reporting time:
7.45am - If you are unable to meet this deadline prior to departure please contact us by phone.

Booking conditions:
Please refer to our booking and cancellation details page.

Special notes & conditions:
It is often possible to book this trip at short notice, but to ensure guide availability, we advise booking at least one week in advance.
Botanists: December and January are the best months for alpine flowers.

Please note: This is a mountain trip with helicopter access, not a helihike on the glacier.

$559 pp Request a Booking