Traverse South
Design Journey

02 // HIGH-ALTITUDE ADRENALINE

Alpine Adrenaline

Glacier Crevasse Mountaineering & 800,000-Acre Heli-Skiing

// EXPEDITION CHARTER OVERVIEW

High-altitude operations designed for alpine enthusiasts. Drop into 800,000 acres of unrestricted Southern Alps powder, rope up with IFMGA-certified guides on the Tasman Glacier, and fly directly to the Harris Saddle to traverse the Routeburn's most technical high pass.

// DAY-BY-DAY VISUAL TIMELINE

Day 1–2

Tasman Glacier Ice-Climbing & Crevasse Navigation

Heli-drop directly onto the active white expanse of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest river of ice. Rope up with your personal IFMGA-certified alpine guide, strap on technical crampons, and spend two days ice-climbing towering frozen seracs, exploring hidden electric-blue ice caves, and learning crevasse rescue techniques. Retire each night to a glass-fronted alpine shelter built on a sheer rock ridge, watching the stars wheel over Mt. Cook.

LOGISTICAL ENVELOPE: Transit: Heli-drop onto Tasman Glacier. Technical: Technical crampons, ice screws, and harness systems. Accommodation: Mountain ridge shelter (private chef catered).
Day 3–5

Southern Alps Unrestricted Heli-Skiing Operations

Wake up to crisp, sub-zero alpine air. Board your dedicated Eurocopter EC130 and launch into 800,000 acres of permitted, untouched powder across the Southern Alps. With no designated trails and infinite vertical feet, your guide will map custom powder runs matching your physical capability. Carve pristine slopes rarely touched by humans, concluding each day with mountain-top champagne and local high-country reserve tasting boxes.

LOGISTICAL ENVELOPE: Aviation: Eurocopter EC130 (dedicated private charter). Terrain: 800,000 permitted backcountry acres. Guide Ratio: 1:3 maximum. Safety: Pulse-beacons, avalanche packs provided.
Day 6–7

Harris Saddle High Pass Technical Traverse

Bypass the multiple-day hiking trails. Fly directly to the high-altitude Harris Saddle (1,255m) on the famed Routeburn Track. Spend two days executing a technical ridge traverse across alpine scree, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular hanging valleys. Conclude the traverse by flying directly out to a private high-country sheep station, enjoying a slow-roasted local lamb rack and fine Central Otago pinot noir by a roaring open hearth.

LOGISTICAL ENVELOPE: Hike parameters: 12.5km technical high-pass route. Elevation change: +650m / -400m. Transition: Saddle heli-extraction. Dining: Private country estate host.

// SUPPLIER DECOUPLING & CERTIFICATIONS

Our Exclusive Operator Access network

Mountain Safety
Alpine Guide Alliance NZ
100% IFMGA Certified Alpine Guides
Heli-Ski Operator
Apex Heli-Ski NZ
Exclusive Southern Alps Backcountry Licensee // CAA Part 135
Ridge Lodgings
Tasman High Ridge Shelters
Private Heli-Supplied High-Altitude Luxury Shelters
// TRANSPARENT COSTING

$19,500 NZD / person

Tailored for private groups of 2 to 4 guests

// TOTAL INCLUSIONS
  • Dedicated standby helicopter hours and private Eurocopter charter
  • Private IFMGA-certified alpine guide for the entire expedition duration
  • Technical climbing gear, ice axes, crampons, avalanche safety packs, and trackers
  • Unrestricted heli-skiing passes and unlimited vertical drops
  • All luxury alpine lodge and high-altitude shelter accommodations
  • All gourmet meals, private chef catering, and premium high-altitude reserve dining