Access New Zealand’s Longest Glacier By Ski Plane With Mabey Ski

Mabey Ski has launched a new ski experience that includes a ski plane to the top of the Tasman Glacier, the chance to explore seracs and ice caves with a highly experienced and qualified ski guide followed by a picnic lunch on the glacier.

Guests will spend two nights at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat inclusive of a gourmet 3-course dinner each night, return scenic helicopter flight from the lodge, private wine tasting with local winemaker and stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Skiers will experience some of the best views of the Southern Alps and the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

The day starts with a helicopter flight past New Zealand’s tallest mountain (Aoraki or Mount Cook, 3724m), followed by a ski plane to the top of the country’s longest glacier and two 8km ski descents. Guests will then fly back to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat beside the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki to a private wine tasting session with local winemaker whilst stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere's only dark sky reserve.

Founder of Mabey Ski, Nickie Mabey, said: “This has to be one of the most exciting ski experiences we’ve launched and is definitely one for the bucket list. The opportunity to ski through blue ice caves, impressive ice formations and with some of New Zealand’s largest mountains as a backdrop make it so exhilarating that even advanced skiers are blown away. Our guests are in the very capable hands of our partner Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, with over 60 years’ experience operating in this area”.

Price include 2 nights’ accommodation at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, breakfast and evening meals, private helicopter flight, ski plane with glacier landing, two guided 8km ski runs, glacier picnic lunch with wine, private wine tasting with winemaker and stargazing.

The ski terrain is suitable for intermediate skiers upwards and this experience is open to anyone over the age of 10 years old.

Mabey Ski is a travel experience company specialising in bespoke ski and snowsport holidays. Every immersive experience is unique, designed by travel experts in close collaboration with each guest to create a personal and truly inspiring blend of luxury and discovery.

A Mabey Ski experience is designed to take its guests from the peaceful calm of a deserted peak to the bustling noise of a local market. From endless vistas and secluded mountain lakes to the thrill of the mountain’s edge and the cosy warmth of a tucked away bar. Mabey Ski’s boutique hotels have been handpicked for their effortless style and laid-back comfort, and the apartments welcome guests with the crackle of open log fires. Mabey Ski has tried and tested every experience they create.

Mabey Ski was founded in 2017 by Nickie Mabey, who follows four generations of Mabey skiers dating back to 1912. It was Nickie’s fearless, thrill-seeking great-grandmother, Dorothy, who first hit the slopes of Adelboden a century ago on 230cm wooden skis, igniting a family passion for snow, style and adventure that’s burned ever since.