Whakaari Conservation Area
Heli-Biking.
Overview
Photos
What to bring
Trip options
FAQs
Trip price is dependent on group numbers and trip type. Please contact us for more price information.
Overview
- Trips are for 2-5 people
- Trip duration 2-3 hrs
- Bike hire available
- Trip departs from Glenorchy Airstrip
- Morning and afternoon trips available
- Guided or Self-guided
All trips are based in the Richardson Mountains near Glenorchy at the Head of Lake Wakatipu. They begin at Glenorchy Airstrip which is a 45minute drive from Queenstown. Land in the mountains above Glenorchy and bike down on tracks that lead you back to the valley floor.
Our Heli Biking tours suit riders with full suspension bikes who have moderate riding experience. Riding is mainly on intermediate grade adventure downhill on historic tracks. Grade 2-3.
For riders that require Bike hire and or equipment let us know as this can be pre arranged and picked up in Queenstown prior to your trip. Trips are either Guided or Self-guided.
This depends on the requirements of the riders and their experience. Our guides are able to advise on the choices and suitability of trails and the trip type. We have the discretion to make the final decision based on rider experience and trip and trail compatibility.
Trip options:
Guided Trips
Our crew provide a premium guided service. The crew are local riders that have indepth knowledge of the area, the trails and all the “of the beaten track” points of historic interest. Enjoy a safe and informative lively relaxed and exciting Guided experience.
Self-Guided Trips
Riders should be able to handle and have experience on minimum Grade 2-3 trails. Once unloaded the group will descend on there own. Riders must adhere to the Bikers Code and be responsible for there own safety and decision making.
Overnighter (2 days)
Fly to Kelly Hut and stay high up at 1880m on the north side of Mt Larkins. Take your own sleeping bags and food. Hut kitchen and facilities provided. Keas are around the hut so bikes are safest stored in hut. On day two riders descend 1500m over varied terrain trails and tracks. Be ready for some hiking and pushing of the bikes to get you started. Challenging in places but an exciting decent. Starts & finishes at the Glenorchy Airstrip. Duration 2 days. An adventure well worth the effort.
Highgate (3-4hrs)
Fly and land at 1700m on Mt Alaska ridge line. Then get ready to descend 1300m on tracks and trails. A little higher means a lot more fun. Roughly a half day adventure 3-4hrs duration start & finish at GY Airstrip
Coffee Ridge (2-3hrs)
Fly and land at 1700m on Mt Alaska ridge line. Then get ready to descend 1300m on tracks and trails. A little higher means a lot more fun. Roughly a half day adventure 3-4hrs duration start & finish at GY Airstrip
Far Out (5-6hrs)
The furthermost out single day run. Fly and land at Black Peak 1750m or Mt McIntosh 1500m. Explore tracks and heritage up high and all the way down. The track includes a river crossing and a 25 minute push up hill. Duration is 5-6 hrs. Start &finish at GY Airstrip.
What to bring
- Certified bike helmet
- Light biking pack
- Suitable footwear
- Extra warm and wind proof layers
- Snack food and drink bottle
- Personal equipment i.e camera, sunscreen, medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the biking?
Heli biking in Whakaari Conservation Area in general is termed as Touring the Park and is essentially an easy way of exploring the Scheelite heritage of the area on trails that descend from 5 possible heli drop points. The approved routes have been graded at 3-4 which means they are suitable for confident off road riders with good skills and fitness levels. Mountainhut offers both a ‘4 hour heli bike day trip’ which is very suitable for families and larger groups as well as a ‘combination overnight hike and bike’ where guests fly in and stay at Kelly Hut, hike to Coffee ridge and Bike out to the valley floor.
Is there drinking water along the trail?
Mountainhut provides enough potable water in containers for guided groups during their trip. There is also a small spring close to the hut and plenty of snow in winter to melt for water should it be needed. Guests should always carry their own drink bottles with enough water in them to enable them to undertake the duration of their chosen activity. There are some waterways in Whakaari Conservation Area with variable flow during summer or frozen in winter. The largest waterway is the Bucklerburn which descends quickly through a gorge to the valley floor.
What is your cancellation policy?
Mountainhut.nz has the descretion to change or cancel any trip at any time. This could be due to adverse weather forcast, cloud, wind or snow melt effecting river flow on some trails.
Trip price is dependent on group numbers and trip type. Please contact us for more price information.
Experiences worth sharing.
Mountain Hut offers unique and bespoke tour options catering to a range of experience and skill sets. All tours explore off the beaten path terrain, ensuring the experience is authentic and memorable.
Heli-Hiking.
Land in the mountains above Glenorchy and hike down on tracks that lead you back to the valley floor.
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Heli-Biking.
Land in the mountains above Glenorchy and bike down on tracks that lead you back to the valley floor.
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Ski-Touring.
Huge variety or terrain from steep to mild. Guided runs available for both experienced or beginners.
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Snow-Shoeing.
Huge variety of terrain from steep to mild. Guided runs available for both experienced or beginners.
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