Tourism heavyweights join forces

South Island adventure tourism leaders Fox Glacier Guiding and INFLITE’s Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, the area’s pre-eminent tourism aviation experts, have teamed up to create new glacier-guiding experiences for visitors to Mt Cook National Park. 

Their pedigree for the new venture is indisputable – Fox Glacier Guiding has been guiding visitors for over 40 years, while Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters has been flying sightseers for over 60. 
The new partnership is operating as Mt Cook Glacier Guiding with its operational base at the Aoraki Mount Cook Airport. The company offers heli-hiking, snowshoeing and ice climbing on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest.

Anticipation and excitement for the new joint venture is understandably high. 
“The decision to go into partnership was an easy one given the experience, long history and resource capability we share,” says Rob Jewell, Fox Glacier Guiding CEO. “It all adds up to ensure our visitors receive the most authentic and safest glacier-guided experience possible.”

Jewell sees other advantages too.  “Mt Cook Glacier Guiding is a natural fit with our operations in Fox Glacier, giving our visitors real options on both sides of the Southern Alps. It also gives our guiding team members at Fox Glacier the chance to apply their unique skills in a different location.”

INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce, owners of Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, is also looking forward to the partnership. 
“It’s been a privilege for us to operate in the heart of the Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Park for the last 60 years. This is the home of New Zealand’s big mountain scenery, it’s definitely got the “wow” factor.
“Having Mt Cook Glacier Guiding joining us at our airport base will give our visitors the option of incredible scenic flights and glacier guiding. They can really immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the area.” 

Photo: Fox Glacier Guiding CEO Rob Jewell and INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce.