South Island adventure tourism leaders 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.

The organisations have considerable pedigree for the new venture is - 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.

Operating as Mt Cook Glacier Guiding with its operational base at the Aoraki Mount Cook Airport, the new partnership offers heli-hiking, snowshoeing and ice climbing on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest.

Commenting on the partnership, Fox Glacier Guiding Chief Executive Rob Jewell stated “the decision to go into partnership was an easy one given the experience, long history and resource capability we share.

“It all adds up to ensure our visitors receive the most authentic and safest glacier-guided experience possible.”

Jewell sees other advantages, adding “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 Chief Executive Adam Joyce, owners of Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, is also looking forward to the partnership, stating "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.”

From a strategic perspective, Joyce says the ability to offer world-class glacier guiding to visitors further enhances the company’s vision to deliver unforgettable New Zealand experiences.\

For more information go to www.mtcookguides.co.nz

Images (from top): Guests and guide enjoying a Mt Cook Glacier Guiding trip; Fox Glacier Guiding' Rob Jewell and INFLITE' Adam Joyce, and Mt Cook Glacier Guiding ski plane and helicopter.

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