The helicopter flight on to the Tasman Glacier provided stunning views out over the icebergs in the terminal lake and of Mount Cook. PHOTOS: BOB MCLACHLAN : Closer to heaven

Southern Alps Guiding’s chief guide Charlie Hobbs, is a long-time Mount Cook local, clocking up 30 years in the area. : Closer to heaven

A weekend away in the Mackenzie Country provided a good dose of peace and quiet. : Closer to heaven

We explore the 29km Tasman Glacier on foot, with Southern Alps Guiding’s chief guide Charlie Hobbs. : Closer to heaven

A stone cairn on a walking trail near Mount Cook Village bears plaques containing the names of those who have died in the surrounding mountains. : Closer to heaven

Matuka Lodge in Twizel looks out over a river-fed pond and on towards the Southern Alps. : Closer to heaven

Descending into caves is all part and parcel of a heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier. : Closer to heaven

Lake Pukaki to Lake Ohau forms part of the Alps 2 Ocean trail. : Closer to heaven