What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Not a great customer experience

  Adventure33366826273,Mar 1, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  Not the best experience. Was going to do it for our anniversary Booked on a 12-30 pm slot Arrived the previous night Checked forecast. It seemed nicer early on I wrote a lovely email asking if it was possible to switch to a morning slot but they never bothered responding ( not even 24 hours later ) So I turned up at their offices at 7 am but I got the impression I was more of a hindrance. I asked if they could what’s app me if any cancellations happened but they refused ( said they could only call but loads of people have e-sims now where you can only what’s app ) I was told to come back at 12-15. Weather looked ok. They said no heli hike but we could land on the heli pad for a slightly cheaper price. This seemed like a total rip off so please be aware of this. If you can land on the heli pad then surely they could do the heli hikes. It all seemed quite “ lazy “. New Zealand has been amazing ; this is the only negative review we have had to leave.

• HeliHike was amazing! 🤩

  David L,Feb 25, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The weather for our HeliHike was sunny, calm & perfect, and sandwiched between two days of cancellations! It was warm up on the Glacier. Kirk, our guide, only wore a T Shirt on top. The group were all in coats & over trousers. Don’t over do the under layers on a warm day. That said, I had jeans on under the supplied over trousers, but wasn’t over dressed/too hot. The going is a bit tricky in spots, but if you’re fit and able you’ll have no problem. If you get up there, you’ll love it. Such a great experience 🤩

• Franz Josef Heli-hike

  Jamie R,Feb 25, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had an amazing experience hiking on the glacier! Our guide, Maya, was very knowledgeable and answered questions about the glaciers. She was very attentive to safety and ensuring each person was comfortable! This unique adventure is a must do if you’re in Franz Josef!

  

  

  

  

  

• Highly recommended.

  John H,Feb 24, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was well organized, fortunately it could continue. Everything went fine, we walked extensively on the glacier and even got some extra time. Very nice experience! Definitely do if you have the opportunity.

• Exciting and informative heli-hike trip

  Ben M,Feb 22, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Fun and informative trip up to the glacier. What’s not to like about a flight in a chopper, followed up by a gentle hike onto the glacier itself to see how its movement shapes both itself and the landscape underneath. Gus, our guide, was full of enthusiasm and blended a good combination of geological and local cultural information which elevated the trip to 5*

  

  

  

• Incredible, beautiful and surreal!

  551alisonl,Feb 20, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This is potentially a once in a lifetime experience, and whilst it might seem a little pricey, it's seriously worth it! You need to make sure you allow a minimum of 4-5 hours (the tour itself from start to finish is 4 hours, but there can be some delays if they are waiting on cloud to lift etc). The group sizes are good - no more than 12 on a hike, and the guides are outstanding. Watching the guides use the pick axe to create the steps in the glacier for you is pretty special and they're experts at ensuring safety is first. The glacier is magnificent, the views are incredible, the guides and customer service staff are outstanding and the helicopter pilots are wonderful.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Awesome day on the ice

  Bradley S,Feb 11, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  I had so much fun. Both the helicopter ride and hiking around on the glacier were awesome. Luckily the clouds held off. Zoe was a great guide. Even managing a child who was not easy to manage by any means. Book an early time slot for less risk of clouds that can cause cancellations.

• Absolutely recommend!

  154ingridj,Feb 11, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Absolutely loved the heli hike. Gus provided me with information about the heli hike before I booked, and he reassured me when I was feeling nervous during preparation before the heli flight. Yula was our amazing guide. She’s a very kind, approachable, informative, patient guide, she cared for our safety, and she even took pictures for us. It was a one in a lifetime experience, made so much better, more comfortable, and fun because of Gus and Yula. Thank you!

• Unforgettable

  F4576FShollyc,Feb 8, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Had an amazing time on the glacier heli hike. Franz Josef is a beautiful place and we loved experiencing the landscape and terrain of the glacier. The helicopter ride was spectacular. Our guide Kirk was super and very knowledgeable throughout. Book it now!

• Experience of a lifetime

  natalienZ8716GV,Feb 4, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Experience of a lifetime to walk / spend 2 hours on the glacier. Felt very well looked after, safety was paramount, fantastic organisation and preparation. Zoe was an excellent guide, she worked really hard cutting the trail with an axe! Can’t rate Franz Josef Glacier Guides high enough!

  

  
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