Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 30 minute Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide. Navigate your way through the maze of ice on your moderately difficult hike. Learn of the dramatic environmental changes affecting the glacier and gain insight into the geological forces at play. Group size is limited to 11 to ensure a personalized experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 10 years old for the 2.5 hour trip and 14 for the 5.5 hour trip
Minimum weight is 35kg, Maximum weight 115kg
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Glacier walks are moderately difficult, clients need to be fit and able. Refunds will not be available for clients who cannot participate on the day due to inappropriate fitness levels, i.e. it is important you are selecting the right trip for your physical fitness ability. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Two to four warm upper- body layers of clothing are recommended, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel or vary any service for any reason including as a result of weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any unforeseen event or circumstance. These trips are weather dependent.
For Health and Safety reasons, we are unable to guide pregnant women. Please note: We have a weight limit of 115kg per person on the Heli Hike.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
Commentary of local region, glaciology and Maori stories
Expert ice-guides
All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
Exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
Option for a longer glacier adventure with the Extended hike (select option)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
Experience one of the most unique glaciers in the world, Franz Josef Glacier. Being the fastest moving glacier in the world, it means that no two trips are the same. Accessible only by helicopter flight, begin your 2. hour experience with a beautiful scenic flight to the glacier, before embarking on a glacier hike like no other!
Options
5.5 Extended Hour Heli-Hike
Duration: 8 hours: Total return time will be 8 hours, including 5.5 hour on the glacier.
Lunch included: A picnic lunch is included (dietaries are catered for)
Bespoke Heli Hike option: Enjoy a bespoke Heli Hike, spending 5.5 hours exploring untouched parts of the glacier. Small group option, ratio of 1:4.
Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Original 2.5 hour Heli Hike: Spend 2.5 hours exploring glacier features with your expert guide on the glacier. 1:11 guide to guest ratio.
Reviews
578 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
Jamie M,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Did this tour with my husband and 2 teen sons. Every single person involved with this company was happy, eager to help and knowledgeable. The gear we were given to wear was comfortable, in good shape and easy to figure out. The team had many safety precautions built-in to everything, so I never felt unsafe. The heli flight was amazing, the glacier was unbelievably gorgeous. We even got a short hike through the rain forest to get to the heli. Phenomenal experience! You need to do this!
Ice, ice baby...
Glynn S,
May 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was touch and go due to the weather but we made it onto the ice. Very professional set up, good briefing, quality kit, helpful staff and guides. The flight up and landing awesome, great pilot. By no means an easy couple of hours, take snacks and water, sunglasses a must. Ruby our guide kept us safe and informed, on our trip 1 guy pulled our early on due to effort, someone else had a bit of a fall, you gave have a moderate level of fit ess and agility, lots of up and down. Lo Ed every minute, not cheap but a once in a lifetime adventure.
This was a fantastic...
Melissa K,
May 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience. All gear was provided and the crampons made easy work of walking on the ice. Our guide Heather did a great job explaining the glacier features. Highly recommend!
We lucked out with a...
Elaine S,
Feb 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00We lucked out with a beautiful morning! It was such an amazing experience and our guide was great. You MUST do this!
An unforgettable experience
CHEAK U,
Feb 10, 2025
- Viator
4.00If you are considering this tour, a Plan B should be considered as well. The tour is at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions (rain and cloud cover), for safety reasons; and the operator has no control over it. We had to re-schedule twice for this reason, luckily, on the second day the weather was fine. An unforgettable experience - helicopter ride and glacier walk. A highlight of my NZ vacation. Yet,
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Operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides