Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Overview

Available languages

English

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 (min height 137cm)

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

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!

2 hours•Admission Included

Options

Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Option 1

Reviews

4.58

572 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

444

Ice, ice baby...
Glynn S,
May 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It 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
5.00
This 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
5.00
We 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
4.00
If 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,
A unique experience not...
zeev s,
Feb 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A unique experience not to be missed. We were blessed with a sunny day which enhanced the experience. From the moment we arrived at the assembly area, everything went perfectly. Reception, explanations and equipment, everything was excellent. The flight to and from the glacier was safe and smooth and the crew paid close attention to all safety rules. The walk on the glacier went perfectly, explanations, safety and variety in the route. Well done, as mentioned highly recommended.