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 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!
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
Options
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.
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.
Reviews
608 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
jemyap,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a spectacular way to celebrate my birthday. Even as Queenstown locals, our flight with True South and the heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides were an extraordinary privilege 😌,a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such an astonishing part of Aotearoa. The heli-hike was a true highlight: landing on the glacier, exploring shimmering ice formations, and walking through a world of blue ice felt surreal. The Franz Josef Glacier Guides team were exceptional,knowledgeable, reassuring, and genuinely passionate, which made the whole experience even more magical. From booking to landing, everything was effortless. We felt safe, cared for, and constantly in awe. We’ll be wholeheartedly recommending True South and Franz Josef Glacier Guides to friends and family. Thank you so much ♥️☺️
Amazing bucket list tour
Carey W,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome sights! Staff was amazing and knowledgeable, they are well equipped and well prepared professionals.
No fault of any but was disappointed
Meander61042492044,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The Heli hike was cancelled therefore we missed out on the experience which we spent the day before driving there & another day to drive back
AMAZING!!!!!
katepettiford,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING!! What an incredible experience!!! Our guide, Carson, was so informative and friendly. We had such a great time. Thanks!
Fantastic!
rubenvK5727OK,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fan bag tic experience! Only organization that lands on the glacier and also does the tour. Nice trip and had a lot of explanation. Good guide, Zoe, who was friendly and also knew a lot to tell. Helicopter flight was well arranged and safe. I wouldn't book a flight other than this one! Really a top experience!!! The flights are just expensive everywhere, but really worth it. Truly one of the highlights of our tour of New Zealand
Weather constraint
Passenger36738246170,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Want to give 5 but my session was cancelled due to weather. But the host is great. Even got last minute informed for the cancellation, they helped me to search another options or refund. I cant reschedule to another day. For the same day, to change to later time, still at risk of not flying. So i got new book with Fox Glacier on the same day since they can make it. The host instantly refund me. Thanks for the support. A bit sad can’t experience fox glacier but what we can do with the weather. Maybe next time will try.
Incredible
danadW2709ZH,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible experience! Thank you to the guides who prepared the track to ensure our safety and to our guide, Abbey, who led us along the way providing her expertise and knowledge. She was awesome! We were able to crawl thru an ice cave and enjoyed a beautiful day on the glacier. I was a little nervous I would struggle with this hike due to knee issues, even though we had been hiking all week, but I was able to keep up and complete the hike without any discomfort. Clouds started coming in so the guides got us to the heli-pad to quickly load up and head back, but we were able to enjoy a good amount of time exploring. Flights were grounded for a time just as we landed safely back at base. Would highly recommend Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
Franz Josef Heli Hike
JASPAL G,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience on a glorious day, was a bit worried of doing it as in our mid 60s but although a little challenging at times enjoyed every minute it was incredible. Abby our guide was brilliant, friendly, informative and professional as was our heli pilot Bob and ground staff. Was provuded with all the outwear inc boots too.
The highlight of our trip!
sharono829,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience right from the start. Our guides were Karsyn and Miya. They were professional and took care of the whole group so well. The hike was not as strenuous as I expected but I think they probably adapt to the needs of the group. The terrain was breathtaking. I would definitely recommend this trip and would love to go again if we ever come back.
A once-in-a-lifetime heli hike I will never forget!
Franss23,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience! From the moment we got in the helicopter to the last view over the glacier everything was perfectly organized. The pilot and guides were friendly, knowledgeable and made everyone feel safe and at ease. The walk on the ice was breathtaking – deep blue crevices, ice formations and views you don’t see anywhere else. Occasionally also climbing or crawling through an ice tunnel. Everything went smoothly, the material was top notch and the atmosphere super relaxed. This is highly recommended!
From NZ$815.39
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides