Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper ice fall of Franz Josef glacier. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour

Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries; ACL damage; Joint replacements or dislocations; Neck or back injuries; Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure; Diabetes; Severe asthma. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Hiking boots and crampons are provided

You are required to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is usually no time to get food in Franz Josef.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Franz Josef Glacier

This is where the hiking portion of the tour will take place. Take in the beauty of the glacier up close and personal. The contract between the rainforest and the alpine environment is truly spectacular. The total duration of this tour includes check in time in Cooks and the flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier and vice versa.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

Pickup included

Reviews

4.86

29 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great experience, and time saving.
Camper64321288826,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Booked a scenic flight + glacier tour for my wife and I. Trip was rescheduled twice due to weather conditions, and the team openly communicated the changes and quickly assisted with getting us on the next available experience. The view on the flight from Queenstown out to Franz Josef was beautiful, and the pilot Michael does give commentaries in-flight. *the aircraft is not pressurised and does fly quite high, so do note on the altitude related sickness that could occur. Flight out to Franz Josef and even checking in to the Glacier tour was handled by their team. Flying out for it is definitely another option and in my opinion worth the price tag, compared to driving all the way out there. (If you are only heading there for the glacier tour)
Superb
FarhadA645,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was really excellent. The pilot Lilly was very friendly and helpful. She kept asking us how we were feeling during the flight which was really incredible. The tour guide for the glacier, Hanna was so helpful and friendly as well. The whole trip was so enjoyable and the scenery was breathtaking. Highly recommended.
Amazing glacier walking scenery
Mobile37020580616,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Overall good. The pilot of the small aircraft will introduce the different names of the mountains in the flight, his driving skills are very good, and the flight process is smooth. I love Francis Joseph’s ice walking, the ice crew’s guide keeps an eye on our pace, ensuring everyone can keep up with and complete the ice walking safely, and she is on the way to explain why glaciers form, teach how to use ice screws and other landscape knowledge. The ice walking experience is very difficult and worth recommending.
Amazing and so helpful- 10/10
Getaway14989343544,
Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn which meant the planned Tasman Glacier Heli-hike couldn’t go ahead. Rather than cancelling, the team sprang into action—making calls, rearranging logistics, and seamlessly rescheduling for a Franz Josef Heli-hike instead. The effort that went into reshuffling flights, coordinating with glacier teams, and making sure all involved still had an incredible experience did not go unnoticed. It would have been much easier for them to call it off, but instead, they went above and beyond to make it happen. Truly exceptional service. I can’t thank them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Epic day on ice.
Mark B,
Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a great experience. The scenery speaks for itself. Stunning. The staff are wonderful. Top marks. Would thoroughly recommend Thank you True South
10 out of 10- exceptional all around
Tina J,
Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn which meant the planned Tasman Glacier Heli-hike couldn’t go ahead. Rather than cancelling, the team sprang into action—making calls, rearranging logistics, and seamlessly rescheduling for a Franz Josef Heli-hike instead. The effort that went into reshuffling flights, coordinating with glacier teams, and making sure all involved still had an incredible experience did not go unnoticed. It would have been much easier for them to call it off, but instead, they went above and beyond to make it happen. Truly exceptional service. I can’t thank them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Amazing views and experience
J3236GBmiker,
Feb 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing experience flying from Queenstown to Franz Josef, the view was spectacular. Our pilot, Luke, did a fantastic job sharing information and making it such a memorable experience. I highly recommend this excursion through True South Flights to anyone looking for adventure!
An amazing experience that we'll never forget
Nathan W,
Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The whole experience was wonderful and words can't describe how beautiful it was. From the beginning, the front desk team communicated with us about the weather early in the morning and let us know about the unpredictability of it on the glacier. Upon arrival, the offices were very clean and we were greeted with smiles and a warm welcome. After a quick check-in, we were welcomed by the pilot, Patel, who took us on a short walk to the airplane. The plane was in good condition and comfortable for the hour flight over to Franz Josef. Patel explained the different landmarks as we flew, which we appreciated. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the west coast of New Zealand. It was a great flight over! After a quick bus ride, we meet up with the rest of the tour group. After a safety briefing and clothing, we took a short walk through a pretty trail in the forest. We waited for the helicopter to arrive, jumped in and took off for the glacier. It was a quick 5 minute flight up the canyon to the glacier but the views were stunning. Our tour guide, Maya, was great. We quickly got our crampons and helmet on and headed up for our trek. Since the glacier moves a few meters a day, they have to scout out new trails constantly. It was a bit of a slow go, but that gave us plenty of time to take in the amazing views and take lots of pictures. We got to go through several ice caves and see many parts of the glacier in the two hours that we were on it. We were sad to leave, but the flights back to Franz Josef town and then Queenstown gave us a chance to see the beautiful south island again from the air. I highly recommend the tour. You will not be disappointed!
An Incredible experience- cannot speak higher of my adventure with Helihikes
Trail04946579713,
Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The customer service/ experience was phenomenal- From our Pilot Tamil who made the flight so relaxing by talking us through everything (im not a great flier) but his attitude and confidence put me completly at ease. Also he gave us a fantastic tour with so much detail about the areas we were flying over. 10/10 would recommend. Ben was our Helicopter pilot- and again just gave us an incredible experience with lots of great info on our flights to and from the Glacier. Scott our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable aswell, and gave us great information about everything's we were doing- and made us feel completely at ease and delivered an incredible experience while maintaining our groups safety in the adverse environment. Also a wonderful positive personality which immediately brought the energy of the group up and enhanced our hike experience. 10/10 across the board- all of the staff were friendly, helpful and wonderful. Could not speak higher of our experience!
exceptional and very professional
Curious60044966462,
Jan 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
our experience with your company was nothing short of exceptional. from the front office to the pilot, the whole process was seamless. would highly recommend True South Flights