1. New Zealand
  2. Franz Josef
  3. Adrenaline

Franz Josef Heli-Hike

Enjoy a helicopter ride to the Franz Josef Glacier, then embark on a three hour guided hike on the ice!

map Franz Josef, New Zealand
zoom
DetailsBooking CalendarFAQReviewsMap
Duration
Duration
4 hrs
Start & End Time
Start & End Time
Various
Max Group Size
Max Group Size
11
Minimum Age
Minimum Age
8 yrs
Fitness Level
Fitness Level
Moderate
Languages
Languages
English
Meals
Meals
Not included
NZD $449
ValueNZD $459SAVE NZD $10
Child (8 to 16 yrs): NZD $449
Check Availability

What's Included

  • Enjoy a spectacular helicopter flight over rugged terrain
  • 1-1.5 hour scenic flight
  • Embark on a three hour guided hike on the ice
  • Discover New Zealand's famous Franz Josef glacier 
  • Explore the area with a professional, experienced guide
  • Enjoy exclusive access to the glacier
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
  • Relax with complimentary access to Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

Why do we love this

"We love this tour because it ticks off two major New Zealand activities. A scenic helicopter flight AND a glacier exploration? These are must do experiences in New Zealand!"

WHAT TO EXPECT

Are you ready for a day on the ice? Discover New Zealand's famous glacier landscape, explore Franz Josef Glacier and embark on a hike through the snow and ice.

This Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour is a once in a lifetime experience that you simply can't miss. Combining a helicopter ride with a hike means you get to see the best of Franz Josef, from the sky and the land! You'll enjoy views of wild, icy terrain and the towering mountains around you. 

Franz Josef Glacier is considered the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers. There are very few glaciers left in the world which are accessible to the public so what you'll see on this tour is really special! 

Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where the friendly team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing.

From here, your guide will lead you on a short walk through native forest to the helipad. From the moment you step on board the chopper, the excitement begins. Sit back as your experienced and highly trained pilot whisks you away, up and over the jaw-dropping landscape.

You'll travel over the jaw-dropping landscape with the opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of K? Roimata o Hine Hukatere nestled within the surrounding mountains.

After a thrilling flight, it's time for a glacier landing. Take some time to check out the views before you begin your 3-hour glacier hike. Accompanied by a professional guide, you'll learn about this incredible landscape as you go. Get ready to see some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world!

Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go, making sure you see all the highlights of this beautiful place. Keep an eye for spectacular ice formations as you make your way through the towering peaks and glistening blue ice. It's a changing landscape here, and you'll find yourself sliding through narrow crevasses, between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels and hanging out in ice caves.

You'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and have plenty of photo opportunities along the way. During your hike your guide will also tell the story of K? Roimata o Hine Hukatere and will share their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area. You'll learn why Franz Josef is so unique and will come away from your trip with a new understanding of why this landmark is so special.

After your hike, relax and enjoy your free access to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools! The perfect spot to warm up and rejuvenate after your icy adventure. 

And don't worry if the weather is bad - if your trip is cancelled due to weather, Franz Josef Glacier Guides can transfer you onto the Glacier Valley Walk on the same day. There's no obligation to participate and you can cancel at any time!

Please come prepared for chilly temperatures. Wear 2-4 warm upper body layers ideally woollen or polypro (not cotton), quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans). You'll also need to bring food and drink for the day and sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.

 

What is provided:
Crampons
Suitable walking boots and socks
Trekking poles
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof over-pants
A small waist pack to carry your crampons and essentials
A warm hat and gloves

 

Please bring with you:
Warm, breathable base layers such as merino or polypropylene
Suitable long pants for walking in (jeans are not suitable, tracksuits and leggings are fine)
Sunglasses (these are essential - if you don't have any with you we have a selection available for purchase at our front desk)
Sunblock
Your own warm hat and gloves if you prefer
Your camera or phone
A small water bottle and snack if you need one

 

Please leave the following items behind:
Your valuables such as passport, wallet and car keys (we have lockers available for hire)

 

BOOKING CALENDAR
Select date and time to book
Choose date
TIMES
FAQ
Expand allHide all

You are welcome to wear your own good quality ankle supporting hiking boots with our crampons, or you can choose to wear the boots that we provide. Our boots are comfortable and warm and ensure you don't damage your own boots when strapping on your crampons. If you choose to wear your own boots, bring them in for a fitting the evening prior to your tour departure to see if they are suitable.

Check in time for Heli Hike, Heli Ice Climbs and Glacier Valley Walk is 15 minutes prior to the trip time stated on your booking confirmation. 

This allows us plenty of time to prepare you for your trip, fill in medical information, give a weather update, and get you kitted up with all the necessary equipment.

Come in and see our friendly team 15 minutes prior to your trip time.

You will not need to bring a backpack as the maximum time spent on the ice is 4 hours.  We will provide you with a small bum bag so that you can carry a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and a snack.  There is limited space in the helicopter so please limit what you bring.  Please do not bring iPods, wallets, phones or keys.

Blue ice is a major highlight of a glacier tour. You have a good chance of seeing blue ice on our Heli Hike tour as the helicopter will land high up on the glacier allowing you to explore some of the best bits the Glacier has to offer. 

The temperature on the ice is typically only about 1-2 degrees cooler than in town but due to the nature of the environment the temperature can be very changeable and we recommend wearing 2-4 warm layers of upper body clothing depending on the conditions on the day.

 

It is the high annual rainfall in the Glacier region (6-8 metres per year) that allows the glaciers to grow and without the rain, these magnificent glaciers would not be here. We do provide you with the best in rain protection including Goretex Rain Jackets and waterproof over trousers.

Sometimes the weather means that helicopters can't fly; heavy rain, high wind, low cloud.  If your tour is cancelled due to these reasons, Franz Josef Glacier Guides will automatically transfer you onto our Glacier Valley Walk the same day.  There is no obligation to participate and you can cancel at any time.  We just want to make sure you don't miss out on a great glacier experience. 

Yes! This trip is restricted to 115kg

The helicopter ride is 5 minutes long each way. The hike is approximately 3 hours long. 

Small print
Terms & Conditions:

  • Please note that the bookings are processed manually and please chat to us before making the booking or you can book with us and your booking is confirmed only once confirmed by the tour operator.
  • Due to the risks involved, tours are not suitable for anyone that is pregnant. 
  • Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for customers whose fitness or ability is not appropriate to the trip on which they are booked. If you are unable to complete the glacier trip you have booked, you will not be entitled to a refund. 
  • As tours operate in a mountain environment certain events may result in customers having to stay on the glacier overnight. 


Cancellation Policy:

In the event that a booking is cancelled, the following fees will apply:

  • If the tour is cancelled due to weather and if you are not able to reschedule your tour - a full refund will be processed.
  • Cancellations or rescheduling more than 24 hours before departure: no fee
  • Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure: 100% of the cost
  • Rescheduling within 24 hours of departure: is at the absolute discretion of the supplier, and may incur a fee up to a maximum of 100% of the cost.

 

 


Read full supplier's terms & conditions

Location map

Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Glacier Base 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier

Reviews

NZD $449
ValueNZD $459SAVE NZD $10
Child (8 to 16 yrs): NZD $449
Check Availability
add to wishlist Added to wishlist
Why book with us?
  • no booking feesNo booking fees
  • secure payment100% secure payments
  • no membershipNo membership required
  • best activitiesBest selected activities
Check Availability

Countries

Poland

Cities

Deals