Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available 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.<br/>Lunch included: A picnic lunch is included (dietaries are catered for)<br/>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.
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)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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 not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
229 reviews
5★
177
4★
41
3★
6
2★
4
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.5
373 reviews
5★
295
4★
33
3★
10
2★
14
1★
21
Important information
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.
Meeting point
Check-in 15 minutes prior to your trip time.
Important notes
• The glacier walks are quite challenging as the glacier is advancing and becoming very steep, 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. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate.
What should I wear or bring with me?
Please bring three layers of very warm clothing for your upper body (fleece, wool, thermal underwear) and lightweight trousers e.g. quick drying trousers or leggings (no jeans - they get wet and heavy to walk in). Also, bring along a snack, small bottle of water, sunglasses and sunscreen.
About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of adventure activities. These glaciers are unique for their proximity to the Tasman Sea, creating a dramatic landscape where tropical rainforest meets ice fields.
Top Attractions
Franz Josef Glacier
One of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning views and a range of adventure activities.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Fox Glacier
Another of New Zealand's famous glaciers, offering similar activities to Franz Josef but with fewer crowds.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Natural hot pools fed by glacial water, offering a relaxing experience after a day of adventure.
Relaxation
1-2 hours
Moderate
Lake Matheson
A picturesque lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Nature
1-2 hours for a walk, longer for photography
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Fresh Seafood
The West Coast is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, crayfish, and oysters.
Lunch/Dinner
Varies by dish, may contain allergens
Lamb Rack
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its quality and flavor, often served as a rack with herbs and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Guided glacier hikes
Helicopter tours
Kayaking
Hiking
Mountain biking
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Scenic walks
Beachcombing
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer offers the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking, glacier tours, and other outdoor activities. The crowds are at their highest during this period.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time, NZST) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time, NZDT during daylight saving)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are generally safe destinations, but visitors should be aware of the natural hazards associated with outdoor activities, such as glacier hikes and scenic flights.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of weather conditions and changing weather patterns
- • Follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities
- • Stay on marked trails and paths
Getting there
By air
- Christchurch International Airport • 250 km (155 miles) from Franz Josef
By bus
Christchurch, Greymouth, Wanaka
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transport in the area, with regular services to and from major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No major app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Franz Josef Township
Fox Glacier Township
Day trips
Lake Matheson
25 km (15 miles) from Franz Josef • Half-day
A scenic lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Okarito Lagoon
50 km (31 miles) from Franz Josef • Full-day
A unique coastal lagoon known for its birdlife, including the rare kotuku (white heron).
Gillespies Beach
30 km (18 miles) from Fox Glacier • Half-day to full-day
A secluded beach with dramatic coastal scenery and access to the rainforest.
Festivals
West Coast Wildfoods Festival • Annually in March
Pro tips
- Visit Lake Matheson early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Book glacier tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and always be prepared for rain
- Explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier to experience the best of both towns and their respective glaciers
- Try local specialties like Hokey Pokey ice cream and fresh seafood
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
