Helicopter Tours

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

Guide explaining four people about the Franz Josef hike

People hiking at Franz Josef with a guide

People listening to the guide at a stop during hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike participants examining ice formations in New Zealand.

Highlights

Take a scenic helicopter ride with stunning views of the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier).
Explore the fastest-moving commercially guided glacier in the world for up to 2.5 hours, walking through ice formations, crevasses, and pinnacles.
Enjoy a small group experience with a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:11 for a more personal adventure. The Heli Hike provides access to the glacier that is otherwise unreachable, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
Stay safe and comfortable with all necessary gear provided, including boots, crampons, and helmets. Learn about the region, glaciology, local history and Maori legends.
Fun fact: The glacier moves up to 10 times faster than most glaciers in the world, creating ever-changing ice formations.

Inclusions

4-hour guided Franz Josef Glacier hike tour
Round-trip helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier
English-speaking expert mountaineering guide
Hiking gear (Crampons, harness, trekking poles, helmet)
Waterproof jacket, over trousers, walking boots, socks,warm hat, gloves

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Soar above Franz Josef Glacier

Your adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight over the rainforest and rugged terrain of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. You will then witness the panoramic views of the Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning river of ice flowing from the Southern Alps. The helicopter will land high up on the glacier, where your expert guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour ice hike. With crampons securely fastened, you'll step onto the ice, exploring deep crevasses, pinnacles, and ever-changing ice formations. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the glacier’s history, its rapid movement, and its unique ecosystem.

Explore an ever-changing ice world

As you navigate the glacier’s landscape, you’ll observe the ever-changing ice formations. Your small group ensures a more personal experience, allowing you to fully absorb the beauty of this remote location. The adventure is made even more seamless with all essential gear provided, including boots, crampons, and waterproof jackets, so you can focus on the thrill of exploration. After your glacier hike, the helicopter ride back offers another chance to soak in the stunning alpine beauty before returning to the base. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an up-close experience with one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

Know before you go

What to bring

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 and sunblock.
A small water bottle and snacks.

What's not allowed

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 115kg (253.53lb).

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair and pram/strollers accessible.

Additional Information

A reasonable level of fitness and agility for trekking for 2.5 hours.
People who are over 12 weeks pregnant.
Permissible age is over the age of 10 years old, the weight of 35kg and the height of 137cm tall.
People with existing or previous medical conditions including ankle or knee injuries, ACL damage, joint replacements or dislocations, neck or back injuries, heart conditions and high/low blood pressure, diabetes, severe asthma.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
Address: Te Ao Marama, Glacier Base, 63 cron street Franz Josef Glacier Franz Josef Glacier, 7886, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point