From Franz Josef: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Franz Josef Glacier

• Soar through the skies on a chopper above Franz Josef Glacier and get ready for a 2-hour guided hike across crevasses, offering a front-row seat to the sublime beauty of the region.

• Buckle up for a spectacular 4-minute helicopter ride to the glacier, as you get close to the snowy-jagged peaks, and temperate forest as you wonder at the skill of the pilot.

• Strap on your crampons and explore the region alongside your guide, squeezing through blue ice caves, and clambering down steep slopes with ease.

• You’re in for a day full of adventure (and safety) with expert mountaineering guides and all specialist equipment ready to make your glacial journey one to remember!

• Fun fact: The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest-moving glacier in New Zealand. It has been recorded to move close to 4 meters each day, making the landform so unique.

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

What to bring

• Clothing: Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to children under the age of 10 years, under the weight of 35kg, and under the height of 137cm.

• Children are not permitted on heli-hikes before 11am from late May to early September.

• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 115kg.

• This experience is restricted to pregnant women, people with heart problems, or other serious health conditions.

• Keep your drones, iPads, or selfie sticks tucked away, they are not allowed on board for safety.

• Wearing jeans is not allowed.

Additional information

• Flights, landings, and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.

• Your flight is subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you may reschedule your booking or request a full refund.

• This tour is classed as an adventure activity and carries a degree of risk; please be aware that your safety cannot be guaranteed since all risks cannot be eliminated. A balanced and conservative approach to safety management is taken.

• Agreeing to participate is your personal decision, accepting there are environmental and external elements outside human control that may cause harm.

• Franz Josef Glacier Guides have been assessed to meet or exceed the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016.

• Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slip trips, and sun exposure.

• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

• Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

• Kindly ensure that you arrive 60 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Departure Locations

• Departs and returns from the Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

• Address: Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand.

Get Directions to the Departure Location

Getting There

By Bus

• The closest bus stop is Franz Josef Bus Stop. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the departure point.