Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike | New Zealand
- Exhilarating helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier
- Up to 2.5 hours spent on the ice hiking the glacier and exploring features
- Explore narrow crevasses, ice towers, and ice caves
- Breathtaking panoramic views of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
- Enjoy a small group and refined experience with a guide-to-guest ratio limited to 1 guide for every 11 guests
Package Options
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Experience the thrill of the Glacier Heli Hike at Franz Josef Glacier, often considered the highlight of a visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand). This adventure combines a short, exhilarating helicopter ride with a two-and-a-half-hour guided hike through some of the most spectacular glacier features. Franz Josef Glacier, the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world, offers ever-changing landscapes, ensuring each trip is unique. Slide through narrow crevasses, navigate between towering ice formations, and explore enchanting ice caves.
Your journey begins and ends at the Glacier Base Building, where the friendly team will check you in and prepare you with necessary gear and pre-trip briefings. A short walk takes you to the helicopter pad, from where your pilot will whisk you over the breathtaking landscape, offering panoramic views of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). Upon landing on the main icefall, your guide will outfit you with crampons and other equipment for the hike.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides, in collaboration with The Helicopter Line, ensures an unforgettable adventure, combining the thrill of helicopter access with the beauty of glacier exploration.
Explore the glacier in person with our experienced hiking guide
Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounding glacial icefalls and both unusual and impressive formations
Take memorable photos amid the snowy landscape
Purchase Notice
- A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required
- There is a weight restriction of a maximum of 115 kg (253.5 lb)
- Guests must be at least 10 years old, weigh a minimum of 35 kg, and be at least 137 cm tall
- Upon booking with KKday, guest is aware and agreed to the T&C outlines here
- Please ensure to read through the risk disclosure before making booking
- When booking, please ensure that guests under 18 years old are accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian is not included in the booking, they will need to purchase their own ticket to accompany the minor for the duration of the trip with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Please note that if the slots for the day are sold out, the ticket may be canceled, and no further refunds will be issued
— 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 (these are essential - if you don't have any with you we have a selection available for purchase at our front desk)
- Sunblock
- Your camera or phone
- A small water bottle and snack if you need one
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Franz Josef Glacier Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for customers whose fitness or ability it not appropriate to the trip on which they are booked. If you are unable to complete the glacier trip you have booked due to inadequate fitness, you will not be entitled to a refund
For your safety, please ensure to consult medical practitioner prior to booking
Please be aware that Glacier conditions change rapidly and as such supplier cannot fully brief you on current conditions. In general, ice steps on our trips can be over 400mm (1.3 feet) high. This height can challenge people with low physical fitness or low levels of agility
Due to glacier and weather conditions this guideline may change and participation in the hike is ultimately the decision of the lead guide on the day
Customers who are under the influence of intoxicating drugs and / or alcohol will not be eligible for the experience
Please be aware that Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain significant hazards, including, but not limited to, avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rain, cold exposure, heights, flooding, uneven terrain, tripping and sun exposure
As the experience operates in a mountain environment certain events may result in customers having to stay on the glacier overnight
If you fail to check in or fail to check in at the designated time, you may be unable to participate in your experience, and the full payment will be applied
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike offers a unique and highly recommended experience. It combines an exhilarating helicopter ride with a guided two-and-a-half-hour hike directly on the glacier. This allows visitors to access and explore dynamic ice formations, narrow crevasses, and ice caves that are otherwise inaccessible, providing a truly immersive and memorable encounter with the glacier's ever-changing landscape.
The Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike includes a scenic helicopter flight offering panoramic views of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere before landing directly on the ice. During the up to 2.5-hour guided hike, you'll explore fascinating glacier features such as deep crevasses, towering ice formations, and intricate ice caves, led by expert guides. All necessary gear is provided for a safe and refined small-group experience.
The Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike typically requires allocating approximately 3 to 4 hours in total. This includes time for check-in at the Glacier Base Building, gear fitting, the safety briefing, the scenic helicopter flights, and the core experience of approximately two-and-a-half hours spent hiking on the glacier ice exploring its unique features with your guide.
Both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers offer stunning experiences, but Franz Josef is often noted for being one of the fastest moving commercially guided glaciers globally, leading to more dramatic and rapidly changing ice formations. While both offer similar helicopter and guided ice hike experiences, Franz Josef's village is slightly larger with more amenities. Both provide breathtaking views and unique opportunities to explore glacial landscapes.
The Franz Josef Glacier Base Building, where helicopter hikes commence, is located in the Franz Josef Glacier village on New Zealand's West Coast. Most visitors drive to the village, as it's easily accessible by car along State Highway 6. Once in the village, the Base Building is centrally located and well-signposted, often within walking distance or a short drive from most accommodations.
While you can independently walk to viewing points near the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face, direct access onto the active glacier ice requires a guided tour. This is due to the dynamic and hazardous nature of the glacier, necessitating expert knowledge, safety equipment, and guidance. Guided experiences like the Helicopter Hike are essential for safely exploring the ice formations, crevasses, and caves.
You can easily book the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike online through various travel platforms. Booking via KKday offers the convenience of comparing tour options, securing your spot in advance, and often provides a seamless booking experience. A typical booking includes the exhilarating helicopter flights to and from the glacier, a two-and-a-half-hour guided hike on the ice, and all necessary safety equipment such as glacier boots, crampons, and ice axes provided by experienced guides.
Yes, public transportation is available. InterCity buses operate routes connecting major South Island towns such as Queenstown, Wanaka, and Te Anau to Franz Josef Glacier. These services offer a scenic way to travel along the West Coast. It is advisable to book bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure your preferred travel times.
Get Help
