Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Lift off by helicopter and land in a world of shimmering blue ice, where your guide leads you through crevasses, caves, and dramatic glacier formations. This iconic heli-hike delivers an unforgettable blend of scenic flight and hands-on glacier exploration.
- 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.
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5.5 Extended Hour Heli-Hike
Experience the ultimate glacier adventure with extended time on the ice, giving you access to deeper caves, towering pinnacles, and untouched terrain. This longer heli-hike is perfect for explorers who want more immersion, more discovery, and more breathtaking glacier moments.
- Duration: 8 hours: Total return time will be 8 hours, including 5.5 hour on the glacier.
- Lunch included: A picnic lunch is included (dietaries are catered for)
- 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.
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Highlights
Discover one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural wonders on a thrilling heli-hike adventure atop the Franz Josef Glacier. Begin your journey with a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Southern Alps before landing on the glacier itself—an icy world of deep crevasses, blue caves, and towering pinnacles. With expert guides leading the way, you'll explore the constantly shifting glacier landscape while learning about its unique geology and Māori legends.
Equipped with specialized gear including crampons, Gore-tex jackets, and gloves, you’ll spend over two hours navigating frozen formations and exploring hidden ice features. This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a more immersive, moderately challenging glacier hike. With exclusive access to Franz Josef Glacier, this is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty.
- Scenic Helicopter Flight: Take in sweeping aerial views of the Southern Alps before landing directly on the glacier.
- Explore Ice Caves & Crevasses: Follow expert guides through glacier caves, pinnacles, and dramatic ice formations.
- Exclusive Glacier Access: Enjoy a route accessible only through this operator, offering a unique experience each time.
- Specialized Gear Included: Stay warm and safe with provided crampons, boots, jackets, over-trousers, hats, and gloves.
- Small-Group Guided Adventure: Limited to 11 participants for a more personalized glacier experience.
Itinerary
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Check-in at Glacier Base
Meeting PointMeet at Franz Josef Glacier Guides Base and check in 15 minutes before departure.Safety Briefing & Gear Fitting
Receive your glacier equipment, clothing, and safety orientation.Helicopter Flight to Glacier
10 minsEnjoy a scenic 10-minute helicopter flight over the Southern Alps.Guided Glacier Hike
2 hrs 15 minsExplore ice caves, pinnacles, crevasses, and frozen landscapes with your expert guide.Helicopter Return to Base
Fly back to Franz Josef village and return equipment.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Review summary
Powered by AIAdditional information
- Meeting Point: Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Te Ao Marama, Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand.
- Please check in 15 minutes before your trip time.
- Tour ends back at the meeting point.
- Total maximum weight per passenger: 115 kg; minimum weight: 35 kg.
- Weather-dependent experience; operator may cancel or change itinerary.
- Glacier walks are moderately difficult—suitable fitness required.
- Participants must be moderately fit and able to walk on uneven terrain.
- Total maximum weight per passenger: 115 kg; minimum weight: 35 kg.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Guides may cancel participation if fitness is unsuitable.
- Maximum group size: 11 travelers.
- Children aged 10–16 may participate with an accompanying adult.
- Minimum age varies by hike length (10 years for 2.5-hour hike, 14 years for 5.5-hour hike).
- Two to four warm upper layers.
- Quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans).
- Warm hat and gloves.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Camera.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not suitable for pregnant travelers.
- Near public transportation.
- Confirmation received at time of booking.
- Cancellations up to 24 hours before experience start time receive a full refund.
- No refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before.
- Show your mobile ticket at check-in.
Location
Provider
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
INR 44,582
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Amazing and unforgettable experience, especially with having a great and helpful guide in Ryan. We were also lucky with having a perfect weather to go to the glazier