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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.
For KrisFlyer members only
Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk
KrisFlyer members enjoy a special discounted rate on the iconic heli-hike, combining a scenic helicopter flight with a guided walk through Franz Josef Glacier’s breathtaking ice world. It’s the perfect chance to experience this bucket-list adventure for less.
- 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.
For KrisFlyer members only
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.
For KrisFlyer members only
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
USD 556.52
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the whole experience was great! weather was good & we managed to hike around the glaciers for about 2 hours! wasn’t a very difficult hike that day!
If you’re on the fence about doing the Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk—just do it! It’s an experience you won’t forget! A huge part of what made it so special was our guide, Guri. From the very beginning, everything was well-organized. We arrived about 15 minutes early to complete the necessary forms, and there was even a short ground simulation to help us get a feel for the hike before heading up. Guri’s instructions were clear and easy to follow, especially when it came to the mandatory gear—definitely something future hikers should take note of. Although we were a group of 4, we were combined with others (up to a maximum of 11), and the whole group dynamic was fantastic—everyone was patient, understanding, and supportive. What really stood out was how attentive and thoughtful Guri was throughout the hike. My mum, who is 64 and of average fitness, was a bit nervous at first. But with constant encouragement and support, she not only kept going—she completed the entire hike! Guri even made sure my mum led the group at times so she wouldn’t feel pressured or left behind. That small but meaningful gesture made a huge difference. We took the earliest 7:45am slot and absolutely did not regret it. The weather turned out great, even though it had rained the day before. The ice was a bit harder and slightly more challenging to walk on, but still very manageable with the guidance provided. Throughout the hike, we also felt very safe under Guri’s care. One of the most memorable moments was when we stopped at the top for photos—Guri shared a story that really stuck with us (I won’t spoil it here, but it made the experience even more special!). Reaching the higher point and seeing the mountains, clouds, and lake all come together was truly breathtaking and easily a highlight of the trip. On top of everything, Guri is also a fantastic storyteller, making the hike not just physically rewarding but engaging and fun. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience, and we feel very lucky to have had Guri as our guide. It was also her last day of work and she will be off to travel the world! Hence, it was really special. Highly recommend—especially for groups with mixed fitness levels!
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