Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 30 minute Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide. Navigate your way through the maze of ice on your moderately difficult hike. Learn of the dramatic environmental changes affecting the glacier and gain insight into the geological forces at play. Group size is limited to 11 to ensure a personalized experience.
Experience one of the most unique glaciers in the world, Franz Josef Glacier. Being the fastest moving glacier in the world, it means that no two trips are the same. Accessible only by helicopter flight, begin your 2. hour experience with a beautiful scenic flight to the glacier, before embarking on a glacier hike like no other!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $534 per person for this Franz Josef and Fox Glacier experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Check-in 15 minutes prior to your trip time. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
A once in a lifetime experience. Sarah was our guide and she was incredibly knowledgeable about the glacier, and made sure to take us on a fun and beautiful adventure across the glacier. The company was very honest about potential weather cancellations, and handled a surprise cloud cover with very practiced calm. Highly recommend doing this tour!
The staff are very accomodating and the wilderness is Awesome. The walk snow and ice was so much more than I had imagined. We fell onto of the world.
My first time experience of helicopter . The Glacier is amazing nature. You should visit here when you come to New Zealand.
What an amazing trip! Took a helicopter and completed a tour across the ice. Felt otherworldly. Ruby was our guide. She was so capable and cheerful. It was clear that she really enjoyed her job. The scenery was just amazing. Well worth the price. An incredible experience.
WOW. There are no words to say how incredible this experience is! Out of this world. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the South Island. Best experience of New Zealand so far (and we don’t think it can be topped!) - thank you!
It was a really cool experience, the glacier was fascinating to hike over and the guide provided quite a lot of information. We were lucky with the weather, as we had blue skies the whole time. Definitely a worthwhile experience!
A great time was had by all. The copter ride was great, the trip was very well organised and we were blessed with perfect weather
Kia ora Caroline, Great to hear the weather was perfect for your tour! We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Nga mihi, Franz Josef Glacier Guides
I had one of the most amazing experience, probably within all the travel experiences I have had previously, and that's me been at it for decades. I have climbed lots of mountains, but there was something really special about standing on a glacier. My guide was Rebecca who was fantastic the whole way through, and very informative about the glacier (also happy to take photos, which is a huge boost as a solo traveller). While waiting for the helicopter, Taygen, Sam and Sarah were equally brilliant. I had been recommended doing this before coming to New Zealand and I wasnt sure because of the cost as a backpacker. I am so glad I did it and it is worth the money. If you are on a budget and looking for an expensive trip (for some people) , this is the one to do! I put 5 star on value for money for this reason.
Kia ora, Ngā mihi nui for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience with us stands out among the many adventures you've enjoyed over decades of travel and mountain climbing. It means so much to hear that standing on the glacier was such a special experience. Our guides are passionate about sharing the story of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, and we're delighted that Rebecca helped make your day memorable with her knowledge, enthusiasm, and willingness to capture photos along the way. We'll also be sure to pass your kind words on to Taygen, Sam, and Sarah. They take great pride in showing manaaki to our manuhiri (visitors), and they will be delighted to know they helped make your visit so enjoyable. Thank you again for choosing to explore this special place with us. We wish you safe travels for the rest of your journey and hope to welcome you back to Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast) one day. Ngā mihi, The Franz Josef Glacier Guides
That it can be cancelled at a moments notice The alternative was an okay experience and staff made sure we got the best out of it
Kia ora Pip, Thank you for your review. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the weather, although our guides and pilots do their upmost best to make the most accurate weather call on the day and never take a cancellation lightly, but our guests safety is priority. Fantastic to hear we were able to offer your our shorter experience, the Glacier Encounter tour! It is a great way to still enjoy Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and the epic views it offers as you step on to the ice! Thanks again for joining us. Mā te wā Franz Josef Glacier Guides
The experience is based on weather conditions so it may be cancelled and rescheduled for another day. The experience was cancelled the previous 6 days before our booking but we seemed to have picked a perfect day for it and it went ahead. When you check in, you’re fitted with your gear then head out to the helicopter. The ride is so amazing and the views are incredible. Our helper Ruby and guide Sarah were excellent and knowledgeable. The glacier experience was definitely worth the price for the once in a lifetime experience. We had so much fun and would definitely do it again!!
Kia ora Caitlin, Thank you for your 5 star review! Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the weather, although our guides and pilots do their upmost best to make the most accurate weather call on the day and never take a cancellation lightly. Great to hear you were able to comeback to Franz Josef and try again and the weather played ball on this day! As you experienced, we like to ensure the safety of all our guests and provide them with adequate gear for the environment on Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. I agree the flight is certainly a highlight of the experience along with all the stories and knowledge our guides share as you hike on the ice. Thank you for your recommendation. Safe travels for the remainder of your time in Aotearoa. Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike | 4 hours | 4.6 (659) | $534 | |
 Heli Hike Fox Glacier | 4 hours | 4.9 (601) | $473 | View |
 Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell | 3h 30min | 4.9 (664) | $107 | View |
 Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary | 4 hours | 4.9 (126) | $104 | View |
 Glacier Combo Kayking at Glacier Lagoon and Glacier Hike | 6 hours | 4.9 (8) | $232 | View |
 Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier | 3 hours | 4.9 (410) | $78 | View |
 Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min | 35 min | 4.8 (398) | $287 | View |