Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Price from
- $1,253 / person
- Location
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 38 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 11
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- True South Flights
- Meeting point
- Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).
Description
True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world, meaning the ice formations are constantly changing. The flight path you take to Franz Josef crosses over the Southern Alps, home to some of the most spectacular scenery, only visible by flight.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:30 AM
- Season
- Starts Apr 1, 2027
- Adult (ages 14+)
- $1,253
- Child (ages 10–13)
- $1,253
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 25.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.
Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart.
Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area
From Queenstown you'll head North, crossing over the Pisa mountains, with great views of Lake Wanaka from above.
After crossing the Southern Alps, you'll get some stunning views of the West Coast National Park. This includes some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Franz Josef Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.
After landing in Franz Josef, our guiding partners will drive you 10 mins to the glacier base. Here you will gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide.
Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Franz Josef Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base.
Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane. Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.
Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick-up from Queenstown Central accommodation. Pick up starts 50 minutes prior to departure.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour
- Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries; ACL damage; Joint replacements or dislocations; Neck or back injuries; Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure; Diabetes; Severe asthma. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown take?
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown cost?
Prices start at $1,253 per person for this Queenstown experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:30 AM.
How much does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown cost for children?
Children aged 10–13 pay from $1,253, adults from $1,253.
Can I cancel Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We pick-up from Queenstown Central accommodation. Pick up starts 50 minutes prior to departure. Pickup points include YHA Queenstown Lakefront.
What languages is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 38 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by True South Flights.
Reviews(38)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Queenstown
- Lowest price: Queenstown to Franz Josef Day Tour — $131
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- Shortest: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown — 7 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown | 7 hours | 4.9 (38) | $1,253 | |
 Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) | 12 hours | 5.0 (66) | $169 | View |
 Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine | 12 hours | 5.0 (35) | $330 | View |
 Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika | 12 hours | 5.0 (16) | $169 | View |
 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch | 2 days | 3.0 (3) | $741 | View |
 Christchurch to Franz Josef With TranzAlpine (1 way) | 13 hours | — | $306 | View |
 Queenstown to Franz Josef Day Tour | 8 hours | — | $131 | View |