Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 10 years old for the 2.5 hour trip and 14 for the 5.5 hour trip
Minimum weight is 35kg, Maximum weight 115kg
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Glacier walks are moderately difficult, clients need to be fit and able. Refunds will not be available for clients who cannot participate on the day due to inappropriate fitness levels, i.e. it is important you are selecting the right trip for your physical fitness ability. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Two to four warm upper- body layers of clothing are recommended, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel or vary any service for any reason including as a result of weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any unforeseen event or circumstance. These trips are weather dependent.
For Health and Safety reasons, we are unable to guide pregnant women. Please note: We have a weight limit of 115kg per person on the Heli Hike.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
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!
What‘s Included
2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
Commentary of local region, glaciology and Maori stories
Expert ice-guides
All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
Exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
Option for a longer glacier adventure with the Extended hike (select option)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk
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.
5.5 Extended Hour Heli-Hike
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.
Reviews
618 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fab heli tour! Lovely guides
rowanf440,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oh my gosh what an experience! Our tour had to be changed due to the weather but the guides were fab and managed to get us booked in the next day for a different experience. Our new guide Zoe was lovely and told us everything we needed to know for our next adventure! Could not recommend more!!!!!
Professional run operation for unique experience.
914darylm,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Look at the pictures... words can't do justice to this amazing place. Professionally run with top guides deliver a great experience. Thanks, Ulla.
The staff members I...
Lonita A,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff members I interacted with were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They were very clear about what to expect on the glacier. The helicopter ride provided a beautiful view of the glacier. The group I was in was guided by Kurt. He was friendly and seemed very capable. I enjoyed his story about the Māori name for the glacier. The hike itself was nice, though not as interesting as I had hoped (though looking back, I’m not sure how I expected it to be more exciting). We walked single file behind the guide. We would often pause, which gave us time to take pictures, as the guide did some maintenance on the trail. If you’ve hiked on ice and hard packed snow, this really isn’t all that different. Our hike was cut short by the weather. I appreciate that the staff was so safety conscious in that way. I received a partial refund due to this, which I also greatly appreciated. I would recommend this to others, especially those not accustomed to winter weather conditions. I went on it because I was missing snow and cold weather, this gave me a bit of that so I am thankful I tried it. And again, I really did appreciate all the staff members, I would recommend the company because of them.
Amazing experience
Wander13466232357,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip with Gus as our guide. The whole experience was professionally organised with safety at the forefront without being too much. All equipment provided was of a very good standard. Gus was extremely knowledgeable and also made it fun and interesting. The helicopter ride was fabulous too with beautiful views. Highly recommend the heli hike experience, it’s a fantastic trip!
Glacier heli hike
sionbach1996,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience and scenery
An amazing tour and...
Sarah K,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing tour and experience! Knowledgeable guide and the hike was well planned out. Totally worth it and highly recommend!
Fantastic experience
581AndreaT,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip with Gus as our guide. The whole experience was professionally organised with safety at the forefront without being too much. All equipment provided was of a good standard. Gus was extremely knowledgeable and also made it fun and interesting. The helicopter ride was fabulous too with beautiful views. Highly recommend!
Experience of a lifetime
Madison H,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience from start to finish. We got lucky with great weather and a beautiful, brilliant guide, Zoe, who shared both geological and Māori cultural context that made the hike even more meaningful. The partnership with the local Māori tribe added depth and respect to the experience. We felt very well supported with the gear and guidance provided, and hiking on the glacier was unforgettable. Highly recommend.
Brilliant once in a lifetime experience
emilydB1145JR,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Guri for our tour and she was amazing at explaining the history and guiding us through the caves. It was a lovely trip out and the weather was absolutely perfect!
Amazing family experience
Anita E,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience! Our guide Angus was fabulous balancing the science of the glacier (had a glaciology degree!) with the traditional Maori stories of how the glacier formed.
From NZ$815.39
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Operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides