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Franz Josef Glacier: Small-Group Heli-Hike Adventure
4.6
563 Ratings
Franz Josef / Waiau
Explore Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter and hike. Discover stunning ice formations, learn about environmental changes, and enjoy a personalized adventure in a small group.
Explore Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter and hike. Discover stunning ice formations, learn about environmental changes, and enjoy a personalized adventure in a small group.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Franz Josef Glacier Guides - This is the check-in point for the Glacier Tour.
- Franz Josef Glacier Guides - This is the check-in point for the Glacier Tour.
What's Included
- 2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
- All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
- Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
- 2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
- All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
- Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 15 minute (approx) 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…
Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 15 minute (approx) 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.
- Minimum age is 10 years old (min height 137cm)
- 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.
Location
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(563 Ratings)
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T0vay
Apr 1, 2025
Flying to the glacier - Not to be missed experience! The helicopter ride had stunning views The glacier walk was very fun with great beauty . We walked into ice tunnels as well as walking on the ice Our guide Henry was informative and helpful Always felt safe
Well worth the price Hey, you're in New Zealand
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raeeholmes
Mar 24, 2025
Do Not Miss This Incredible Experience! - Most incredible experience, not to be missed. Although keen, we had no idea how unique an experience this would be. People had said 'You must do it!' - I am glad we listened. The guides were great and the whole day was exhilarating from start to finish. Professional and educational, a memory you won't forget. If possible, I would allow a few days in Franz Josef as the weather can easily and regularly disrupt flights or the ability to hike. We were extremely lucky to roll-up and go straight onto the chopper.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector27730727485
Mar 3, 2025
The whole experience was excellent. - Alex was our excellent guide on the flight and glacier. He was very knowledgeable, told great facts and stories including the devastating impact of climate change. The glacier walk was 'out of this world', he took us through ice caves as you've seen them on nature documentaries, and squeezed us through narrow passages.
It was something we will remember for the rest of our lives.
The company focuses much on health and safety which was much appreciated. Helicopter pilot was also welcoming, cheerful and very professional.
5 stars, would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S4244zolorir
Feb 24, 2025
Adventure of a Lifetime! - The trip was an awesome experience from check in, helicopter flight, to the hike on the glacier. Our guide, Ryan was very knowledgeable and professional. We enjoyed learning about the glacier while hiking and soaking up the amazing scenery. The caves were the highlight. We also loved drinking the glacier water. It was definitely an adventure of a lifetime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elaine_s
Feb 18, 2025
We lucked out with a... - We lucked out with a beautiful morning! It was such an amazing experience and our guide was great. You MUST do this!
Review provided by Viator
Zeev_s
Feb 4, 2025
A unique experience not... - A unique experience not to be missed. We were blessed with a sunny day which enhanced the experience. From the moment we arrived at the assembly area, everything went perfectly. Reception, explanations and equipment, everything was excellent. The flight to and from the glacier was safe and smooth and the crew paid close attention to all safety rules. The walk on the glacier went perfectly, explanations, safety and variety in the route. Well done, as mentioned highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Mike_c
Feb 1, 2025
Franz Josef glacier hikes - We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Aamicacarpenter
Mar 14, 2025
Great experience - The scenery was beautiful, and the hike was a great experience if you've never been on a glacier before. The hike itself was also very easy and enjoyable. The company provides everything you need, including a coat, over trousers, boots and crampons and all the staff are friendly and approachable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheak_u
Feb 10, 2025
An unforgettable experience - If you are considering this tour, a Plan B should be considered as well. The tour is at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions (rain and cloud cover), for safety reasons; and the operator has no control over it. We had to re-schedule twice for this reason, luckily, on the second day the weather was fine.
An unforgettable experience - helicopter ride and glacier walk. A highlight of my NZ vacation. Yet,
Review provided by Viator
Daytrip588997
Feb 10, 2025
Misleading - Fantastic views, great heli ride, however I'd not call it a hike. We did a total of 5mins 30s of walking over a total of 750m, while on the ice for over 2hrs. Most of the time was spent stopping after a few steps for the guide to hack at the ice, despite a guide ahead of us already carving out a path. The group was all young and able, so it wasn't due to lack of ability. We saw no caves like on the photos advertised.
We sadly also didn't get the experience others noted of lots of facts and info about the glacier by the guide.
Unfortunately, came away thinking we hadn't got our moneys worth, and should've picked the cheaper option without the 'hike'.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
