Duration
Guided tour
-
Step into the heart of Franz Josef Glacier with a heli-hike combining a helicopter ride and guided ice trek.
-
Take in sweeping aerial views of snow-capped peaks and icefalls before landing on the glacier, then explore the ice on foot with an expert guide.
-
See glacial crevasses, ice caves, and shimmering formations while learning about this ever-changing frozen landscape.
-
-
2-hour Franz Glacier hike
-
Round-trip helicopter ride
-
Expert mountaineering guide
-
Glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jacket & pants
-
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 118 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
65282104What our guests say
David
Apr 2025Verified booking
Kathryn
Apr 2025Verified bookingAbdulhamid
Jan 2025Verified bookingCheng
Dec 2024Verified bookingCheung
Nov 2024Verified booking
Step onto the ice with the Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike experience and explore one of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine glaciers from above and on foot.
Getting started
This adventure includes return helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier and a guided glacier walk. Arrive early to check in, get fitted with specialist glacier gear, and meet your expert guide before take-off.
What to expect
-
Helicopter views: Soar over alpine mountains, icefalls, and rugged glacier terrain before landing directly on the ice.
-
Guided glacier trek: Walk across the glacier with your guide, exploring crevasses, ice caves, and unique ice formations safely.
-
All gear included: Boots, crampons, and waterproof clothing are supplied to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the experience.
-
What to bring
- Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
What's not allowed
-
This experience is restricted to children under the age of 10 years, under the weight of 35kg and over the weight of 115kg, and under the height of 137cm.
-
Drones, iPads, or selfie sticks are not allowed on this experience.
-
Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.
Accessibility
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or other serious health conditions.
Additional information
-
Flights, landings, and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.
-
Your flight is subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you may reschedule your booking or request a full refund.
-
Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slips trips and falls, sun exposure.
-
Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slip trips, and sun exposure.
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
-
Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.
-
Kindly ensure that you arrive 60 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Departure Locations
-
Departs and returns from the Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
-
Address: Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand.
Get Directions to the Departure Location
Getting There
By Bus
- The closest bus stop is Franz Josef Bus Stop. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the departure point.
-
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in Franz Josef
Nearby cities to explore
