Helicopter Tours

From Franz Josef: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Franz Josef Glacier

Helicopter and hikers on Franz Josef Glacier during expert guided heli-hike.

Helicopter and hikers on Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand.

Group hiking on Franz Josef Glacier with helicopter in background.

Climber ascending ice wall with helicopter above at Franz Josef Glacier.

Duration

4 hrs

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.
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What our guests say
David B
Solo
Verified booking
Apr 2025
The heli hike is an amazing experience not to be missed if you have the chance. The guide for our hike was great, very helpful, knowledgeable and experienced on the ice. Getting the chance to walk on the glacier through the ice paths and cracks is an unforgettable experience. The helicopter ride is pretty cool also.
Abdulhamid B
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2025
Amy is a rockstar!! She made it an amazing experience.
Cheng H
Couple
Verified booking
Dec 2024
Ticketing is easy to operate, and the tour guide-Sara introduced clear and energetic. I totally recommend the tour. Although Fraz-Josef was not easy to arrive, but it was really worth to do.
Cheung L
Couple
Verified booking
Nov 2024
Ruby was a great guide and knowledgeable. She les our group so professionally.
Rohan I
Couple
Verified booking
Nov 2024
I booked the HeliHike in Franz Josef through Headout. Unfortunately, the hike had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but they offered an amazing 15-minute scenic helicopter ride with a snow landing instead. The views were stunning! Headout was also very prompt in refunding the partial amount for the cancelled hike, which I really appreciated. While it was disappointing the hike couldn’t happen, the experience was still fantastic, and the service through Headout was excellent. Highly recommend!

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.