South Island
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike – Book a Guided Glacier Walk
Experience the Franz Josef Glacier heli hike with a scenic helicopter flight and guided glacier walk on the ice. After landing high on the glacier, your expert guide fits crampons and safety gear before leading you through blue ice formations, crevasses and ever-changing alpine terrain on one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable glacier adventures. This Franz Josef Glacier heli hike is one of the only ways to step onto the glacier itself — spots are limited each day and advance booking is recommended.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike – Quick Facts
- Duration: ~ aprox 4 hours
- Hike time on glacier: ~2.5 hours approx
- Departs: Franz Josef
- Includes: Helicopter flight + guide + gear
- Best for: First-time glacier explorers
- ✔ Bookings essential
Land on Franz Josef Glacier for a Guided Ice Walk
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike – Scenic Flight & Guided Glacier Walk
Explore Franz Josef Glacier with a scenic heli hike combining a helicopter flight and guided glacier walk on the ice. Departing from Franz Josef, this iconic alpine experience includes expert guides, all glacier gear and access to one of New Zealand’s most dynamic glaciers — bookings are essential.
Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight over the lush rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park before landing high on the glacier. Your guide equips you with crampons and glacier gear, leading you across the ever-changing ice.
Navigate towering pinnacles, deep blue crevasses and shimmering ice formations carved by nature. With Franz Josef Glacier moving faster than most glaciers, no two heli-hikes are ever the same.
Whether exploring ice caves or taking in the constantly shifting frozen landscape, this Franz Josef Glacier heli hike is one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable alpine experiences.
Price: $695 per person – Limited daily departures
Departs: Choose time when booking
Duration: Upto 4 Hours
Includes up to 2.5 hours spent on the ice hiking the glacier and exploring features.
✔ Secure your preferred time in advance – popular in peak season
What to Expect on Your Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Start at the Glacier Base Building
Your experience begins at the Glacier Base Building for check-in, gear fitting and a full safety briefing.
Helicopter Flight Over Franz Josef Glacier
Walk to the heli-pad, meet your pilot and take off over Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). The flight offers incredible views across the glacier’s main icefall and surrounding peaks.
Landing on the Glacier
Touch down in a remote alpine environment high on the glacier. Your guide will ensure you’re fully equipped and ready to explore.
Guided Glacier Hike
Follow your guide through ice pinnacles, crevasses and blue caves, learning how the glacier evolves every day. Due to its rapid movement, the terrain changes constantly, meaning every heli-hike is truly one of a kind.
Experience the Franz Josef Glacier heli hike…
Exhilarating Franz Josef Helicopter Flight
Start with a spectacular helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy panoramic views across the Southern Alps, rainforest valleys and the dramatic icefall before landing high on the glacier.
Guided Franz Josef Glacier Hike
Explore the glacier safely with expert guides trained to navigate its dynamic terrain. They’ll point out key features, explain the glacier’s formation and select the best routes through the icy landscape.
Unforgettable Franz Josef Glacier Scenery
See glittering blue ice caves, deep crevasses, seracs and sculpted formations. Franz Josef Glacier’s constantly moving ice ensures no two adventures are ever alike — perfect for photography.
Why Choose Franz Josef Glacier Guides?
- World-Renowned Adventure: One of New Zealand’s most iconic glacier experiences.
- Expert, Highly Trained Guides: Professionals who prioritise safety and share deep knowledge of glacier geology.
- A Dynamic, Ever-Changing Landscape: Fastest-moving guided glacier in NZ ensures a unique experience each visit.
- Safety First: All gear provided, comprehensive briefing, and strict safety protocols.
FAQs for Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Yes! No prior hiking experience is necessary. Our guides will ensure the pace and difficulty suit everyone’s abilities.
Wear warm, comfortable layers and sturdy footwear. We provide boots, crampons, and other essential gear. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera for photos!
For your safety, flights and hikes may be canceled in poor weather. In this case, we’ll work with you to reschedule or provide a refund.
Participants must be at least 8 years old and have a moderate fitness level to enjoy the hike.
You’ll spend up to 2.5 hours exploring the glacier’s icy terrain, with the total tour lasting around 4 hours.
Did You Know? Fascinating Franz Josef Glacier Facts
- Fastest-Moving Glacier: Franz Josef Glacier advances at a rate of up to 4 meters per day, making it one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world!
- A Natural Wonder: The glacier descends from the Southern Alps to just 300 meters above sea level, one of the few in the world to do so.
- Named After Royalty: The glacier is named after Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria by German explorer Julius von Haast.
- A Living Landscape: Franz Josef Glacier constantly changes due to its rapid movement, meaning no two hikes are ever the same.
- Sacred to Māori: Known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (The Tears of Hine Hukatere), the glacier holds deep cultural significance for the local Ngāi Tahu people.
Nearby Activities to Enhance Your Adventure
Kayaking On Lake Mapourika
Paddle through serene, reflective waters surrounded by lush rainforest. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
More information here.
Franz Josef Quad Bike Trips
Experience the thrill of riding through rugged terrain and rainforest trails on a guided quad biking adventure.
More information here.
Bird Spotting - Okarito Lagoon
Discover a birdwatcher’s paradise at New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland, home to the rare white heron (kōtuku).
More information here.
Explore More Around Franz Josef Glacier
Make the most of your time in the region by combining your Heli-Hike with these incredible experiences. From tranquil kayaking to thrilling quad bike rides and serene birdwatching, there’s something for every adventurer
