Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike – Guided Ice Walk
Updated 29 th June 2026
Experience One of New Zealand's Most Iconic Glacier Adventures
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: Approximately 4 hours
Time on the glacier: Up to 2.5 hours
Departs: Franz Josef Glacier Base
Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, professional glacier guide, crampons and all specialised glacier equipment
Fitness level: Moderate fitness required
Minimum age: 10 years
Minimum height: 137 cm (children)
Weight requirements: 35–115 kg (subject to glacier conditions)
Best for: First-time glacier explorers, adventure seekers and photographers
✔ Limited daily departures
✔ Advance bookings are essential
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike – Scenic Flight & Guided Glacier Walk
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine adventures with a scenic helicopter flight and guided walk on Franz Josef Glacier. 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: $899 per person – Limited daily departures
Departs: Select your preferred departure 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 adventure begins at the Glacier Base Building in Franz Josef, where you’ll check in and meet your experienced glacier guide. After a comprehensive safety briefing, you’ll be fitted with all the specialised glacier equipment required for your heli hike, including boots, crampons and weather-appropriate outerwear. Your guide will explain what to expect during the day and answer any questions before you head to the helicopter.
Helicopter Flight Over Franz Josef Glacier
A short walk takes you to the helipad, where you’ll meet your pilot before lifting off for an unforgettable scenic flight above Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). As you climb above the rainforest and alpine valleys, enjoy spectacular aerial views of the glacier’s towering icefall, rugged peaks and the dramatic landscape of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Landing on the Glacier
After a smooth landing high on the glacier, you’ll step into an extraordinary alpine environment that few visitors ever experience. Your guide will ensure everyone is safely fitted with crampons before providing a final briefing on walking techniques and glacier safety, preparing you to confidently explore this constantly changing frozen landscape.
Guided Glacier Ice Walk
Follow your professional guide through a maze of towering ice pinnacles, deep blue crevasses, shimmering seracs and spectacular ice caves sculpted by nature. Along the way, you’ll learn how Franz Josef Glacier continually advances and retreats, creating new formations almost daily. With up to 2.5 hours spent exploring the ice, every heli hike follows a different route, making each experience completely unique while providing incredible opportunities for photography and unforgettable memories.
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
Is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike suitable for beginners?
Yes. No previous glacier hiking experience is required. Your professional glacier guide provides a full safety briefing and instruction before you step onto the ice, making the experience suitable for first-time glacier explorers with a moderate level of fitness.
What should I wear on a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike?
Wear warm layered clothing suitable for alpine conditions, including thermal base layers, comfortable walking clothes and warm socks. Glacier Guides supplies boots, crampons and all specialised glacier equipment required for your hike.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
The heli hike is weather dependent. If conditions are unsafe for flying or glacier access, Glacier Guides will contact you to discuss rescheduling or available options.
Are there age, height and weight restrictions?
Participants must be at least 10 years old, 137 cm tall, and weigh between 35 kg and 115 kg. During icy conditions the minimum weight for children may increase to 40 kg to ensure crampons perform safely on the glacier.
How much time do we spend on the glacier?
The experience lasts approximately four hours, including up to 2.5 hours exploring the glacier with your guide.
Is the heli hike physically demanding?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You’ll be walking on uneven ice using crampons, climbing gentle slopes and following your guide across constantly changing glacier terrain.
What will I see during the heli hike?
Every heli hike is different, but you may explore spectacular blue ice caves, towering ice pinnacles, deep crevasses, seracs and ever-changing glacier formations while enjoying incredible views of the Southern Alps.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is one of New Zealand’s most popular alpine adventures and daily departures are limited. Advance bookings are strongly recommended, particularly during the peak summer season.
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 World’s Fastest Moving Glaciers!
- 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.
Discover More Franz Josef Adventures
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
Extend your stay in Glacier Country by combining your Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike with some of the region’s other unforgettable experiences. From peaceful kayaking on Lake Mapourika to thrilling quad bike adventures and world-class birdwatching at Ōkārito Lagoon, there’s something for every type of traveller.