Franz Josef Heli Hike
Highlights & inclusions
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April 2026
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What you can expect
The Westland National Park is home to one of nature’s most spectacular sights; Franz Josef Glacier has captivated all those who have come across its mighty path. The glacier itself lies in the west coastal region of New Zealand, nestled between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps; this generates breathtaking and complementary contrasts in the scenery.
The spectacular views – attained while gliding along on the chartered helicopter ride – will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty, along with the guided walk amid the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this unspoiled ice wonderland. You will leave feeling completely satisfied – you have had a panoramic view from the air and an up close and personal feeling, walking within a natural marvel that only very few have seen.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides – who have been operating since 1990 – in combination with INFLITE, offer this fantastic two-hour adventure tour. The operators of this tour have a pristine safety record, use only the best equipment and make your comfort and safety their number one priority. For the hike, you will be provided with a waterproof jacket and pants, boots, socks, jacket, crampons and an ice axe, so you only need to worry about wearing warm upper clothing and light lower clothing and you’re all set to go.
Upon landing in an area only usually seen by professional glacier hikers, your experienced and friendly guide will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. As you weave in and out of secretive ice caves and unbelievable ice formations, you will be regaled with tales of the glaciers history and geological process. Imagine the photos you will be able to take! After your amazing adventure, you will again board the helicopter for yet another picture perfect trip back to the Franz Josef Township.
Location
What you need to know
- 5 minute helicopter flight each way to Franz Josef icefall
- Glacier landing & pickup
- 2 hour hike among glacial ice formations with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
- Professional & experienced guides
- All equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, an ice axe, trekking poles, waterproof jacket, water proof over pants, a warm hat & gloves)
- Allow 3 hours (2 hours hiking on the glacier)
- Regular departures from 7:30am - 1:00pm daily
- Your tour departs from Franz Josef Glacier Guides base, Cron Street, Franz Josef
- Operates daily all year
- On the Franz Josef Heli Hike tour, where does the helicopter take off from and how long is the flight to the glacier?The Franz Josef Heli Hike helicopter transfers depart from just around the corner from the Helicopter Line Franz Josef office (on Main Road). The flight takes about 5 minutes to and from the glacier.
- I'm pregnant and planning to visit Franz Josef in New Zealand. Do you allow pregnant patrons on the Franz Josef heli hike? Unfortunately, you cannot participate in the Franz Josef heli hike if you are pregnant.
- How difficult is the Franz Josef heli hike tour if you have a reasonable fitness? You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate in the Franz Josef heli hike. The main difficulty that people find is that the ground is uneven gravel/mountainous terrain. There is no climbing as such but you do need to be steady on your feet as you are walking on ice.
- I want to do the Franz Josef heli hike in summer, what will the temperature be like? The air temperature in Franz Josef in peak summer is usually between 15-20 degrees Celsius. It will feel colder on the glacier due to the ice under your feet so we do recommend wearing layers. If you do want to book a Franz Josef heli hike, we recommend doing this well in advance as summer is the busiest time of year for this tour.
- What is the age limit for the Franz Josef heli hike? The minimum age for the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line is 10 years old.
- We are travelling with a baby, are there crèche facilities available at the Franz Josef Heli Hike base parents would like to do a heli hike tour? Unfortunately there are no creche services in Franz Josef, however your hotel may be able to arrange something.
- Moderate fitness required to hike glacier terrain
- Minimum age is 10 years
- Maximum weight is 115kg including equipment
- Please BRING THESE: warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers), leggings or light trousers (no jeans), sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one), a warm hat and gloves if you prefer your own, PLUS a sense of fun and adventure!
- Do not bring valuables such as your wallet, car keys and passport onto the glacier, lockers are provided
- Heli Hike trips are weather-dependent, we will do our best to accommodate you, but occasionally cancellation may be unavoidable (fully refunded)
- If your chosen time is unavailable please check out the incredible Fox Glacier Heli Hike
Recent reviews
Due to high demand, I was re-directed to Fox Glacier. I was happy with either glacier and it did not disappoint. I had the time of my life. I did the extreme heli-hike and ice climb. We even had time to rappel down crevices. It was a great adventure with fantastic guides. Thanks very much. I definitely recommend this adventurous experience. Martin - Toronto, Canada
Review for Glacier Heli Ice Climb
tour guide/driver a bit boring. otherwise everything was great!
Review for Glacier Heli Ice Climb
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 26872
- This experience is supplied by Franz Josef Glacier Guides