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Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike, Fly In and 2.5 Hour Guided Walk

Helicopter to the ice, then 2.5 hours of guided walking among blue ice.

A four hour Franz Josef trip: helicopter up onto the glacier, then a 2.5 hour guided hike through towering peaks and glistening blue ice. Times run throughout the day.

📍 New Zealand ⏱ 4 Hours 👥 Small group 🔥 Active

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$729 AUD

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Booked with Wanderlust, an Australian travel business based in Byron Bay (ABN 34 636 612 523). We handle your booking ourselves, before and after you travel.

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Overview

The heli hike skips the long walk up the valley. You fly straight onto Franz Josef Glacier, about five minutes in the air each way, then spend up to 2.5 hours walking on ice that the valley walkers never reach. It is the option for people who want to be on the ice, not just above it, and the whole thing fits inside four hours.

Check-in is at Glacier Base on Cron Street in Franz Josef, 15 minutes before your trip. You get kitted out: waterproof jacket and over-trousers, boots and socks, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles and a small waist pack, plus a beanie and mittens. Then a short walk to the helipad, the flight up the glacier valley, and the guide fits your crampons on the ice. From there the guide picks the route as you go, steering toward the best crevasses, ice towers and caves that day, cutting steps where needed and explaining how the glacier works. Summer departures are 7:30am, 10:00am and 12:30pm.

Allow up to four hours from check-in to the end. You need to be over 10, at least 137cm tall, between 35kg and 115kg, no more than 12 weeks pregnant, and comfortable walking two to three hours on uneven terrain with steps cut into the ice. Trips need a four-hour window of clear weather; if yours is cancelled for weather you reschedule or get a refund. Bring warm base layers and long pants (not jeans), sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle and a snack.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Helicopter flight onto Franz Josef Glacier

  2. 2

    Up to 2.5 hours walking on the ice

  3. 3

    Guide picks the route through crevasses and ice caves

  4. 4

    All glacier gear supplied, boots to crampons

  5. 5

    Three summer departures a day from Glacier Base

  6. 6

    About four hours door to door

Itinerary at a glance

1 Check-in · Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time (7:15am, 9:45am or 12:15pm in summer). Gear fitting and briefings, then a walk to the helipad.

1 Fly in · Up the glacier valley

Around five minutes in the air over the valley and icefall to the guide site on the glacier.

1 On the ice · Up to 2.5 hours guided hike

Crampons on, then your guide picks the day's route through crevasses, ice towers and caves, with plenty of photo stops and explanations of how the glacier moves.

1 Fly out · Back to Glacier Base

Helicopter back down the valley, gear returned at the base. Up to four hours from check-in to finish.

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Return helicopter flight to and from the glacier
  • Up to 2.5 hours guided on the ice
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
  • Boots, socks, crampons, harness and helmet
  • Trekking poles and a small waist pack
  • Beanie and mittens if you need them

✕ Not included

  • ✕Food and drinks (bring a snack and a water bottle)
  • ✕Transport to Glacier Base in Franz Josef
  • ✕Travel insurance
  • ✕Backpacks on the helicopter (not permitted)

Common questions about this trip

  • Where do I check in and when?
    Glacier Base at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef, 15 minutes before your departure. In summer the trips leave at 7:30am, 10:00am and 12:30pm, so check in at 7:15am, 9:45am or 12:15pm. Your booking confirmation states your check-in time, and there is an online check-in form to complete beforehand. Late arrivals cannot be waited for and are charged in full.

  • How fit do I need to be?
    A reasonable level of fitness and agility. You should be comfortable walking for two to three hours on uneven terrain, including steps cut into the ice. Tell the operator about ankle or knee injuries, ACL damage, joint replacements or dislocations, neck or back injuries, heart conditions, diabetes or severe asthma.

  • Are there age, height or weight limits?
    Yes. You must be over 10 years old, at least 137cm tall and between 35kg and 115kg. Children are accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. You cannot go if you are more than 12 weeks pregnant.

  • What do I wear, and what is provided?
    Wear warm, breathable base layers (merino or polypropylene, not cotton) and long pants you can walk in, not jeans. Sunglasses are essential, and bring sunscreen, a hat and gloves. The operator supplies the waterproof jacket and over-trousers, boots and socks, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles and a small waist pack. Backpacks do not fit in the helicopter.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?
    The trip needs a four-hour window of clear weather, and heavy rain, high wind or low cloud can stop the helicopter flying. If your trip is cancelled for weather you are offered the next available date and time, or a refund. The operator will not compromise safety to get a trip away.

  • How cold is it on the glacier?
    Summer temperatures on the ice run from about +5°C to +15°C, winter from -5°C to +10°C. The waterproof layers provided cut the wind, and your own base layers do the rest.

  • What costs extra?
    Food is not included, so eat a proper meal before check-in and bring a small water bottle and a snack. Getting to Franz Josef and travel insurance are on you. Trips need a minimum of four people to run.

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    Cancellation terms for this trip are set by the operator and confirmed on your booking voucher. Refunds mirror the operator's policy, if they can refund, so can we. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf. Message us for the exact day-by-day terms before you book.

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What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"This is simply a spectacular and unique experience. One of the best things we have done in New Zealand. Perfect weather helped. Streamlined check-in, safety briefing and kitting up for the glacier experience. Short bus ride to helipad. Spectacular short flight to lower end of glacier. Crampons on to boots and off for adventure!"
M

Mark W

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the glacier. They care enough to make sure everyone get to sit next to the window during the heli ride. Enjoyed it much!"
S

Seaside39031512308

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Hiking the glacier was FANTASTIC!!!!!! The helicopter ride was awesome as well. Everything was run very safely. Very impressive."
J

JereDoyle

Tripadvisor review

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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