4.6 (666) · Franz Josef & Fox Glacier · By Franz Josef Glacier Guides Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Embark on a small-group adventure to witness New Zealand's stunning natural landscapes on this 2 hour 30 minute Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike.
Your journey begins with a helicopter ride to the Pinnacles area of the glacier, accompanied by your guide.
Traverse the icy terrain through a challenging maze on a hike of moderate difficulty.
Gain insights into the significant environmental changes impacting the glacier and the geological forces shaping it.
To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are capped at 11 participants.
✓ Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of guided glacier walking.✓ Engaging commentary on the local region, glaciology, and Maori heritage.✓ Expert guides specializing in ice exploration.✓ Provision of all necessary hiking equipment, including Gore-Tex jackets, over-trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, and crampons.✓ Round-trip helicopter transportation to Franz Josef Glacier.✓ Exclusive access to Franz Josef Glacier, a destination only we can bring you to.✓ An option for an extended glacier adventure is available with the Extended hike selection.✕ Transportation to and from your hotel.1 Franz Josef Glacier
Discover Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world's most remarkable glaciers, renowned for being the fastest-moving.
This dynamic nature means each visit offers a unique experience.
Accessible exclusively by helicopter, your 2-hour adventure starts with a scenic flight to the glacier, followed by an unparalleled hiking experience on the ice!
· 2 h · Admission included
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please ensure you check in 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time.
Please ensure you check in 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time.
The glacier walks present a significant challenge due to the glacier's advancement and steep inclines. Participants must possess a good level of fitness. Refunds will not be issued for individuals unable to participate on the day due to insufficient fitness. Guides retain the discretion to shorten or cancel trips for participants whose fitness is deemed inadequate.
What to wear or bring:
Please bring three layers of warm clothing for your upper body (e.g., fleece, wool, thermal underwear) and lightweight trousers such as quick-drying pants or leggings. Avoid jeans, as they become heavy and wet when worn.
Additionally, remember to bring a snack, a small water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation services are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not recommended for expectant mothers. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The minimum age requirement is 10 years for the 2.5-hour trip and 14 years for the 5.5-hour trip. The minimum weight is 35kg, and the maximum weight is 115kg. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Glacier walks are moderately strenuous; participants need to be fit and able. Refunds are not provided for those unable to participate due to fitness limitations, emphasizing the importance of selecting a trip that matches your physical capabilities. Guides reserve the right to modify or cancel trips for individuals with inappropriate fitness levels. The tour operates in most weather conditions; please dress appropriately. We recommend two to four warm upper-body layers, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. The Operator reserves the right to cancel or alter any service for any reason, including weather conditions, insufficient bookings, or unforeseen circumstances. These excursions are dependent on weather. For health and safety reasons, pregnant women cannot be accommodated. Please note: A weight limit of 115kg per person applies to the Heli Hike. Heli-Hike Franz Josef Glacier Walk The original 2.5-hour Heli Hike allows you to spend 2.5 hours exploring glacier features with your expert guide on the ice. It maintains a 1:11 guide-to-guest ratio. 5.5 Extended Hour Heli-Hike Total duration: 8 hours, including 5.5 hours spent on the glacier. A picnic lunch is provided and dietary needs can be accommodated. This bespoke Heli Hike offers the chance to explore untouched areas of the glacier for 5.5 hours in a small group setting with a 1:4 ratio. Dress in warm layers and bring waterproof outer layers. Ensure you meet the minimum fitness and age requirements. Check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Consider the extended hike for a more in-depth glacier exploration. To receive a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 2524HDICE
Activity offered by Franz Josef Glacier Guides via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Nature enthusiasts Those seeking unique experiences Individuals with moderate fitness levels Experience a unique glacier accessible only by helicopter. Guided hike through stunning ice formations. Learn about glaciology and Maori culture. Small group sizes for a personalized adventure. All necessary hiking equipment provided. Breathtaking scenic helicopter flights.
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 12° Jan 12° Feb 11° Mar 9° Apr 7° May 4° Jun 4° Jul 4° Aug 5° Sept 7° Oct 8° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike? + The standard Heli-Hike lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with about 2 hours and 15 minutes spent on the glacier itself. The Extended Heli-Hike option offers 5.5 hours on the glacier within an 8-hour total return time.
What should I wear for the glacier hike? + You should wear three layers of warm clothing for your upper body and lightweight, quick-drying trousers (no jeans). All necessary hiking equipment such as boots, crampons, jackets, and gloves will be provided.
Is this activity suitable for everyone? + Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness as the walks can be challenging. The minimum age is 10 for the shorter trip and 14 for the longer one. Pregnant travelers and individuals over 115kg cannot participate.
What happens if the weather is bad? + These trips are weather-dependent and may be cancelled or varied by the operator for safety reasons. If a trip is cancelled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Bucket list experience
keust80, October 2026
This is truly a bucket list experience.
Being on the ice is otherworldly. The colour, sights and sounds are unlike anywhere else. This is something that you will remember for the rest of your life. Must do, and I cannot recommend more highly.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
No hike
vlongfellow, October 2026
Very disappointed, the weather was bad on the first day, so we rebooked. When we went back a few days later they said it was cancelled again because of cloud but we could do a 15 min experience and get dropped off then come back. Our heli hike was 4 hours. We took it and when we got there the sun was shinning no wind couldn't understand why it was cancelled other than they wanted to take more people up and make more money. We had a very small refund, could have hired a whole helicoper for the price they charged. The chopper experience was very good even though it was short. It was the whole reason we went to Franz Josef.
★★★★★ Viator review
A once in a lifetime...
Dakkota_M, August 2026
A once in a lifetime experience. Sarah was our guide and she was incredibly knowledgeable about the glacier, and made sure to take us on a fun and beautiful adventure across the glacier. The company was very honest about potential weather cancellations, and handled a surprise cloud cover with very practiced calm. Highly recommend doing this tour!
★★★★★ Viator review
Never too old
Barry_C, August 2026
The staff are very accomodating and the wilderness is Awesome. The walk snow and ice was so much more than I had imagined. We fell onto of the world.
★★★★★ Viator review
My first time experience...
YUSUKE_T, August 2026
My first time experience of helicopter .
The Glacier is amazing nature.
You should visit here when you come to New Zealand.
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