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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

578 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 578 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

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On average, this is booked 39 (24.50) days in advance.

4 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 30 minute Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide. Navigate your way through the maze of ice on your moderately difficult hike. Learn of the dramatic environmental changes affecting the glacier and gain insight into the geological forces at play. Group size is limited to 11 to ensure a personalized experience.

What's Included

  • Commentary of local region, glaciology and Maori stories
  • All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
  • Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Te Ao Marama
Glacier Base, 63 cron street Franz Josef Glacier Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Franz Josef Glacier

Experience one of the most unique glaciers in the world, Franz Josef Glacier. Being the fastest moving glacier in the world, it means that no two trips are the same. Accessible only by helicopter flight, begin your 2. hour experience with a beautiful scenic flight to the glacier, before embarking on a glacier hike like no other!
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Glacier walks are moderately difficult, clients need to be fit and able. Refunds will not be available for clients who cannot participate on the day due to inappropriate fitness levels, i.e. it is important you are selecting the right trip for your physical fitness ability. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate
  • Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Two to four warm upper- body layers of clothing are recommended, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
  • The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel or vary any service for any reason including as a result of weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any unforeseen event or circumstance. These trips are weather dependent.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-2524HDICE

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
578 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 578 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
496
4 stars
71
3 stars
5
2 stars
5
1 star
1

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 39 (24.50) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Commentary of local region, glaciology and Maori stories
  • All hiking equipment (Gore-tex jackets, over trousers, woolen hats and gloves, leather boots, crampons)
  • Round-trip helicopter flights to Franz Josef Glacier
  • Exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
  • Option for a longer glacier adventure with the Extended hike (select option)
  • Expert ice-guides
  • 2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 10 years old for the 2.5 hour trip and 14 for the 5.5 hour trip
  • Minimum weight is 35kg, Maximum weight 115kg
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Glacier walks are moderately difficult, clients need to be fit and able. Refunds will not be available for clients who cannot participate on the day due to inappropriate fitness levels, i.e. it is important you are selecting the right trip for your physical fitness ability. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate
  • Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Two to four warm upper- body layers of clothing are recommended, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
  • The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel or vary any service for any reason including as a result of weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any unforeseen event or circumstance. These trips are weather dependent.
  • For Health and Safety reasons, we are unable to guide pregnant women. Please note: We have a weight limit of 115kg per person on the Heli Hike.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Franz Josef Glacier Guides

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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