Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain during this exhilarating tour from Franz Josef. Find out why New Zealand's South Island is famous for its gorgeous landscapes as you follow an experienced guide past ice caves, crevasses and pinnacles. Learn about glacier formation and movement, and enjoy supreme panoramic views. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.
After meeting your guide and being fitted for all of your provided equipment, your Franz Josef Glacier adventure starts with a thrilling helicopter ride from the helicopter base in town up to the ice. With its ability to hover over stunning landscapes and provide access to remote areas, a helicopter flight is the ultimate way to see the 7.5-mile-long (12 km) glacier at the top of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Soar right by towering peaks, over deep crevasses and past sparkling waterways. Admire the pristine blue color of the ice, and land high up on the glacier between two icefalls, where your 2-hour guided hike begins. Follow your experienced guide into the spectacular icefall terrain, usually seen only by skilled mountaineers.
Climb in and around ice caves, see dramatic pinnacles and seracs, and learn about the history and current conditions of the Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy amazing photo ops of this unique landscape, and then re-board the helicopter for the ride back to town.
Safety and helicopters: The local tour operator has an excellent safety record, practices rigid assessments and uses exclusive high-quality equipment. Your safety and enjoyment come first.
The helicopter fleet consists predominately of AS355 twin-engine Squirrels, which seat six passengers plus the pilot. They are ideal for scenic flights, with an open-plan cabin that provides excellent views for all passengers. The local tour operator has the highest-level certification from the Civil Aviation Authority for scenic helicopter tours; this involves regular monitoring and audits of all aspects of the operations.
This is a great activity. It was amazing to fly up to the glacier and walk around it. Our guide was knowledgeable. Only negative was we hiked in a small loop from where the helicopter drops you off. I would have been nice to hike a longer distance, but I understand the guides have to consider the capabilities of the weakest member of the group.
Review by: Ian T, February 2018
A must do, was a great experience staff and guide on the Glacier were excellent.
Review by: XIN L, February 2018
It could have been 4.5 stars. Our guide Eric was very diligent and helpful. Explained quite a bit on the geo knowledge. The heli ride was exiting except it was quite short. To be honest, there was not much to see over there but the experience was unforgettable.
Review by: Jacquie.bailey, October 2017
This was a great experience! I suggest breaking the groups on the glacier into different fitness levels. We spent too much time waiting for others in the group. I feel like we missed out on some great views because of this.
Review by: sfoley, September 2017
A great event well worth doing.
Review by: Stuart i, August 2017
The should mention that there is a weight limit before they give you all the equipment and explain what to expect, my husband wasn't allowed on. It was a good walk , but not difficult or challenging
Review by: Arun B, August 2017
Instead of Franz we did Cook Mountain and the tour was properly planned and executed.
Review by: Tanya G, July 2017
Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend
Review by: Marjorie R, May 2017
My tour was rained out, alas, so there can be no rating. Unfortunately, this site will not accept that, so I've given it a five out of expectations it would have been thus.
Review by: douangpans, April 2017
Due to bad weather, cyclone, we were unable to join the Heli Hiking Trip but we were able to do the Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef instead. The scenic Helicopter flight and snow landing was extraordinary even when the weather was not at its best. I would recommend this trip to anyone passing by the town!!!! :
Review by: Eileen L, April 2017
Well worth the the money!! _br/_ The guides were fun and professional and the views from the helicopter and on the ice was AMAZING!!
Review by: Ada Mei Han Won W, April 2017
Last min cancelled hiking due to bad weather, although the weather was seem to be a beautiful day, no rain, no wind, lovely warm sunny day, but somehow not suitable for hiking, even the staff at the office was surprised and thought they were joking._br/_ Offered refund , change date or change to 40 mins Helicoptor ride. _br/_ Had the 40 mins Helicoptor ride with snow landing. It was good, but if I can choose again, I would go for the 20 mins ride, which was half the price, 449 for 40 mins and 250 for 20 mins, both with snow landing
Review by: Paul B, March 2017
Having had friends do this glacier, we had an idea of what we wanted to do. I believe this is the best option._br/_ The draw is the glacier but the helicopter ride is a big extra to enjoy. Well worth the extra cash._br/_ We looked at the reviews and have to agree this is an exciting and awesome trip to experience._br/_ Easy to book and made easy to experience by the staff. All friendly and ready to help._br/_ A great experience.
Review by: Wendy W, February 2017
Due to bad weather we were unfortunately unable to do the Heli- Hike trip but the Company The Helicopter Line arranged for us to have a 20 minute Scenic Trip over Fox Glacier the next day as we were moving on to our next destination and were very limited for time. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip, it was an incredible experience to fly to and land on the glacier. We would certainly recommend this trip.
Review by: Rebecca J, February 2017
Tour was amazing!! 1. we had great weather! always helps! but 2. our guide was great, Brian was very knowledgable and helpful. 3. Helicopter ride was lovely, the views were great! A must for Franz Josef!
Review by: Vera K, February 2017
Unfortunatly we could not do the Heli Hiking because of bad weather. But the next day we are on a 30min flight to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier and it was an amazing, breathtaking experience. Thanks a lot to Mathew, our Pilot.
Review by: Michelle W, February 2017
Unfortunately the weather would not allow us to land and do the hike. The company were fantastic and very safety conscious. Still had a good time but not what we expected.
Review by: Amy L, January 2017
This tour is well worth the money! The guides were fun and professional and the views from the helicopter and on the ice were amazing! I would suggest leaving a couple of days free for this as flights can be cancelled due to bad weather.
Review by: Eileen F, January 2017
Great tour. Good value for money
Review by: hasenkamp.oliver, January 2017
Great tour!
Review by: ray_1955, November 2016
A lot of time on the glacier was squandered watching the guide carve steps in the ice to make it easier to walk on. The glacier itself was awesome.
Review by: Raquel M, October 2016
It was espectacular!! I know is a bit expensive but it really worth it, is the best way to experience the Glacier!! If you go on your own you won't be able to see the Glacier like this, only on the distance and can be disappointing, but the views from the helicopter are amazing and walking on the glacier leaves you speechless. The guide was also really nice and we enjoy it a lot!
Review by: Man Yi L, October 2016
Amazing view from the helicopter and breath taking glaciers. Because of global warming, you can only hike in the Glacier via helicopter. Guide is friendly and places participants and #39; safety as priority. Very memorable hike.
Review by: WARREN M, May 2016
We arrived well before the scheduled time my 2 Daughters where so looking forward to walking and climbing a Glacier._br/_ We where weighed kitted up and placed clothing on. Then we where told we could not go as the ice was too slippery for my youngest to go on. I am glad that safety is the first concern and the company did go out of there way to get us on at a later time. _br/_ I cannot rate the trip but my rating is for the company._br/_ I am sure the trip would have been amazing.
Review by: Mike C, May 2016
Well organized, good guide, great experience.
Review by: Lisa D, April 2016
Loved it, and would highly recommend as a way to get up close and personal with a glacier. Educational and spectacular.
Review by: Michael R, March 2016
awesome fantastic!!!
Review by: Gillin F, March 2016
Very lucky a beautiful day, knowledgable guide and fantastic experience
Review by: Augustin L, March 2016
Very good experience ! It was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky and almost no wind._br/_ The helicopter ride to go onto the glacier could be a little bit longer ... The scenery is so wonderful !_br/_ The pilot is great !_br/_ Our guide, Nick, on the glacier is a very kind man with touches of humor !_br/_ Don't forget to bring some energy bar and some water or at least an empty bottle to drink pure water from the glacier ! We took the tour around 9 o'clock
Review by: ksuseilers, February 2016
This tour was one of the best things we did in New Zealand! It is very much worth the money and the tour group did a great job from providing appropriate warm jackets and boots to having very knowledgeable guides on the glacier! Be sure and take your camera as you will take TONS of great pictures!
Review by: Peter.latimer, February 2016
Excellent trip. Well organised. Knowledgeable and helpful guides Good value for money._br/_ Only criticism is that we would have appreciated more information before arriving for the HeliHike in relation to the clothing and equipment provided by the tour operator. It would have saved us time in preparing for the trip and saved us bringing our own clothing and shoes that was unnecessary.
Review by: Marvin M, February 2016
Exciting and somewhat difficult for a 79 year old - -but doable. I highly recommend it.
Review by: Charlotte W, January 2016
One of the most amazing experiences of my life!
Review by: jenny s, January 2016
We couldnt go because it was too cloudy for the helicopter to fly on the 2 days we were there, this is one of the risks that cant be helped in planning a trip. Viator returned our funds promptly.
Review by: Steven S, November 2015
I found this to be a poor and very expensive experience for what it was. The flight should have included an extended viewing of the glacier and not simply an up and down with a 'short stand on the glacier' experience. The competence and relaxed manner of the pilot was to his credit._br/_ I would not recommend this activity.
Review by: sandrine m, September 2015
Amazing trip!
Review by: Jillitch, September 2015
The best tour we have ever experienced, it was truly amazing
Review by: Claudia F, September 2015
An absolutely amazing experience. I highly recommend doing this on your next trip to NZ.
Review by: Rohit D, July 2015
Amazing trip and tour guide but not value for money...
Review by: christine w, May 2015
Helicopter ride was fabulous and then the walk on the glacier was exciting we even climbed through a river cave well worth the expense
Review by: Vairamuthu G, April 2015
The trip was nice and a good experience with the glacier. The only sad part is the company and guide. Guide is not very interested to assist us.
Review by: Przemyslaw B, April 2015
Superb! Very friendly and very professional. Thanks
Review by: Nicole C, March 2015
This has absolutely been the highlight of my trip! The teams at The Helicopter Line were really helpful, friendly and reassuring as to what would happen. _br/_
Rob our climb leader was really supportive especially to a few people in the group who were not as confident climbing. This is a MUST do!
Review by: Sharon C, March 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Yang S, March 2015
great tour with helicopter line.
Review by: Lori J, March 2015
Fabulous and breathtaking. Guides extremely professional..thank you Rob. Helicopter tour well worth taking. The highlight of our trip todate.
Review by: Alastair W, February 2015
Well organized and informative trip. Glacier is shrinking quite a bit so not quite so impressive as in previous years.
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