SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 11 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 10 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the heli hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself, run from Glacier Base on Cron Street. You check in 15 minutes early, collect the boots, crampons, waterproofs, wool hat and gloves, fly about 10 minutes onto the ice, and walk with a guide for about 2 hours 15 minutes in a group of up to 11. The minimum age is 10, and walkers need to weigh between 35 and 115 kg.
It has the most reviews in the area, around 660, averaging around 4.6. On our heli hike comparison it's the pick for repeat visitors in its extended form, 5.5 hours for ages 14 and up. The Fox heli hike rates higher. Weather decides everything: Chasing Dain, on a trip hosted by the tourism board, was cancelled at the helicopter door and flew the next morning. Ice caves were a highlight for three travellers. One operator video mentions a hot pools pass, but the current listing doesn't.
Good for
- Staying in Franz Josef and wanting to walk on its glacier
- Fit walkers ready for the extended 5.5 hour trip
Think twice if
- Children under 10, or anyone outside the 35 to 115 kg range
- You only have one morning, since weather cancellations are common
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
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.
From the listing by Franz Josef Glacier Guides on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- 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! About 120 min.
What's included
- 2-hours 15 minutes (approx.) guided glacier walk
- Commentary of local region, glaciology and Maori stories
- Expert ice-guides
- 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)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
Check-in 15 minutes prior to your trip time.
Checking in
- The glacier walks are quite challenging as the glacier is advancing and becoming very steep, 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. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate.
What should I wear or bring with me?
Please bring three layers of very warm clothing for your upper body (fleece, wool, thermal underwear) and lightweight trousers e.g. quick drying trousers or leggings (no jeans - they get wet and heavy to walk in). Also, bring along a snack, small bottle of water, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Where it ends
Check-in 15 minutes prior to your trip time.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- 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.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our heli hike page, our franz josef glacier tours page, our franz josef glacier guide page and our home page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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