Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

From the operator

True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip.

The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world, meaning the ice formations are constantly changing. The flight path you take to Franz Josef crosses over the Southern Alps, home to some of the most spectacular scenery, only visible by flight.

From the listing by True South Flights on Viator.

The tour, stop by stop

1. Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.
2. Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart. About 30 min.
3. Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area
4. From Queenstown you'll head North, crossing over the Pisa mountains, with great views of Lake Wanaka from above.
5. After crossing the Southern Alps, you'll get some stunning views of the West Coast National Park. This includes some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Franz Josef Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.
6. After landing in Franz Josef, our guiding partners will drive you 10 mins to the glacier base. Here you will gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide. About 60 min.
7. Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Franz Josef Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base. About 150 min.
8. Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane. Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.
9. Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.

Meeting point

Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).

We pick-up from Queenstown Central accommodation.

Pick up starts 50 minutes prior to departure.

Where it ends

Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).

Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour
• Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries; ACL damage; Joint replacements or dislocations; Neck or back injuries; Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure; Diabetes; Severe asthma. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.

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.