SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Franz Josef Small Group Bespoke Heli Hike Adventure with lunch
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Group size
- Up to 4 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 14 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the full day option, listed as a text link under our heli hike comparison because it has only 2 reviews. Franz Josef Glacier Guides takes up to four people from Glacier Base on Cron Street, with check-in 15 minutes before a 7:15am start. A 10 minute helicopter transfer puts you on the ice, and lunch and drinks are served on the glacier, with dietary needs catered for. Allow 7 to 8 hours.
Nothing else on the page gives you this long on Franz Josef Glacier in a group this small. The standard trip has up to 11 walkers and about 2 hours 15 minutes of guided walking. The trade-off is cost, at well over the standard trip, and a long day in changeable weather. The listing asks for moderate fitness, sets a 115 kg limit and isn't recommended for back problems or pregnancy.
Good for
- Experienced walkers who want a whole day on the ice
- A small group of up to four travelling together
Think twice if
- You want a track record, since there are only 2 reviews so far
- A shorter trip would satisfy you, as the standard heli hike covers the basics
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
This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks.
You'll fly from Franz Josef over lush rainforest, landing at 1200m on the glacier. You'll explore the glacier for up to 6 hours with a guide.
With a small group size of 1 guide to 4 guests, the adventure can be customized to your preferred level of difficulty.
From the listing by Franz Josef Glacier Guides on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Enjoy a small group, bespoke Heli Hike on the iconic Franz Josef Glacier. With exclusive access to guide on the glacier, our friendly and experienced guides will share their knowledge of the glacier region, leaving you with a whole new appreciation for Franz Josef Glacier. Immerse yourself on a journey of discovery, in one of the most pristine places on Earth. Explore hidden ice caves, unique ice formations which are constantly changing. No two days are the same on this unique glacier. About 360 min.
What's included
- Enjoy serene moments on exclusive spots around the glacier
- Lunch and drinks included on the glacier, dietary requirements can be catered for
- All hiking equipment including outer layers and footwear
- Hike and explore different, unseen ice formations
- A 10 minute scenic helicopter transfer over the glacier valley
- Exclusive access to Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
- Transfers to and from Heliport
- Hear stories of pioneers and glaciology from your expert guide
Not included
- Hotel Pickup & Drop off
Meeting point
Please check-in with our reservation team inside the Franz Josef Glacier base 15 minutes prior to departure time - 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef.
Where it ends
Please check-in with our reservation team inside the Franz Josef Glacier base 15 minutes prior to departure time - 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weight restriction of 115kgs applies
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, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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