Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike: Helicopter access to ice maze
The glacier shifts constantly, so every hike rewrites itself.
A small-group heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand combines a scenic helicopter flight to the Pinnacles area with a moderately difficult guided walk through the ice. The 2 hour 30 minute walk includes all equipment, expert ice-guides, and commentary on glaciology and local Māori stories. Group size stays under 11 to keep the experience personal, and you can extend the adventure to 5 hours 30 minutes if you want more time on the glacier.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Helicopter flight and glacier hike
- Scenic helicopter flight to glacier
- Hike on Franz Josef Glacier
- Learn about glacier environment
What’s included
- Round-trip helicopter flight to the glacier.
- 2 hour 30 minute guided walk on the ice with an expert guide.
- all technical gear including Gore-tex jacket, over-trousers, woolen hat and gloves, leather boots and crampons.
- commentary on glaciology, environmental change and Māori stories of the region.
Times
- Monday 07:15 07:30 08:00 10:00 10:15 10:30
- Tuesday 07:15 07:30 08:00 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45
- Wednesday 07:15 07:30 10:30
- Thursday 07:15 07:30 07:45 08:15 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45
- Friday 07:15 07:30 07:45 08:00 10:00 10:30
- Saturday 07:15 07:45 08:00 08:15 10:15 10:30
- Sunday 07:15 07:30 07:45 08:00 10:00 10:15 10:30
Before you book
Operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
You start with a helicopter flight from the base, which is the only way to reach the glacier itself. The scenic flight gets you to the Pinnacles area: a section of ice that shifts year to year because Franz Josef is the fastest-moving glacier in the world. Your guide meets you on the ice with crampons already fitted to your boots, and from there you navigate through the maze of crevasses and ice formations that make every trip different from the last.
The hike itself runs about 2 hours 15 minutes and sits at moderate difficulty, which means you need a solid fitness level and the ability to move carefully over uneven terrain. Your guide handles the route decisions and the safety calls. You focus on the ice beneath your feet and the geological story unfolding around you. The commentary covers how the glacier is changing (it's retreating, which is visible in the landscape), and the forces that shaped this landscape over millennia. You'll also hear Māori stories connected to the region.
All the technical gear comes with you: Gore-tex jacket, over-trousers, woolen hat and gloves, leather boots and crampons. The helicopter is round-trip, so you fly back to base at the end. If you want more time on the ice, you can book the Extended option, which stretches the glacier walk to 5 hours 30 minutes and gives you deeper access into the glacier's interior. Weather can shift fast in this region, so the operator reserves the right to adjust or cancel if conditions turn unsafe: dress in layers and bring sunscreen regardless.
Is this one for you?Book the standard 2 hour 30 minute hike if you want the core glacier experience in a morning or afternoon slot. Choose the Extended option if you have a full day free and want to venture deeper into the ice. The small group size, capped at 11, means you get personal attention from your guide instead of being one of dozens on the ice.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the helicopter flight like on a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike?
The scenic flight takes you from the base to the Pinnacles area of the glacier, which is the only way to access the ice itself. It's part of your round-trip and included in the price, so you fly out and back the same day.
How difficult is the actual glacier walk?
The hike is moderately difficult and runs about 2 hours 15 minutes on the ice. You'll be moving over uneven terrain and crevasses with crampons on your boots, so you need a solid fitness level and the ability to balance carefully. The operator will assess your fitness on the day and can curtail the trip if it's not a safe match.
Why does every Franz Josef Glacier hike feel different?
Franz Josef is the fastest-moving glacier in the world, which means the ice landscape shifts constantly. Crevasses open and close, ice formations change, and the route your guide takes adjusts to what's safe and passable on the day you're there.
What equipment do I need to bring myself?
Bring two to four warm upper-body layers, quick-drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), a hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. All technical hiking gear (jackets, boots, crampons and everything else) is provided.
Can I extend the hike if I want more time on the glacier?
Yes, you can book the Extended Heli-Hike option at checkout, which stretches the glacier walk to 5 hours 30 minutes and takes you deeper into the ice. It's a separate booking choice, not an add-on to the standard trip.
What's included in the price?
The round-trip helicopter flight, all technical gear, the guided glacier walk with an expert ice-guide, and commentary on glaciology and Māori stories are all included. You do not get hotel pickup or drop-off.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike: Helicopter access to ice maze
4h · EN
from NZ$ 922.06 per person
≈ US$ 530 in your currency
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