Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
4.84 (43) Reviews
I had no idea a glacier could feel so alive. The guides were knowledgeable and patient, and they made the whole experience accessible even for someone like me who’s not super fit. Signing up for the trip was easy, and I left with both awe and a little muscle ache!
It’s hard to put into words how amazing this trip was. The helicopter ride gave us insane views, and the glacier hike was both fun and humbling. Booking was a breeze, and now I can’t stop showing people the photos. Highly recommend for any thrill-seeker.
This was my first time on a glacier, and the heli hike made it unforgettable. The helicopter ride gave us a stunning view of the ice fields, and once we landed, it felt like stepping into another world. The guides were laid-back but professional, making the whole thing feel adventurous but safe. Getting the trip organized was straightforward, and everything ran smoothly. By the end of the hike, I was exhausted but couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it all was.
Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
Scenic flight to Franz Josef Glacier
Glacier landing and 2 hour, guided glacier hike
Experienced guide joining you throughout the tour
All landing and concession fees for conservation areas and special locations
All equipment (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jacket and pants)
Are your dates sold out? Click here to join our waitlist for last minute cancellations or help with alternative options!
Or check out our alternative Heli Hike experiences in Fox Glacier & Tasman Glacier (Mount Cook).
Are you ready for an unforgettable experience unlike anything you've done before?
This tour provides a first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper.
Take a scenic flight over stunning Franz Josef Glacier before making a landing on the ice! Then, explore glacial terrain on a 2 hour professionally guided hike and be wowed by ice formations and pinnacles. This is undeniably the best way to soak in all the epic views the area has to offer.
Where we visit
Departing from the Franz Josef Village base, start your day with a helicopter ride up to the glacier. You'll see all the peaks and cliffs only experienced mountaineers can reach, all from a birds eye view! Trust us, this is a wilderness experience you’ll never forget.
Zoom over the stunning landscape before landing on a section of this 12km long glacier. Your guides will have made a daily safety assessment of the conditions on this fast-moving ice flow, so you'll be exploring the safest area possible.
Equipped with glacier boots and crampons you’ll walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles. You'll get to see the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow and you'll even be able to touch the ice!
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, enquire with our team today to secure your spot!
Need help or have questions? Contact our customer service team today.
Are your dates sold out? Join our waitlist for last minute cancellations & alternative options!
Minimum age is 10 years. Child prices apply to children 10–14 years inclusive. If you are travelling with a child during late May – early September, they unfortunately are not able to participate in our first morning departures as the ice conditions carry a higher level of risk during the season. To give them the best chance of participation, we recommend all parties travelling with children book our trips from 10AM onwards.
Clients who are pregnant will not be able to participate
Weight restrictions apply, all passengers will be weighed during the check-in process.
This tour is classed as an adventure activity and carries a degree of risk; as such you need to be aware that The Operator cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slips trips and falls, sun exposure. The Operator cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks so take a balanced and conservative approach to safety management.
Agreeing to participate is your personal decision accepting there are environmental and external elements outside The Operator's control that may cause harm.
Total Reviews and rating
I had no idea a glacier could feel so alive. The guides were knowledgeable and patient, and they made the whole experience accessible even for someone like me who’s not super fit. Signing up for the trip was easy, and I left with both awe and a little muscle ache!
It’s hard to put into words how amazing this trip was. The helicopter ride gave us insane views, and the glacier hike was both fun and humbling. Booking was a breeze, and now I can’t stop showing people the photos. Highly recommend for any thrill-seeker.
This was my first time on a glacier, and the heli hike made it unforgettable. The helicopter ride gave us a stunning view of the ice fields, and once we landed, it felt like stepping into another world. The guides were laid-back but professional, making the whole thing feel adventurous but safe. Getting the trip organized was straightforward, and everything ran smoothly. By the end of the hike, I was exhausted but couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it all was.
This glacier hike felt like something out of a dream. The helicopter ride was short but stunning, and stepping onto the ice was unlike anything I’ve ever done. We wandered through bright blue ice caves and tackled narrow crevasses with the help of our guides, who were so patient and encouraging. Signing up for the trip was simple, and it was all so well-organized. I can’t stop telling people about it—it’s a must if you’re in New Zealand.
This was hands-down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Flying over Franz Josef Glacier in a helicopter was so exciting, and actually walking on the glacier was next level. The ice caves were wild, and the gear they gave us kept everything comfy. I booked with Backpacker Deals—they made the whole thing so simple, and the cashback was awesome. If you’re heading to New Zealand, you’ve got to try this!
This was hands down one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had! Flying over Franz Josef Glacier and then hiking through its icy terrain felt like being in a nature documentary. The guides were so knowledgeable and pointed out all kinds of cool formations. Backpacker Deals made booking super simple, and everything went off without a hitch. If you love adventure and epic views, you’ll love this—it’s worth every cent!
Eat 2 minute noodles for half the trip if you have to, but do this ride.
Our pilot Tyson did a wonderful job of taking us up there and back...
Comfortable helicopter, smooth flight and utterly breathtaking scenery.
This was an exciting experience, great moment, and Tom very helpful as a guide.
Franz Josef, West Coast
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago
Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers).
Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable. Please no jeans.
Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one).
The Franz Josef Glacier extends from 250m above sea level to 3000m above sea level - but the hike will take place at only 700m above sea level so there is no need to take altitude sickness pills.
Children wishing to join this tour need to be at least 10 years old, weigh at least 35kg and be at least 137cm tall. This is due to safety ratings with harnesses. (Weight limit is 115kg).
For those travelling with a child during late May - early September, they unfortunately are not able to participate in the first morning departures as the ice conditions carry a higher level of risk during the season.
To give them the best chance of participation, The Operator recommends all parties travelling with children book trips from 11am onwards.
You can join our waitlist here & we will get in touch if your preferred dates become available, or if we can provide you with alternative/similar options! :)
Contact our travel experts for assistance one of the below ways:
1300 358 071 (AU)
0800 461 254 (NZ)
+1 (240) 786-1143 (US)
+61 (7) 3130-0516 (Intl)