Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Duration: 4 hours
4 hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Experience an memorable adventure with the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike in New Zealand's stunning landscape. Begin your journey soaring above Westland Tai Poutini National Park, enjoying stunning views of the rugged terrain and rainforest below. Land on the glacier for a guided 2.5-hour ice hike where you'll explore deep crevasses and ever-changing formations with an expert guide by your side.
Experience an memorable adventure with the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike in New Zealand's stunning landscape. Begin your journey soaring above Westland Tai Poutini National Park, enjoying stunning views of the rugged terrain and rainforest below. Land on the glacier for a guided 2.5-hour ice hike where you'll explore deep crevasses and ever-changing formations with an expert guide by your side.
Experience stunning views of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere from a scenic helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier.
Witness one of nature's most dynamic spectacles by exploring the fastest-moving commercially guided glacier in New Zealand for up to 2.5 hours, navigating through ice formations and crevasses.
Engage with an English-speaking expert guide during your Heli Hike at a ratio of 1:11, allowing for personalized insights into glaciology, local history, Maori legends, and more while ensuring access to areas unreachable by other means.
Stay safe on the glacier hike as all necessary gear is provided including waterproof trousers, jackets, boots, crampons, harnesses, and helmets. Learn about mountaineering techniques in a guided setting.
Did you know? Franz Josef Glacier advances at up to 10 times the speed of most glaciers globally, resulting in constantly evolving ice formations.
Entry to a guided Franz Josef Glacier hike tour lasting 4 hours
Access for your round-trip helicopter ride to the glacier
Use of an English-speaking expert mountaineering guide
Includes hiking gear such as Crampons, harness, trekking poles, and helmet
Admission with waterproof jacket, over trousers, walking boots, socks, warm hat, gloves
Individual Costs
Trip Coverage
Group hiking on a glacier with ice formations and rocky mountain backdrop.
The Thrill Awaits: Franz Josef Glacier
Begin your journey by soaring over Westland Tai Poutini National Park's lush rainforests and rugged landscapes in a helicopter. As you glide, the panoramic expanse of the Franz Josef Glacier reveals itself—a majestic river of ice descending from the Southern Alps. Upon landing high on the glacier, an expert guide will take charge for a 2.5-hour guided hike across the icy terrain.
Equipped with crampons and donning waterproof jackets, you'll navigate deep crevasses, towering pinnacles, and ever-evolving ice formations. Your knowledgeable guide offers insights into the glacier's dynamic history, rapid movement, and unique ecosystem as you traverse this frozen wonderland.
A Personalized Journey on Ice
Exploring Franz Josef Glacier allows for a personalized adventure in small groups, enhancing your ability to appreciate its remote beauty. Essential gear like boots, crampons, and waterproof jackets is provided, ensuring comfort while focusing on the thrill of discovery. The return helicopter ride offers another opportunity to admire New Zealand's stunning alpine scenery before heading back.
This memorable experience grants an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders—the Franz Josef Glacier—offering a unique perspective from above and within its ever-changing ice world.
Guide explaining glacier hiking techniques to group on ice.
Hikers with guide navigating icy glacier path under bright sun.
Group hiking on a glacier with ice formations and rocky mountain backdrop.
Guide explaining glacier hiking techniques to group on ice.
Hikers with guide navigating icy glacier path under bright sun.
Group of hikers with a guide on a glacier trek.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
This guided heli hike takes you on an exciting journey over the Franz Josef Glacier. You'll enjoy a scenic helicopter ride followed by glacier exploration and learn about glaciology as well as Maori legends. The Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, or Franz Josef Glacier, is known for its rapid movement—advancing up to 10 times faster than other glaciers globally. This dynamic nature results in ever-changing ice formations that are awe-inspiring. With a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:11, the small group setting ensures personalized attention and safety during your hike. The tour includes about 2.5 hours on the glacier itself, where you'll navigate crevasses, pinnacles, and ice structures while wearing provided boots, crampons, and helmets. Available in English, this adventure also offers wheelchair accessibility with prior arrangement.
Explore Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) Ice Formations
Your tour includes exploring the unique ice formations of Franz Josef Glacier, a glacier known for its rapid movement. Established in 2017, this heli hike provides access to remote and dangerous areas that are otherwise inaccessible. The glacier spans approximately 5 square kilometers and features crevasses, pinnacles, and seracs. Since monitoring began in 2008, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving up to 10 times faster than most glaciers worldwide, making it one of the fastest-moving commercially guided glaciers globally. During your hike, you'll spend around two hours on the glacier, gaining insights into its history from knowledgeable guides who discuss glaciology and Maori legends associated with the area.
Experience Scenic Helicopter Ride Over Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
The tour kicks off with a scenic helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier, offering stunning aerial views of its ice formations. The flight provides an overview of both the glacier and the surrounding lush rainforest landscape. Lasting about 10 minutes each way, this segment serves as an exhilarating introduction to your heli hike adventure. Since its establishment in 2017, the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike has offered a unique perspective on one of New Zealand's most dynamic glaciers by showcasing its rapid movement and ever-changing ice formations.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
- 2.5-hour guided hike on rapidly moving glacier ice formations
- Small group experience with a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:11
- Personalized attention and safety measures, including provided boots, crampons, and helmets
- Educational insights into glaciology and Maori legends during the hike
- Access to remote areas of the glacier that are otherwise unreachable by foot
- Wheelchair accessible with prior arrangement for a more inclusive experience
This guided heli hike is perfect for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. It offers an immersive exploration of one of New Zealand's most dynamic glaciers through its 2.5-hour format. Participants walk on rapidly moving ice formations while learning about glaciology from knowledgeable guides and experiencing stunning aerial views during the helicopter ride. This tour uniquely combines adventure, education, and cultural insights for an memorable travel experience.
People exploring an ice cave during a glacier hike.
People hiking on a snowy glacier with sunlit mountains in the background.
Group of hikers with a guide on a glacier trek.
People exploring an ice cave during a glacier hike.
People hiking on a snowy glacier with sunlit mountains in the background.
Book your spot at least a day in advance during peak season to ensure availability for this popular activity.
Prepare by downloading and activating any necessary apps on your phone before you arrive so entry is quick and hassle-free.
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