Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Overview

This adventure offers an expert-guided heli hike across the Franz Josef Glacier, known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Participants experience a scenic helicopter ride and learn about glaciology along with Maori legends while exploring ever-changing ice formations of this rapidly moving glacier—advancing up to 10 times faster than others globally. With an expert-to-guest ratio of 1:11, the tour guarantees personalized attention in small groups for safety during your hike. The experience includes approximately 2.5 hours on the glacier with provided boots and crampons, ensuring accessibility even if you require a wheelchair arrangement beforehand.

Exploring Franz Josef Glacier's Dynamic Ice

The adventure allows exploration of unique ice formations within Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), notable for its rapid movement. Since 2017, the heli hike has offered access to remote areas that are otherwise unreachable by foot. Spanning roughly 5 square kilometers with crevasses and seracs, this glacier moves up to ten times faster than most worldwide since monitoring began in 2008. During your approximately two-hour journey on its ice, knowledgeable guides provide insights into glaciology and Maori legends.

Scenic Helicopter Ride Over Franz Josef Glacier

The tour begins with a stunning helicopter ride over the glacier's dynamic ice formations, providing stunning views of both the surrounding rainforest landscape and the glacier itself. This exhilarating 10-minute flight each way serves as an introduction to your heli hike adventure in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Since its inception in 2017, this segment has offered unique perspectives on one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers.

Tour Highlights

• A scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
• An approximately 2.5-hour guided hike across rapidly moving glacier ice formations
• A small group experience with a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:11 for personalized attention and safety, including provided boots, crampons, and helmets
• Educational insights into glaciology and Maori legends during the hike
• Access to remote areas that are otherwise unreachable by foot

A wheelchair-accessible experience with prior arrangement for inclusivity

This guided heli hike is ideal for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. The 2.5-hour format offers an engaging exploration of one of New Zealand's most dynamic glaciers through walking on rapidly moving ice formations while gaining insights into glaciology from knowledgeable guides. Participants also enjoy stunning aerial views during the helicopter ride, combining adventure with education and cultural insights for a memorable experience.

Tips for Visitors

• Book your guided Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions and ensure you get on this popular tour.
• Prepare for the hike by wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as all necessary gear like crampons and waterproof jackets will be provided, but layering can enhance your comfort throughout the 2.5-hour glacier exploration.
• To make the most of your visit to Franz Josef, plan a day that includes both the helicopter ride over Westland Tai Poutini National Park's rainforests and the guided hike on Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere for an memorable adventure.