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Franz Josef Glacier Tours
- Heli-skiing is so last year. Now, we're heli-hiking—taking a helicopter over the Southern Alps and then a 2-hour guided hike on the Franz Josef glacier, covered with bright blue ice.
- Hover above the lush farmlands, riverbeds, and rainforests as you descend on a 12km long glacier which, from the air, looks like a tsunami frozen in time.
- Put on your crampon and grab your walking sticks as you follow your guide through ice tunnels, pass by striking ice formations, and towering pinnacles.
- Marvel at the picturesque tussock grasslands of Westland National Park as your guide delves into the region's geology, flora and fauna, and history.
- Rest assured, we've got you covered with the mountaineering guide and specialized equipment. Don't miss capturing insta-worthy shots as the mountains glow peony-pink at first light.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided glacier hike
- Round-trip helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier
- English-speaking expert mountaineering guide
- Glacier boots & socks
- Ice crampons
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Tip: The area surrounding Franz Josef Glacier is part of Te Wahipounamu, a World Heritage Site park. Check out the Waiho River that emerges from the glacier terminal of Franz Josef.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to children under the age of 10 years, under the weight of 35kg, and under the height of 137cm.
- Children are not permitted on heli-hikes before 11am from late May to early September.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 115kg.
- This experience is restricted to pregnant women, people with heart problems, or other serious health conditions.
- Keep your drones, iPads, or selfie sticks tucked away, they are not allowed on board for safety.
- Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slip trips, and sun exposure.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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- Get ready for a high-five with the sky! Take off on a chopper for a 20/30/40-min ride over the Southern Alps and touchdown on top of the Franz Josef Glacier.
- Meet at the helicopter base and prepare for liftoff! Soar above the rainforest and alpine lakes, all while your pilot shares insights on the landscape.
- Opt to fly over the Fox Glacier for an extra adventure! From your bird's-eye view, soak in the panorama of icefalls, crevasses, and seracs in all their glory.
- Speaking of leaving you speechless, upgrade your ticket for the sight of Mt.Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the turquoise Tasman Lake.
- Come to a stop with a spectacular snow landing in a frozen paradise. Pull out your camera to snap the endless vistas, or just let the child inside you scoop the soft snow.
Inclusions
- 20-min Franz Josef helicopter tour
- Snow landing
- Pilot guide
- 30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (optional)
- 40-min Glaciers & Mt. Cook helicopter tour (optional)
- Tip: When you snow land on Franz Josef, do not miss out on creating insta-worthy reels of the blue ice!
- Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
- Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
More details
- Trade the hiking trails for snow-capped mountains on a 20/30/40-min helicopter ride to make a snow landing on the Fox Glacier.
- Opt for the Franz Josef Glacier tour to enjoy the best of both worlds and admire the tapestry of glaciers, where black rocks contrast the bright peaks.
- Ready for an upgrade that'll blow your mind? See Mt.Cook, monarch of the Southern Alps piercing the heavens– it's like stepping into a living postcard!
- Why settle for less when you can have it all? Experience the best of the Southern Alps with an all-inclusive package: Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Mt.Tasman, and Mt.Cook, all in one trip!
- As you make your snow landing, you will be met with ever-extending snowy mountains, majestic pinnacles, and an icy landscape that begs to be clicked.
Inclusions
- 20-min Fox Glacier helicopter tour
- Snow landing
- Pilot guide
- 30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (optional)
- 30-min Fox Glacier & Mt.Cook helicopter tour (optional)
- 40-min Glaciers, Mt.Cook & Mt.Tasman helicopter tour (optional)
- Tip: When you snow land on Fox Glacier, do not miss out on creating insta-worthy reels of the Victoria Falls descending from the Victoria Glacier,
- Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
- Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
More details
- Ready for your first jump from the plane? Don't worry, with Tandem Skydiving you're in good hands! Freefall from 10,000ft above Franz Josef, New Zealand’s fastest-moving glacier.
- With your very own skydiving guardian angel harnessed along, freefall through the clouds for 30-85 seconds at an incredible speed of 200kph/120mph.
- Ascend to the skies in a glider as you revel in views of the snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and the Tasman Sea - a perfect backdrop for your aerial adventure.
- Choose your altitude with a ticket upgrade: Dive from 10,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft, or go all out at 18,000ft, the sky's the limit! Literally!
- Gaze upon the majestic Southern Alps and the rugged beauty of the West Coast, voted one of the most scenic skydives in the world, beaten only by Mt. Everest.
Inclusions
- Tandem skydive from 10,000ft/13,000ft/16,500ft/18,000ft
- Freefall for 30/45/60/85-seconds at 120 miles/hour
- Professionally trained instructor
- World-class safety measures
- Tip: Winter in New Zealand is widely considered the best time to visit the Franz Josef Glacier.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 100kg.
- The weight restriction may occasionally be raised to 120kg, subject to the discretion of the Tandem Master and prevailing weather conditions. Additional charges may be applicable in such cases.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
More details
Franz JosefFranz Josef Heli-Hike
All your Franz Josef Glacier tour options
Helicopter tours and hikes are the best way to explore the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and lucky for you, we have both options for you to choose from! Don't worry about missing out on either one of the glaciers; Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are located just 25 minutes away from each other, and you always have the option of upgrading your tickets to see them both.
Helicopter tours
Starting point: Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier
Duration: 20 minutes (can be upgraded to 30/40 minutes)
Get a birds eye view of the Southern Alps on this 20-minute helicopter ride, including detailed commentary by the pilot, and a snow walk on the glacier.
Recommended experience:
From Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing
From Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing
Heli-hike tours
Starting point: Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier
Duration: 2/4 hours (can be upgraded to 8 hours for Fox Glacier)
Fly up to the glacier on a helicopter and hike through the ice, rocks, and secret caves, all the while listening to your expert hiking guide and taking in the breathtaking scenery around you.
Recommended experience:
From Franz Josef: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Franz Josef Glacier
From Fox Glacier: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Fox Glacier
Things to keep in mind while booking your Franz Josef Glacier tour
- Helicopter tours are a great budget option to sightsee the glaciers, with prices starting at NZ$330. They are good for the whole family, including kids, and give you stunning aerial views of the Southern Alps, including the glaciers, Mt. Cook, and Mt. Tasman.
- 20-minute helicopter tours will take you on a pilot-guided aerial tour over either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier (based on your selection), along with a 10-minute snow landing, where you can walk around on the glacier. Upgrade your ticket to a 30 or 40-minute tour to fly over a larger area that includes the Franz/Fox Glacier and Mt. Cook/Mt. Tasman.
- Heli-hike tours are a great option for seasoned hikers, and adventurers who enjoy the great outdoors and physical exercise. These tours will require a larger time commitment, and of course, a certain level of physical fitness. So, these tours are not ideal for families with young kids, or folks with health concerns.
- Guests are required to be a 10 years or older to participate in the heli-hike. Guests are required to be 115kgs or lower to participate in the heli-hike.
- Heli-hike tours are also comparatively more expensive, with prices starting at NZ$655. But the perks include a 2/4-hour, expert-guided hike through the Fox/Franz Josef Glacier, complete set of mountain hiking gear, and a round-trip helicopter flight back to base.
- Franz Josef vs Fox: Wondering whether to go on a Franz Josef heli-hike tour or a Fox Glacier heli-hike tour? We'll make it easy for you.
- The Franz Josef Glacier is a steeper ascent, spanning 10.5 kms. This would make it a good choice for medium to expert climbers. Please note: you only have a 2-hour hike option, excluding the flight to the starting point.
- The Fox Glacier is less steeper than Franz Josef, but spans a larger area, at 12 kms. The easier hike makes it a good choice for beginner to intermediate climbers. The hike is for 4 hours, excluding the flight to the starting point, but you can choose to upgrade your tour to an 8-hour version.
Best time to go on a Franz Josef Glacier tour
The weather and time of day plays huge roles in deciding the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier. We've broken it down for you, so you can plan your visit better; take a look!
Peak season vs Low season
- Peak season in Glacier Country is during the Summer, between December and February. The weather is warmer during this time, so you can expect a lot more movement in the glacier, throughout the day.
- The Winter months, between June and August, are when the weather is more stable, which means there are less chances of flights being pushed back. The glaciers are more stable, and the blue ice caves and crevasses last longer. The number of tourists are lesser, due to the colder weather.
- March through May, and September through November are considered the shoulder seasons. Visiting during this time will give you stunning views of waterfalls along the sides of the glaciers, and the thriving rainforest. That being said, you may have delayed or postponed flights due to bad weather, during this period.
Final verdict: If you don't mind the crowds, and want a warmer climate, visit during the Summer. If you prioritize a less crowded experience, but don't mind the cooler climate, visit during the Winter. And finally, if you want to see the Southern Alps in full bloom, but are okay with the possibility of last minute flight delays, then visit during the shoulder seasons.
Best time of day
- Since New Zealand, especially the South West Coast, is one of the most rainiest places in the country, the weather can often be overcast irrespective of the time of year, but especially during the shoulder season. If you visit during this time, it is better to go in the morning, when the skies are clear. It generally tends to get more cloudy as the day goes on, which increases the chances of flights being cancelled or postponed.
- Summer months have long days, with daylight lasting up to 9:30pm. During this period, you can afford to go a little later on, however, there is still a possibility of unexpected delays due to weather.
- Winters mornings can be chilly, but with clear skies, you get the best views of the blue ice caves, and crevasses. The days are shorter during this time, so visit while there is daylight. Again, there is always a chance of flights being pushed back due to weather.
Final verdict: No matter the time of year, mornings are generally the best time to visit the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. The skies are clearer, and there is a lower chance of your flights being delayed.
Other things to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions about Franz Josef Glacier tours
What are the different types of Franz Josef Glacier tours available?
There are two main types of tours starting from the Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: heli-hike tours and helicopter tours. Given that they are located close by, you can upgrade your ticket and visit both glaciers on the helicopter tour.
What is the difference between a helicopter tour and a heli-hike?
Helicopter tours give you a 20-minute aerial tour of the Souther Alps, covering attractions like the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, Mt. Tasman, and Mt. Cook, and a 10-minute snow landing on the glacier. You can upgrade your tour to 30/40-minutes, which covers a larger area. Heli-hike tours will take you on a helicopter, to the face of the glacier. From here, you can hike through blue ice caves and crevasses of the glacier for 2/4 hours. There is a return flight back to base, once the hike is completed.
How expensive is the Franz Josef Glacier tour?
Both heli-hikes and helicopter tours are expensive to begin with. Helicopter tours are comparatively cheaper, starting at NZ$330 for a 20-minute tour, going up to NZ$575 for a 40-minute tour. Heli-hike tours start at NZ$655. They come with an expert hiking guide who will lead you through the tricky surface of the glacier, adding to the premium experience.
Which glacier should I choose for my heli-hike tour?
While both glaciers are stunning in their own right, Franz Josef Glacier is the steeper of the two, making it a good choice for expert or intermediate hikers. Fox Glacier is less steep, but is longer than Franz Josef. This is a good option for intermediate and beginner hikers.
What can I expect on a helicopter tour?
Helicopter tours will take you on a 20-minute, guided aerial tour of the Southern Alps, and will cover either the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier (based on your selection), and nearby mountains like Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman. Feel free to upgrade your tour for up to 40-minutes to include the other glacier. There is a 10-minute snow landing included in helicopter tours, which is subject to weather conditions.
Can you see the glacier without the tour?
Yes, you can view the glaciers from free viewing points in the valley, but visibility may be poor during the summer months. Additionally, the only way you can access both glaciers is via helicopter.
Is it worth going on a glacier heli-hike?
It depends on whether you have ever hiked on a glacier, and if you willing to pay the premium. The experience is surreal, especially if it is your first time. Walking through the blue ice caves and waterfalls, being surrounded by lush trees, will transport you to a different universe, one which is pristine and makes you appreciate nature.
Are there any age restrictions for the Franz Josef heli-hike?
Both Fox and Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike tours require children to be a minimum age of 10 years.
Are there any weight restrictions for the heli-hike?
Guests must weigh at least 35kgs and less than 116kgs in order to participate in a heli-hike tour.
How hard is the Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike?
The heli-hike tours on both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are physically demanding. Both experiences are not recommended for young kids, pregnant women, and guests with health risks such as heart or lung conditions.
What else can I do at Franz Josef Glacier?
There are plenty of things to do around Franz Josef Glacier. Try your hand at skydiving in Franz Josef or go on a Fox Glacier valley tour. You can also explore the nearby Lake Matheson and Lake Mapourika. If you want to indulge in retail therapy, there are plenty of shopping and dining options in the Franz Josef Glacier town.
What is the best time to go on a Franz Josef Glacier tour?
Summers (between December and February) are the busiest months of the year, with the glaciers in their active phase. You will see the glacier in motion as you hike! Winters (between June and August) are when the glaciers are more stable. Chances of seeing blue ice are larger during this period, not to mention, the crowds will be lesser. Mornings are the best time to go on your glacier tour, since the skies get cloudier as the day goes on.