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Franz Josef heli hike tickets
- 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.
- 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.
- Like intrepid explorers of old, get whisked away on a helicopter ride towards Fox Glacier donning your crampons and gear, as you prepare to climb the glistening glaciers.
- You will master ice climbing with a low 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio, as you get instructions tailored to your skill level, whether you're a newcomer or an experienced climber.
- Advance on the steep glacial pitches as you pierce your axes on the frozen crevasses and icy overhangs while strung to a harness, against a backdrop of towering Mt. Cook.
- Navigate the blue landscape without worries as all the necessary technical gear and waterproof clothing will be provided for you to master ice climbing techniques.
- Propel towards Fox Glacier Township in a heli-ride over the Southern Alps as you reflect on the vistas conquered amidst the untamed wilderness of Fox Glacier.
- Like intrepid explorers of old, get whisked away on a helicopter ride towards Fox Glacier donning your crampons and gear, as you prepare to climb the glistening glaciers.
- You will master ice climbing with a low 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio, as you get instructions tailored to your skill level, whether you're a newcomer or an experienced climber.
- Advance on the steep glacial pitches as you pierce your axes on the frozen crevasses and icy overhangs while strung to a harness, against a backdrop of towering Mt. Cook.
- Navigate the blue landscape without worries as all the necessary technical gear and waterproof clothing will be provided for you to master ice climbing techniques.
- Propel towards Fox Glacier Township in a heli-ride over the Southern Alps as you reflect on the vistas conquered amidst the untamed wilderness of Fox Glacier.
Inclusions
- Ice climbing at Fox Glacier
- Expert mountaineering guide
- Round-trip helicopter transfer
- Socks & climbing boots
- Crampons
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Gloves & hats
- All technical & safety gear
- Backpacks
- Tip: Use ice tools and the front points of your crampons to climb overhanging ice walls and pinnacles and always keep your top rope attached to your harness.
- Please note that guests must be very good in English in order to participate in this experience as the instructions will be given by the guide in English.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 13 years and weighing more than 116kg.
- Large bags, and drones are not allowed.
- A good fitness requirement is needed for this tour. Good fitness for this trip is a level of fitness sufficient to ascend and descend 1000m+ over 8 hours or more carrying a pack 12kg (26lb) or more over multiple days.
- There is a 3kg limit per person for carry-on baggage.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Embark on a full-day adventure on the majestic Fox Glacier, complete with helicopter flights and a guided hike, offering an unrivaled exploration opportunity.
- Relish the thrill of 2 helicopter rides, swooping over lush rainforests and New Zealand's highest peaks, before landing on the icy wonder that is the Fox Glacier.
- From mountaineering boots and crampons to waterproof clothing and safety gear, everything's taken care of for your comfort and safety, ensuring a memorable glacier adventure.
- During the hike, you'll delve into the glacier’s crevasses, be lowered into a moulin, or even abseil down ice walls.
- Embark on a full-day adventure on the majestic Fox Glacier, complete with helicopter flights and a guided hike, offering an unrivaled exploration opportunity.
- Relish the thrill of 2 helicopter rides, swooping over lush rainforests and New Zealand's highest peaks, before landing on the icy wonder that is the Fox Glacier.
- From mountaineering boots and crampons to waterproof clothing and safety gear, everything's taken care of for your comfort and safety, ensuring a memorable glacier adventure.
- During the hike, you'll delve into the glacier’s crevasses, be lowered into a moulin, or even abseil down ice walls.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Fox Glacier
- Expert guides
- 2 helicopter flights
- Ground transport
- Socks and climbing boots
- Crampons
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Gloves and hats
- All technical and safety gear
- Backpacks
- Tip: Try to spot local wildlife. The area around Fox Glacier is home to various bird species and deer.
- Please note that guests must be very good in English in order to participate in this experience as the instructions will be given by the guide in English.
- A minimum of 2 guests are required for this tour.
- Guests weighing above 116kg and under the age of 13 are restricted from participating in this experience.
- Note that the following items are not allowed during this experience: drones.
- There is a 3kg limit per person for carry-on baggage.
- A good fitness requirement is needed for this tour. Good fitness for this trip is a level of fitness sufficient to ascend and descend 1000m+ over 8 hours or more carrying a pack 12kg (26lb) or more over multiple days.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Franz Josef
What your Franz Josef heli hike experience includes
Arrival
The slot mentioned on your voucher is the check-in time. We suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the check-in time to make sure you have sufficient time to prepare for your tour, including a medical check and a quick training session.
Medical check
The facility will perform a basic fitness check to see if you’ll be able to complete the entire hike. The Franz Josef heli hike is considered an adventure experience and you’ll need to be physically fit to complete the hike. As long as you exercise regularly and are able to walk comfortably for more than 2 hours, you’ll be eligible to participate.
Briefing
Your guide will give you a quick 15-minute brief on what to expect on your helicopter tour and the hike. During the hike, you’ll need to climb large steps that are carved into the ice, pass through tunnels or walk carefully on fragile terrain. Listen to your guide’s instructions carefully to remain safe during the hike and use this opportunity to clarify any doubts.
Gearing up
The facility will give you a waterproof overcoat and a pair of waterproof overpants to wear above your current clothes to keep you dry during the hike. Use the fanny pack provided by the facility to keep essential items with you like your phone, a small water bottle, some snacks if you need, gloves and sunglasses. Leave behind valuables like jewelry or your passport to avoid losing them.
Helicopter ride
Before the hike, you’ll be taken to the top of the glacier on a short 5.5-minute ride. Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful glacier-rainforest scenes, towering seracs and blue ice! The chopper will let you land on the ice and also pick you up from the same spot after your hike.
Glacier hike
You will likely join a small group of up to 10 people for your hike. Your glacier guide will take you on a long 2.5-hour hike atop Franz Josef exploring its various ice formations. You may get to slide on icy crevasses, squeeze through narrow ice caves, navigate staggering seracs or if you’re lucky, try them all!
Safety restrictions for Franz Josef heli hike
Health & age restrictions
Fitness
Weather
Gear & safety
What to wear/carry
- Min. age is 18 years: You should be at least 18 years old to book this experience. If you’re younger than 18, an adult should book the experience for you and also accompany you on the tour.
- Max. weight: The max weight should be 115kg or 253.5lb. Due to safety concerns, anyone above this weight limit will not be allowed to participate in the heli hike.
- Child restrictions: If you’re bringing a child on the heli hike, the child should be at least 10 years old, have a min. height of 137cm and min. weight of 35kg.
- Physical fitness: You will need to be physically fit to participate in the heli hike. As long as you engage in regular exercise and physical activity, you should be able to complete the hike without issues.
- Pregnancy and medical conditions: You will be unable to participate in the heli hike if you’re pregnant or have any other pre-existing conditions like knee or ankle injuries, neck or back injuries, joint dislocation or replacement, heart conditions, respiratory issues, high or low blood pressure or diabetes.
- Doctor’s recommendation: While it’s not a necessity to get a doctor’s approval for the hike, we suggest that you get one to ensure your safety, especially if you have any of the medical conditions mentioned above or have undergone surgery in the last 10 years.
- Alcohol: You’ll need to be alert for your Franz Josef heli hike, which means that you’re not allowed to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. If suspected, you will be denied participation.
Note: If your glacier guide decides that you’re unfit for the experience, you will not be entitled to a refund. So it’s best to come with a doctor’s recommendation.
- Forecast: The Franz Josef heli hike is heavily dependent on weather conditions. We suggest that you check the weather forecast on the day or on the previous day of your experience to stay informed.
- Weather conditions: Rain, heavy winds and high sun exposure can cause sudden changes in the terrain or affect the helicopter’s flight and could lead to the cancelation of your experience.
- Hazards: The Franz Josef glacier changes quite rapidly, causing new cracks and crevasses every day. There are some natural hazards, including but not limited to, ice and rock falls, avalanches, heavy rain, flooding, uneven terrain and cold exposure.
- Stay: As the experience is conducted in a mountain environment, there are chances that you may need to stay on the glacier overnight. In such circumstances, your guide will help you with further instructions.
- Guide discretion: If at any point, before or during the experience, your glacier guide deems that it’s unsafe to proceed onto the heli hike, then the experience may be canceled.
- Gear provided: The facility will give you crampons, a helmet, harnesses, a waterproof jacket and overpants, waterproof hiking boots and socks, trekking poles, a fanny pack to carry your essentials, a warm hat and gloves.
- Bringing your own gear: You can also bring your own waterproof vest and boots for the experience. However, we suggest that you use the gear provided by the facility to avoid any damage to your equipment due to the ice.
- Safety briefing: Your glacier guide will brief you on important details and hazards you’ll need to look out for. Use this time to clear all your queries with your guide.
- Follow your guide: Participating in a Franz Josef heli hike also means that you agree to listen to your guide’s instructions to the tee. The facility or the guide reserves the right to cancel your experience if you fail to comply with their instructions.
Risk factor: The Franz Josef heli hike is an adventure activity and carries a certain level of inherent risk. You will be asked to sign a waiver form. Follow your guide’s instructions for your own safety.
- Dress warm: Carry warm inner layers made from polypropylene or merino to wear under your waterproof jacket.
- Avoid jeans: Jeans can get wet during your experience, causing them to become heavy and uncomfortable during the hike. Wear trousers, jeggings or track pants instead.
- Sunglasses: This is an essential item to protect your eyes from the bright light reflected off the snow. If you don’t have a pair of sunglasses, you can also purchase a pair at the facility’s front desk.
- Sunscreen
- If you prefer, your own warm hat and gloves
- Phone or camera
- A small water bottle and snacks, if needed.
Don’t bring: Leave behind essential items like jewelry, passport, wallet, keys, etc. We also suggest that you carry light and not bring a backpack as there is limited space on the helicopter.
Views of icy peaks and crevasses on a Franz Josef helicopter hike
See all photos
Plan your Franz Josef heli hike
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Dining
Stay
Tips
Every day: From 7:30am to 8:15am, then from 10am to 1:15pm
Slots are available every 15 minutes
Check-in: The check-in time is 15 minutes before the slot mentioned on your voucher.
Tour duration: 4 hours from check-in to end of experience
Hike duration: About 2.5 hours spent exploring the glacier
Closure: Christmas Day - 25th December
Peak season: December to February (Summer); Low season: June to August (Winter)
Shoulder seasons: March to May and September to November (mostly wet season)
The Franz Josef Glacier is notoriously famous for a great visit at any time of the year. That being said, the best time to visit Franz Josef for you would depend on what you want to see and the level of adventure you desire.
Summer (12 to 19°C): During the summer, the glacier changes more rapidly with the melting snow. While this creates more dramatic ice formations, it also means that the hike may be a tad riskier. However, there are also opportunities to take a few layers off and click pictures of the white backdrop in your T-shirt!
Winter (-15 to 5°C): During the winter, you can expect a much calmer glacier with more stagnant ice formations. The weather is relatively stable, the crowds are fewer and temperatures here don’t plummet as much as most other glaciers. If you’re a beginner to mountain hikes, plan your Franz Josef hike in the winter when the landscapes are stable for longer.
Address: Franz Josef Glacier Guides(FJGG), Te Ao Marama, Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier Franz Josef Glacier, 7886, New Zealand. Find on Maps
You will have to check in at Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre.
Closest international airport: Christchurch & Queenstown (both about 5 hours away by road)
Closest domestic airport: Hokitika (about 2 hours away by road)
By car:
From Christchurch, take the SH73 until Kumara and turn left at Kumara Junction. Take the SH6 the rest of the way to Franz Josef Glacier.
From Queenstown, take the SH6 that passes through Wanaka and then Haast up to the Franz Josef glacier.
By bus: There are multiple bus services from nearby towns, including Greymouth, Hokitika, Christchurch, Queenstown, and more.
Here are some eateries that are just a short walk away from the FJGG facility for when you’re famished after your heli hike.
The Landing Restaurant & Bar: Offering a wide variety of snacks, pastas, pizzas and mains along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, this restaurant is an easy pick for when you’re not sure of what to eat. Their Belgium waffles from their breakfast menu is a must-try.
Alice May Restaurant & Bar: A tribute to the locally famous Alice May Parkinson, this restaurant serves burgers, steaks and pastas with a variety of side dishes, including seasonal vegetables, and desserts.
SnakeBite Brewery: If you’re craving Asian food, check out some baos, dumplings and ramen at SnakeBite. They also have a selection of reds and whites and beer on tap to pair with your food.
- Keep children close and in view: The glacier hike will likely include steep steps and rough terrain. Always hold their hand while moving and keep them in your sight when observing ice formations.
- Plan your transit: If you don’t have your own vehicle to drive down to Franz Josef, plan your transportation options beforehand as tickets get booked well in advance, especially for trains.
- Best to get a recommendation: If your glacier guide decides that you’re unfit for the heli hike, you will lose out on a refund. It’s best to get your doctor’s seal of approval to guarantee your experience.
- Check the forecast: Drastic weather changes can affect the path of the hike and the helicopter’s flight or you may also need to stay the night on the glacier. Keep informed by checking the weather forecast on or a day before your experience.
- Stay vigilant: Although a guide will be present with you at all times, a Franz Josef heli hike counts as an adventure activity and comes with a certain level of risk. Listen to the guide carefully, watch your step and avoid straying from the path during the hike for your safety.
Other experiences at Franz Josef
Helicopter tour
If you’re not keen on hiking the glacier, why not take a guided helicopter tour? Your pilot guide will help you recognize each glacier and tell you about their significance in the local folk tales. Choose between 20, 30 and 40-minute flight durations for your Franz Josef helicopter tour and get breathtaking views of famous peaks of the Southern Alps and the rainforest below.
Skydive
Take your adventure a few levels higher by choosing to skydive above the Franz Josef glacier. With a jumpmaster to accompany you on your dive, this tandem skydive is open to even those with no skydiving experience. Choose between various heights and soak in the beautiful vistas of the Southern Alps as you glide down slowly with a parachute.
Frequently asked questions about Franz Josef heli hike
Can I bring a backpack for my heli hike?
We suggest that you not carry a backpack as the helicopter has limited space for seating. The facility will give you a small fanny pack to keep your essentials like phone, snacks, water bottle, etc.
What is the temperature on the Franz Josef glacier?
The Franz Josef Glacier is usually about 8 to 10°C cooler than the town below. The breeze usually adds to this chill. As conditions can change quite drastically, we suggest that you have at least 2 warm layers beneath the jacket provided by the facility.
How many layers should I wear?
Weather in Alpine regions can change drastically, so it’s best to be prepared with extra layers. In the summer, we suggest that you have at least 2 warm layers beneath the jacket. In the winter, wear at least 3 layers underneath. You can always take off one of these layers if you’re too warm.
Why are jeans not allowed?
Denim is a highly absorbent material that will easily get wet during the hike. This will not only drastically add to its weight but also increase the chances of frostbite. To avoid such situations, we suggest that you wear lightweight joggers or track pants under the facility’s waterproof overpants.
What if the heli hike is canceled due to weather conditions?
If drastic weather changes lead to the cancelation of your tickets, you can either get a refund or reschedule your heli hike for another day. If your holiday itinerary includes multiple experiences, keep the Franz Josef heli hike towards the beginning of your itinerary to accommodate for a reschedule.
How do I know if I’m fit for the heli hike?
As long as you remain active regularly and have some experience with hiking, you should be able to participate in the heli hike without any issues. However, if you’ve had a history of any medical conditions, we suggest that you get a doctor’s recommendation to remain on the safe side.
Is it safe to drive up to Franz Josef?
Although there is good connectivity between nearby towns and Franz Josef by road, it is best to drive up to the glacier only if you have experience driving under rain or snow. The road conditions may be unpredictable, especially during the winter, so drive up here at your own discretion.
Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, which is better?
Franz Josef has a much steeper descent compared to the Fox Glacier, this means that ice formations are more drastic, but the terrain is also riskier. If you’re a beginner to mountain hikes, we suggest you pick the calmer Fox Glacier instead. If you’re an experienced mountaineer and want to see drastic ice formations, then Franz Josef in the summer is your best option.
Is a helicopter tour worth it compared to a guided hike?
Although a guided hike of Franz Josef takes you quite close to the glacier, you will not have the opportunity to hike atop the glacier. With a heli hike, not only can you see the surrounding mountains and valleys, but you also get to land on the ice and get exclusive views of the various ice formations atop the glacier. It’s also a better option for if you want to see blue ice.
Will I see blue ice on my Franz Josef heli hike?
While there’s no guarantee that you will be able to see specific ice formations, the helicopter takes you high up the glacier where blue ice is quite prominent.