Franz Josef Heli Hike A helicopter ride and a hike on the ice. The ultimate glacier experience.
Franz Josef Glacier is 12km long and fed by a massive 20 square km snowfield at the top of the Southern Alps. It features ice pinnacles as high as multi-story buildings, deep crevasses and stunning, pristine blue ice. It’s all on show and the most dynamic glacier in New Zealand is accessible to you via one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world.
First witness the majesty of the beautiful ice formation from the air as your helicopter takes to the skies above the glacier. Then descend onto the glacier itself and set foot on the ice. Your heli hike guide will then lead you through some of the most stunning ice formations, immersing you in the world of the Franz Josef Glacier. To touch the ice and breathe in the fresh alpine air is a unique experience and one which you will never forget.
YOUR GLACIER GUIDE
The Helicopter Line offers the Franz Josef Heli-Hike in conjunction with Franz Josef Glacier Guides who have been operating since 1990 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. Your professional guide will lead you into the most spectacular icefall terrain that is usually seen only by experienced mountaineers. With an excellent safety record, rigid assessments, and using exclusive quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is assured.
HELI HIKE HIGHLIGHTS
- Exciting helicopter flight to Franz Josef Glacier
- Glacier landing and pickup
- Approx 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations
- Professional and experienced guides
- All equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jacket and pants)
BRING THESE
- Warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers)
- Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one)
- A sense of fun and adventure!
DEPARTURE TIMES
- October to April 9.30am, 12 noon and 2.30pm
- May to September 11am and 1.30pm
PLEASE NOTE
- Moderate fitness required
- Minimum age is 8 years
- Our Heli-Hike trips are weather dependent.
Your safety is our highest priority so we reserve the right to cancel your booking depending on health and agility considerations. Additionally due to the nature of the hike clients over 120kg’s and/or pregnant will not be able to participate.
We will do our best to accommodate you but occasionally cancellation may be unavoidable.
Departing Franz Josef
Franz Josef Heli-Hike
Duration 3 hours
Adult $449, Child $419
Simply the ultimate Glacier experience! Take in the Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter before descending onto the ice itself for an adventure like no other. From the crevasses and ice caves to the splendour of the clean blue ice, immerse yourself in the unique surroundings and touch the ice, breath the fresh air and enjoy one of the world’s most exhilarating experiences.
Prices
Price Information
Mount Cook
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Duration 3 hours
$585 per person
Adventure into Mount Cook National Park and Heli Hike across Tasman Glacier. Witness the beauty of the Tasman Glacier lake and the stunning ice formations from the helicopter as you fly over the spectacular Tasman Glacier. Once you descend and step foot onto the ice you will encounter fresh alpine air as your heli hike guide introduces you to the world of the Tasman Glacier. This is a unique experience and one which will not be forgotten. Learn More
