Franz Josef: Extended Heli-Hike with Lunch (Small Group)

About This Experience

This is an extended heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere): a short helicopter flight onto the ice, up to about 5.5 hours hiking with a guide, and a picnic lunch on the glacier. Franz Josef Glacier Guides runs it from its base in Franz Josef township, with no more than four guests per guide. It costs from $876 per person and takes about 8 hours in total. It has a 5.0 from 1 GetYourGuide review, so there is little feedback yet.

The day starts with a 30-minute safety briefing at the base, where you collect your gear, then a five-minute walk to the helipad. A flight of about seven minutes over the valley lands you high on the glacier at around 1,200 meters. Your guide leads you through crevasses, ice caves and changing ice formations for about 3.5 hours, then you stop for a picnic lunch and drinks on the ice. About 1.5 more hours of hiking follow before a five-minute flight back down.

Choose it if the standard heli-hike, with up to 2.5 hours on the ice, feels too short and you want a slower pace with a small group. The listing gives no fitness grade, but five hours on ice in crampons is a long day, so you need to walk comfortably on uneven ground for hours. It is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women or anyone over 115 kg. You must tell the operator about any pre-existing medical conditions.

With a single review there are no low-star themes, and weather is the risk to plan around. If bad weather stops the departure, you get a full refund or can move to another date or time. Each departure also needs at least four guests; if the group does not fill, you can move to the next departure, switch to another experience if one is available, or take a full refund. Leave alcohol and valuables behind. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Highlights

• Hike for up to about 5.5 hours on Franz Josef Glacier
• Land high on the glacier at around 1,200 meters
• Explore crevasses, ice caves and ice formations at an unhurried pace
• Stop for a picnic lunch and drinks on the ice
• Hike with no more than four guests per guide

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter transfer to and from Franz Josef Glacier
• ✓ Extended guided glacier hike (up to about 5.5 hours on the ice)
• ✓ Picnic lunch and drinks served on the glacier
• ✓ Crampons, harness, helmet, glacier boots, socks and trekking poles
• ✓ Waterproof jacket, overtrousers, warm hat and gloves
• ✓ Safety briefing at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base

Not Included

• Children under 14
• Guests over 115 kg

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• At least four guests are needed; if the minimum is not met, you can move to the next departure, take another experience if available, or get a full refund
• If bad weather prevents departure, you get a full refund or can reschedule
• Tell the operator about any pre-existing medical conditions before the trip
• Alcohol, drugs and valuables are not allowed on the hike
• Only one review so far

Meeting Point

Check in at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base in Franz Josef township; the exact address and start time are on your voucher.