Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike with Helicopter Transfer

About This Experience

This is the Franz Josef Glacier Guides heli-hike: a short helicopter transfer onto Franz Josef Glacier, then a guided walk on the ice in crampons. You spend up to 2.5 hours on the glacier, and about 4 hours in total from check-in. Foot access to the ice ended around 2011-12, so a helicopter is now the only way onto it for a guided trip. It costs from $508 per person and holds 4.7 from 404 GetYourGuide reviews.

The day starts at the guides' base in Franz Josef township, where you are fitted with boots, crampons, waterproofs, helmet, gloves and poles and given a safety briefing. You walk a short way to the helipad, and the flight up takes around 4 minutes each way, over rainforest and the glacier valley. Your guide leads you across the ice on a route that changes with conditions, past crevasses, ice formations and, when they exist, blue ice caves.

You need a reasonable level of fitness, because the ice is uneven and the route includes steps cut into it. Children must be at least 10, weigh at least 35 kg and stand at least 137 cm tall. The upper weight limit is 115 kg, and pregnant women and people with back problems cannot take part. Check in 15 minutes before your start time: check-in closes then.

The hike runs only when the helicopter can fly. Book your first available day in Franz Josef, because a weather cancellation means a full refund and no walk-in alternative. A few reviewers were disappointed: one trip was called off just after landing, and one guest found the actual walking shorter than expected once briefings and waiting were counted. Treat 2.5 hours as the most you will get on the ice.

Highlights

• Helicopter transfer onto Franz Josef Glacier, about 4 minutes each way
• Up to 2.5 hours walking on the ice with a guide
• Crevasses, ice formations and blue ice caves when conditions allow
• Flight over rainforest and the glacier valley
• Small-group departures
• Gear fitting and briefing at the base in Franz Josef township

What's Included

• ✓ Helicopter transfer to and from the glacier
• ✓ Guided glacier hike with a professional guide
• ✓ Glacier gear: boots, crampons, poles, waterproofs, helmet and gloves
• ✓ Safety briefings
• ✓ Up to 2.5 hours on the ice, weather permitting

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Long pants
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera
• Reusable water bottle

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check in 15 minutes before your trip; check-in closes 15 minutes before departure.
• All trips depend on the weather; book your first available day in Franz Josef and take a full refund if the trip does not go ahead.
• You need a reasonable level of fitness and agility, as the glacier terrain is variable and challenging.
• Children must be at least 10 years old, 35 kg and 137 cm tall; the maximum weight is 115 kg.
• Luggage, large bags, drones, selfie sticks and vaping are not allowed.

Meeting Point

You check in at Franz Josef Glacier Guides' base in Franz Josef township, where you collect your gear; the exact address is on your voucher.