Recent Searches
ClearClose
Something Went Wrong
Oops, looks like something went wrong! We are sorry for the inconvenience caused whilst trying to find your next trip. Please refresh the page or try again later.
Log in
The email or password you entered isn't correct. If you've forgotten your password, please reset it. Click here
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
Share




See More

From $307.98
Yay! This item has been added to your cart.
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
- 24 hours prior100% refund
- Within 24 hoursNo refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
Shop by Category
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours
Shows & Performances
Shows
Theater Shows
4WD Tours
ATV Tours
Heli-Hiking
Skydiving
Air Tours
Helicopter Tours
4WD Tours
ATV Tours
Bird Watching
Eco Tours
Nature Parks
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Watching
Hiking Tours
Fishing Charters
Kayaking Tours
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Attractions & Museums
Nature Parks
Shows & Performances
Shows
Theater Shows
Sporting Events
Motor Sports
How to Get Around
Air Tours
Bus Tours
Helicopter Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Tours by Duration
Half-day Tours
Attractions
Recommendations
Nearby
Loading available options...
Share
Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Explore our promoted experiences

From
$82.55

4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
- 53
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$94.44
From
$94.44

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
From
$85.73

From
$380.37

From
$215.27

From
$94.44

From
$183.52

From
$272.42
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here
Overview
Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide. Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.
- Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and guided hike
- Take a helicopter flight between two icefalls
- Follow a professional guide on a hike on the glacial terrain
- Equipment provided, including glacier boots and ice crampons
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Expert mountaineering guides and equipment make this tour ideal for first-time glacier hikers.
Saved to wishlist!
From $307.98
Book Now
What's Included
Helicopter ride
Professional guide
2-hour hike on the glacier
Use of gear (glacier boots, talons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure & Return
The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier , Franz Josef, Main South Road SH6, Franz Josef 7856, New Zealand
This activity will end right where it started.What To Expect
Start your Franz Josef Glacier tour at a helicopter base in town. Receive a safety briefing and be fitted with provided gear including a waterproof jacket, glacier boots with socks and ice crampons, and an ice axe.
Then board the AS355 twin-engine Squirrel, a helicopter whose open-plan cabin offers prime views for all six passengers. Hover above remote landscapes with access to the 7.5-mile-long (12-km) Franz Josef Glacier. Fly right by towering peaks, over deep crevasses, and past pristine blue waterways. Admire the sparkling ice before an exciting landing high up on the glacier between two icefalls.
Then hop out to begin your guided hike over the picturesque icy terrain, most often seen only by skilled mountaineers.
Clamber in and around ice caves as your guide points out dramatic pinnacles and seracs, and learn about the history and current conditions of Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy plenty of photo ops before you reboard the helicopter for the ride back to town.
Then board the AS355 twin-engine Squirrel, a helicopter whose open-plan cabin offers prime views for all six passengers. Hover above remote landscapes with access to the 7.5-mile-long (12-km) Franz Josef Glacier. Fly right by towering peaks, over deep crevasses, and past pristine blue waterways. Admire the sparkling ice before an exciting landing high up on the glacier between two icefalls.
Then hop out to begin your guided hike over the picturesque icy terrain, most often seen only by skilled mountaineers.
Clamber in and around ice caves as your guide points out dramatic pinnacles and seracs, and learn about the history and current conditions of Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy plenty of photo ops before you reboard the helicopter for the ride back to town.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Minimum age is 8 years
- It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
- Moderate level of fitness is required
- Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
- Maximum weight limit of 120kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 30kg (subject to ice conditions)
- What to bring
- Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
- Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
- OPERATED BY Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour ?
A:The policy on sanitization is:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour ?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Reviews
4.5
205 Reviews
5 stars
150
4 stars
33
3 stars
9
2 stars
2
1 star
11
Reviews by Viator travelers
We perform checks on reviews
Showing 1-10 of 205 reviews
Breathtaking Activity
Hidde_V
, Jul 2022
Highly recommended
Teo_J
, May 2022
A great experience. Our hiking guide Cale is patient ,knowledgeable, professional, experienced and very friendly. His team was great too. Equipments given are well maintained and clean. Highly recommended. Thank you for a great glacier hike experience!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great experience worth every cent
Brenda_S
, Oct 2021
I was a bit unsure of this trip at first as it did appear somewhat dangerous and I was concerned I might not be fit and nimble enough to do it and also with a moderate fear of heights. I'm quite clumsy on dry flat land let alone on a glacier so i had some concerns! Jon, Cale and the rest of the team were excellent, very professional and thorough with safety checks. The gear (boots, socks, crampons, poles, helmet, trousers and jackets with a moon bag to store stuff) were excellent and fit for purpose. They really gave me confidence out on the ice especially where I didn't know if I could continue. There was safety rope in most of the right places and a couple of scary parts that were a bit narrow without safety rope that they helped me through. The scenery was absolutely spectacular. There are really no words to describe what we saw up there. It was truly magnificent and definitely a bucket list trip that i'm so glad i did. Special mention to Jon and Cale who were very encouraging and patient with me! I can't thank you enough for making it such a memorable experience. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Stunning experience
Sarisha_N
, Jul 2021
Most amazing experience
Fiona_S
, Jun 2021
Experience of a lifetime
Malcolm_C
, May 2021
From the moment we stepped through the door we felt welcomed , were well informed, all aspects of safety were well explained .The gear that was provided was very clean and comfortable
Our guide Scott was just awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable . Gave us plenty of time to take photos and spend time taking in the amazing views made our experience one to remember and will highly recommend
1 traveler found this review helpful
Greta tour
Andrew_W
, Jul 2020
enthusiastically recommend!
Laurie_L
, Mar 2020
Amazing!!
Michelle_G
, Mar 2020
Must do!!
Brianne_L
, Feb 2020
Once in a lifetime experience!
Jessica
, Feb 2020
Amazing tour to see the Franz Josef glacier! The tour company was very professional and knowledgable about the glacier and the region. The short helicopter ride was fun, with an overhead view of the town and the glacier. Our tour guide skillfully navigated us on the glacier and was very knowledgable. It was a once in a lifetime experience that we're SO glad we did!
Fun with Franz - Don't miss the opportunity!
Kelly_M
, Feb 2020
A fantastic experience that I won't forget. Pre flight instructions were clear and precise & we were helped with correct boot/jacket & pant selection.
From there we were give our safety briefing & out over to the helicopters. It's a short but pretty flight to the glacier.
Once we landed, we were introduced to our guide (Amilia) who was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, friendly & funny and she showed us how to fit our crampons to our boots.
We spent a good 2 hours on the glacier, climbing up, through, around and down the ice. Always given clear instructions on the best way to tackle each part of the hike.
I personally got some great photos. Although travelling alone, my fellow hikers were happy to take photos for me where they could.
A fab, fab, fab experience.
Well done guys! 😁
Absolutely fantastic!
Trip47337770351
, Jun 2019
Everything about the Heli-hike was wonderful! The staff at home base were friendly and helpful; the helicopter ride to the glacier was breathtaking; the guide on the glacier was charming and very outgoing; and the hike itself was the perfect blend of intense and easy. A once-in-a-lifetime expérience I’ll never forget!
good communication; horrible guide
amie_l
, Mar 2019
Booked a trip and received very detailed information upfront which was great! We drove 5 hrs to Franz Josef and we were really excited. The check in process was great and very efficient. The helicopter ride was short but we got to see the glacier and was long enough for us. The guide we received was not great. She spoke a lot about her personal life, which none of us us were very interested in speaking to so our group was quite quiet. It seemed like we were there to entertain her and she was bored. We ended up ending our hike at 2:20; 40 minute earlier than our tour end time. We were supposed to stop at another stop but the other guide didn't respond to her request to go there since her guide level restricted as to where she could go. As a result, we just walked back and stood on the ice for 10 minutes listening to how she talked about how there were issues between helicopter line and her company. The helicopter ride back would've been max 10 min so we were extremely disappointed to have our hike cut short and had to listen to the company issues instead of hiking. At the very end, another guide came with is group and mentioned they had a great tour. She told him "my group didn't talk but whatever" with a very annoyed tone right in front of us. Our ride back was fine and I asked to speak to the manager but he/she wasn't there that day. It has been 3 days since and I haven't heard a response yet.
Overall, this may be a one off experience but maybe try booking with an alternative company as if you are spending $300+ per person, you want to ensure that you get a great experience. We were extremely disappointed..we flew 17 + hrs and drove 5 + hrs to get here. Hope others experience will be different in the future.
Really rude staff. Horrible experience
Pablo_O
, Mar 2019
canceled due weather. not happy about the refund process
YYoung_O
, Dec 2018
the flight has been canceled due to weather and it is titally understandable, nobody can control the weather.but when i called viator for refund, they said that they havent been informed about the cancelation and i have to wait for 7 to 10 working days to know that if i can get the refund or not.Is it so difficult to inform trip cancellation everyday? a simple email should do.
This is a great activity. It was...
James_R
, Mar 2018
This is a great activity. It was amazing to fly up to the glacier and walk around it. Our guide was knowledgeable. Only negative was we hiked in a small loop from where the helicopter drops you off. I would have been nice to hike a longer distance, but I understand the guides have to consider the capabilities of the weakest member of the group.
A must do, was a great experience staff...
Ian T
, Feb 2018
It could have been 4.5 stars. Our...
XIN L
, Feb 2018
It could have been 4.5 stars. Our guide Eric was very diligent and helpful. Explained quite a bit on the geo knowledge. The heli ride was exiting except it was quite short. To be honest, there was not much to see over there but the experience was unforgettable.
1 traveler found this review helpful
We perform checks on reviews
You can only submit a review or rating of an experience to Viator if you were the person who made the booking through Viator. Before publication, each review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information for each of the following criteria: who, what, how, and when. If the system detects something that contradicts our publication criteria, the review is not published. When the system detects a problem with a review, it may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. In some cases, we will also send you an email asking you to validate your review before it is published. All you need to do is click on the link provided in the email. After publication, our team checks each review reported to it as not meeting our publication criteria. Tripadvisor reviews that appear on the Viator site are subject to the same checks and moderation processes as set out above. It is not necessary to have booked an experience through Viator (or Tripadvisor) to submit a review of an experience to the Tripadvisor site.
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
205
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$307.98
17
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$101.60
9
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$85.73
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Winter SportsExtreme SportsOutdoor ActivitiesFranz Josef & Fox GlacierWinter Sports - South IslandExtreme Sports - South IslandCategory
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Sorting, ranking, and search results
Viator wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That’s why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
Lowest Price Guarantee
We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference.
It's Easy To Do