From our Franz Josef Village base, you’ll fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. You’ll land on a section of this 10.5km long glacier, where we’ve made a daily safety assessment of the conditions on this fast-moving ice flow. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons, you’ll walk for two hours with your guide amongst the ice formations and pinnacles. See first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air.

We team up with Franz Josef Glacier Guides who have been taking visitors over this epic icefall terrain since 1990 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. With a strong safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is taken care of.

Highlights

Fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier for an epic hiking adventure.

Explore glacial terrain on a 2-hour professionally guided hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

First-hand exploration of the Westland National Park. An exceptional walk amongst ice formations and pinnacles.

What's Included

Glacier landing and 2-hour glacier hike.

Experienced guide.

All equipment - glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, waterproof jacket and pants.

Departure Locations

Departs and returns from Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886.

Departure Times and Check In

We have hiking tours departing at various times throughout the year.

Please check in 15 minutes before your flights departure.

Weather

Your flight is subject to favourable weather conditions.

We recommend booking your flights early in your trip with flexibility for weather changes. We don’t want you to miss out.

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received within 48-hours of booking, subject to availability.

Flights, landings and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.

Minimum passenger numbers apply for flights. Bookings will be coordinated to achieve this where possible.

Prices include concession fees contributing toward conservation and sustainability management.

Children wishing to join our Heli Hikes need to be at least 10 years old, weigh at least 35kg and be at least 137cm tall. This is due to safety ratings with our harnesses. (Weight limit is 115kg).

If you are travelling with a child during late May - early September, they unfortunately are not able to participate in our first morning departures as the ice conditions carry a higher level of risk during the season. To give them the best chance of participation, we recommend all parties travelling with children book our trips from 11AM onwards. Most of our afternoon bookings are currently running under demand, so please contact one of our friendly team if this option is not available on your preferred booking day on 0800 807 767.

Clients who are over 115kg and/or pregnant will not be able to participate.

Drones, iPads, selfie sticks and bags are not allowed on board for safety.

All decisions regarding guests participation in the Franz Josef Heli Hike are at Senior Guides discretion.

What To Bring

• Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers).

• Leggings or light trousers. Please no jeans.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one).