Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

• All technical and weather gear provided:
  • Over trousers and jackets
  • Waterproof rain pants and outer layers
  • Socks, boots and crampons
  • Helmets, harnesses, trekking poles, gloves, hats
  • Walking pole (if needed)
• Small waist pack for your personal items
• Free use of safety gear required for hiking on glacial terrain

What to Expect

• A scenic helicopter flight above Franz Josef Glacier with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
• Up to 4 hours from time of check-in to the end of the trip
• Up to 2.5 hours on the glacier, exploring blue ice caves, crevasses and ice towers with a qualified local guide
• Learn about the region’s glaciology, local Māori legends and history
• Epic photo opportunities on the glacier
• Guided commentary throughout your experience

• 2–4 warm upper body layers (wool or polypro – no jeans)
• Sunglasses (essential on the glacier)
• Sunblock
• Camera or phone (for photos on the ice)
• Snacks or drinks (optional)
• A positive attitude and readiness for adventure!

Trip Departure Location: Franz Josef Glacier Guides Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef

Departure Times:

• August – May: 7:30am, 10:00am, 12:30pm
• June – July: 8:00am, 10:30am
• Check in 15 minutes prior to departure.

Departure times may vary based on weather and seasonal conditions. Additional departures may be added.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment on the glacier, all hikers must:

• Weigh between 35kg (77.16 lbs) and 115kg (253.5 lbs)
• Be over 10 years old
• Not be pregnant
• Be free from the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Be able to walk comfortably for at least 2 hours over uneven terrain
• Have sufficient fitness and agility to manage glacier hiking (assessed by the lead guide on the day)

Please inform us of any medical conditions or injuries including: joint replacements, heart conditions, blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, previous fractures or ligament damage, or other mobility-related concerns.

• Cancellations more than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
• Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Operator Cancellations:

Franz Josef Glacier Guides reserves the right to cancel or modify any service due to weather conditions, insufficient reservations, or unforeseen circumstances.

If we must cancel the tour due to weather or operational reasons, we will offer you either the next available time slot or a full refund.

If the tour is shortened after it has started (curtailed) due to weather or operational reasons, a partial refund may be available depending on the time spent on the ice. If you spend less than 1.5 hours on the ice, a partial refund will be calculated based on our current policy (generally calculated based on the proportion of time spent on the ice compared to the total duration of the scheduled experience).

No refund will be provided if 1.5 hours or more have been spent on the ice.

What is the Risk?

Our on-ice experiences are classed as adventure activities and carry a degree of inherent risk; as such you need to be aware we cannot guarantee your safety. As with all adventure activities, there is an element of risk.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides has been assessed to meet or exceed the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016.  Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards including, but not limited to; avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slips, trips, fall and sun exposure.  Serious injury or death is a possibility therefore agreeing to participate is your personal decision.

Factors, such as heart conditions, abnormal blood pressure and joint conditions and a lack of physical fitness can affect capacity to safely take part in a glacier trip and in turn increase the possibility of sustaining an injury while participating in a trip.

If any of these medical conditions apply to you, please state them on the risk disclosure that will be supplied to you by our check in team. If you have any concerns about how your medical may affect your ability to participate in the trip, feel free to discuss with our team.