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

About This Experience

This is the long version of the Franz Josef heli-hike: a full day on Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, in a group of no more than four. It starts in Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier, and the listing allows up to about 5.5 hours on the ice, with a picnic lunch and drinks served on the glacier. It costs from $881 per person and has only one GetYourGuide review so far (rated 5.0), so most of what you know comes from the listing itself.

You check in at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base for a safety briefing of about 30 minutes, then walk about 5 minutes to the helipad. The flight up takes about 7 minutes and lands high on the glacier, at around 1,200 meters according to the listing. The itinerary then lists about 3.5 hours of hiking, lunch on the ice, and a further 1.5 hours or so before a flight of about 5 minutes back down and the short walk to the base. The whole day runs about 8 hours.

It suits fit travelers who want far more time on the ice than the standard heli-hike gives, and who like a slower pace with one guide for up to four guests. The minimum age is 14 and the maximum weight is 115 kg; pregnant travelers cannot join, and you must tell the operator about any pre-existing medical conditions. If you are based in Fox Glacier, the Fox heli-hike allows up to 3 hours on the ice and costs from $483 per person.

The departure needs four guests. If it does not fill, you can move to the next available departure, take an alternative experience if one is offered, or get a full refund. The trip also depends on the weather: if it cannot leave, you get a full refund or can reschedule. A full day on the ice needs a long clear spell, so book an early day of your stay and keep a spare one.

Highlights

• Up to about 5.5 hours exploring Franz Josef Glacier on foot
• Group capped at 4 guests with one guide
• Lunch break on the ice in the middle of the day
• Landing high on the glacier, at around 1,200 meters per the listing
• Ice formations and crevasses along the way (features vary and are never guaranteed)
• Starts and ends at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base in Franz Josef township

What's Included

• ✓ Helicopter transfer to Franz Josef Glacier and back
• ✓ Guided glacier hike with an experienced guide throughout
• ✓ Picnic lunch and drinks served on the glacier
• ✓ Crampons, harness, helmet and trekking poles
• ✓ Waterproof jacket and overtrousers, glacier boots and socks
• ✓ Warm hat and gloves

Not Included

• Transport to and from the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base (the tour starts and ends there)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (bring your own)

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• A minimum of 4 guests is needed. If the departure does not fill, you can move to the next one, take an alternative experience if available, or get a full refund.
• The tour depends on the weather. If bad weather stops it, you get a full refund or can reschedule.
• Tell the operator about any pre-existing medical conditions before the day.
• Minimum age 14; not suitable for travelers over 115 kg or pregnant women.
• Alcohol, drugs and valuables are not allowed on the tour.

Meeting Point

Franz Josef Glacier Guides' base in Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier; the exact address is on your voucher.