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Heli hike guides

Straight answers on the Franz Josef Glacier heli hike: what it costs, why a helicopter is the only way onto the ice, Franz Josef or Fox, what to wear, how the weather decides your day, and when a scenic flight makes more sense.

Franz Josef Heli Hike Price 2026: Cost, Inclusions & ValueNZ$899 per person: what you get, and what you do not.Read the guide →Walking on Franz Josef Glacier 2026: How to Get on the IceWhy the valley walk stops short, and how to reach the ice.Read the guide →Franz Josef vs Fox Glacier Heli Hike 2026: Which to BookTwo glaciers, two operators, half an hour apart.Read the guide →What to Wear on a Heli Hike 2026: Franz Josef Packing ListLayers, trousers, sunglasses, and what stays at base.Read the guide →Heli Hike Weather 2026: Cancellations, Refunds & Best TimesWhy trips are grounded, and how to plan around it.Read the guide →Heli Hike vs Scenic Flight 2026: Franz Josef ComparedHours on the ice, or the big view and a snow landing.Read the guide →

Tickets

Glacier trips to compare

Booked through Viator with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Fox Glacier Heli Hike The other glacier ★ 4.94 hours602 reviewsFree cancellation

Fox Glacier Heli Hike
Fox GlacierHeli flightsFrom age 9

The same fly-in, fly-out hike on Fox Glacier, half an hour south: a short helicopter flight onto the ice and a guided walk in crampons. Children can join from age 9.

What's included
  • Two helicopter transfers onto Fox Glacier
  • Professional glacier guide, up to 11 travellers
  • Leather boots, socks, crampons and walking poles
  • Wet-weather jacket and over-trousers if needed
  • Not included: drinks and snacks; weight limit 116 kg
From$498per person Reserve
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Exclusive glacier access ★ 4.64 hours660 reviewsFree cancellation

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Heli flights2.5h on iceAll gear

A five-minute helicopter hop onto the main ice fall, then up to 2.5 hours on the ice in crampons with a guide. Franz Josef Glacier Guides say they are the only company that can guide on this glacier.

What's included
  • Return helicopter transfers, about 5 minutes each way
  • Up to 2.5 hours guided on the ice, up to 11 guests per guide
  • Boots, socks, crampons, waterproof jacket and over-trousers, hat and gloves
  • Ages 10 and over, 35 to 115 kg, at least 137 cm tall
  • Not included: hotel pickup; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
From$528per person Reserve
Snow Landing Flight No hiking ★ 4.925 minutes242 reviewsFree cancellation

Snow Landing Flight
Scenic flightSnow landingKids welcome

A scenic helicopter flight up the Franz Josef valley with a snow landing high on the glacier. No hiking and no fitness test, for well under half the heli hike price.

What's included
  • Scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
  • Snow landing high on the glacier, weather permitting
  • Professional guide and photo opportunities throughout
  • Child fares for ages 4 to 14
  • Not included: food, drinks and hotel pickup
From$232per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

Helicopter both ways, up to 2.5 hours on the ice and all the gear, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Franz Josef heli hike