Booking choice: The Franz Josef heli hike, from $528 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Every helicopter company in Franz Josef sells scenic flights, but only Franz Josef Glacier Guides take you walking on Franz Josef Glacier. The flights go further, the hike goes deeper.
Here is how they compare, and who should choose which.
The quick answer
Choose the heli hike ($528) if you are 10 or over, fit to walk two to three hours on ice, and want to be among the crevasses and blue ice. Choose a scenic flight with a snow landing (from $232) if you have young children, limited fitness or time, or want to see more glaciers and Aoraki/Mount Cook from the air.
How do the heli hike and the scenic flights compare?
The heli hike gives the most time on the ice; the flights give the most view per dollar and take children from age 4.
| Trip | Length | On the snow or ice | Ages | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef heli hike | 4 hours | Up to 2.5 hours walking | 10 and over | $528 |
| Flight with snow landing | 25 minutes | Short snow landing | Child fares 4 to 14 | $232 |
| Franz Josef and Fox glaciers | 35 minutes | Short snow landing | Child fares 4 to 14 | $291 |
| Three glaciers and Aoraki | 45 minutes | Short snow landing | 4 and over | $398 |
| Glacier Landing (Franz Josef Glacier Guides) | About 1 hour | About 15 minutes with a guide | 4 and over | $410 |
What is the real difference?
On a heli hike you walk the glacier in crampons with a guide; on a scenic flight you stand on the snow next to the helicopter for a few minutes.
The heli hike lands on the main ice fall, among pinnacles, crevasses and, often, blue ice. Scenic flights land higher up, on the snowfields that feed the glaciers, where the view is huge but the ground is smooth snow.
Want the crevasses up close? The heli hike gives up to 2.5 hours on the ice.
Check dates for the Franz Josef heli hikeWhich shows you more?
The flights, by far, for scenery: the longest goes over the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers and past Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The heli hike flight is only about five minutes each way. Its strength is close-up: walking through the ice and hearing how the glacier moves. If you mainly want the big picture, a 35 or 45-minute flight gives you far more of it.
Who should choose a scenic flight?
Anyone under 10, anyone over the heli hike's 115 kg limit, and anyone who cannot walk two to three hours on uneven ground.
Scenic flights need no hiking at all: the snow landing is a short walk around the helicopter. The heli hike operator does not guide pregnant guests; if you are pregnant, ask the flight operator before booking a flight. Some helicopters have high steps up, so mention any mobility limits when you book. On the three-glacier flight, passengers of 120 kg and over must buy a comfort seat.
No hike, no fitness test: 25 minutes up the Franz Josef valley with a landing on the snow.
Explore the 25-minute flight with snow landingWhich is cheaper?
The flights: from $232 for 25 minutes, against $528 for the heli hike.
Flights also have child fares, while children pay the full price on the heli hike. For a family of four with young children, the difference is large. See the heli hike price guide for what the hike includes.
Which is more likely to be cancelled?
Both depend on clear weather, but flights are short and leave through the day, so they fit into smaller gaps.
The heli hike needs about a four-hour clear window. Flights need less, but guests report flights shortened or snow landings skipped when cloud came in. More in weather and cancellations.
What about the Glacier Landing flight?
It is the middle ground: a scenic flight with Franz Josef Glacier Guides that spends about 15 minutes on the ice with a guide, from age 4.
It costs less than the heli hike on Viator and suits families who want their children on the actual glacier, not just the snow. Guests report being offered a shorter glacier trip like this when weather rules out the full hike.
Want both glaciers from the air? The 35-minute flight covers Franz Josef and Fox with a snow landing.
Check dates for the two-glacier flightCan you do both?
Yes, and it is a good split for mixed groups: the fit adults hike while younger children fly, or you add a flight on your spare day.
- Fit, 10 or over, want the ice: the heli hike.
- Young kids or limited mobility: the 25-minute flight with snow landing.
- Want both glaciers: the 35-minute two-glacier flight.
- Want the biggest view: the 45-minute flight over three glaciers and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- Want a whole day on the ice: the Glacier Adventure with lunch, ages 14 and over.
Want the biggest view? The three-glacier flight passes Aoraki/Mount Cook and lands on the snow.
Check dates for the three-glacier flightFrequently asked questions
Is a scenic flight with a snow landing worth it?
Guests rate them highly: the 25-minute flight rates 4.9 from 242 reviews. It is worth it for the view, but you only get a few minutes on the snow.
Can children do scenic flights?
Yes, from age 4 with child fares, and infants can sit on laps on some flights.
Do scenic flights land on Franz Josef Glacier?
The 25-minute flight lands on the glacier's upper snowfield, weather permitting. The landing is on snow high up, not on the ice fall where the heli hike walks.
Can I take a bag on a scenic flight?
No. Operators do not allow bags of any kind, selfie sticks, drones or lighters on board. Bring just your phone or camera.
Ready to book
Choose your trip
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
- 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
Snow Landing Flight
- Scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
- Snow landing high on the glacier, weather permitting
- Professional guide and photo opportunities throughout
3 Glaciers & Aoraki Flight with Snow Landing
Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers and Aoraki/Mount Cook
