The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike was one of the most unique experiences we had while exploring New Zealand's South Island. There's something pretty incredible about boarding a helicopter, flying over rugged mountain scenery and landing directly on a glacier to explore a world of ice that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach.
Located on the wild West Coast of New Zealand, Franz Josef Glacier descends from the Southern Alps towards dense temperate rainforest. The experience begins with a scenic helicopter flight before joining a guided hike across the glacier, navigating deep crevasses, towering ice formations and spectacular blue ice.
What makes this adventure so memorable is the opportunity to experience the glacier up close, rather than simply admiring it from a distant viewpoint. Walking across the ice, surrounded by enormous frozen formations and snow-covered mountains, was unlike any other hike we'd completed in New Zealand.
In this guide, I'll share our experience on the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike, including how the tour works, prices, what to expect, what to bring and whether I think it's worth the money.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Overview
Where is Franz Josef Glacier?
How to Get to Franz Josef
Where to Stay in Franz Josef
Why Visit Franz Josef Glacier
Booking a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Map of the Franz Josef Heli Hike
Best Time to do the Heli Hike
What is the Franz Josef Heli Hike Like?
Is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Worth It
Franz Josef Glacier vs Fox Glacier
Can You Hike Without a Helicopter?
Where is Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.
This part of New Zealand is known for its wild, rugged landscapes, heavy rainfall and dense native rainforest, creating a dramatic contrast between the lush green valleys and the snow-covered Southern Alps.
The glacier descends from the Southern Alps towards the temperate rainforest below, making it one of the country's most remarkable natural attractions. Stretching approximately 10 kilometres from the high mountains, its upper sections are surrounded by towering peaks, deep crevasses and spectacular blue ice formations.
The glacier was named Franz Josef in 1865 by Austrian geologist Julius von Haast, in honour of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Its Māori name, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, translates to "The Tears of Hine Hukatere", referring to a traditional Māori legend about a young woman whose tears froze to form the glacier after losing her loved one in the mountains.
Franz Josef Glacier is separate from Franz Josef Village, the small town that serves as the main base for visiting the glacier. Located along State Highway 6, approximately 135 kilometres south of Hokitika and 25 kilometres north of Fox Glacier township, the village has accommodation, restaurants and helicopter tour operators.
New Zealand Highlights:
How to Get to Franz Josef Village
The first step to experiencing the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is getting to Franz Josef Village, located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The village is approximately 285 kilometres from Wānaka and 350 kilometres from Queenstown, taking around 4 hours and 4.5–5 hours to drive, respectively.
Hiring a car is the easiest way to reach Franz Josef Village, particularly if you're exploring the South Island on a road trip. The journey crosses the Southern Alps via Haast Pass, passing through spectacular mountain scenery, dense rainforest and numerous waterfalls.
Alternatively, regional coach services connect Franz Josef with other West Coast destinations, although options are limited and journeys can take considerably longer than driving. I'd recommend having your own vehicle for the flexibility to explore the region and adjust your plans around the unpredictable West Coast weather.
Hire Car: Self-Drive from Wanaka
Driving from Wānaka to Franz Josef Village is one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand. You can hire a car from Queenstown Airport or the town centre before travelling through Wānaka and continuing towards the West Coast. The journey takes approximately 4 hours without stops, following sealed roads suitable for a standard 2WD hire car in normal conditions.
The route passes alongside Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka before crossing Haast Pass, where the landscape changes dramatically from dry alpine valleys to lush temperate rainforest. I'd highly recommend allowing extra time for stops at Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls and the Blue Pools, along with the incredible coastal scenery as you travel north towards Franz Josef.
The journey details are:
Distance: Approximately 285 km from Wānaka
Drive time: Around 4 hours without stops
Roads: Fully sealed highways, suitable for 2WD vehicles in normal conditions
Where to Stay for the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef Village is the most convenient place to stay when booking a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike, with helicopter operators, accommodation and restaurants all concentrated within a small area. You won't need to worry about a long drive before your tour, and the village itself is surrounded by dense rainforest and towering mountains.
One thing I'd strongly recommend is allowing at least two nights in Franz Josef. The West Coast receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand, and helicopter tours are particularly dependent on suitable weather conditions. Flights can be cancelled at short notice, so having an extra day gives you a much better chance of rescheduling rather than missing the experience altogether.
If you're travelling along the West Coast, Hokitika is another option worth considering. Located approximately 135 kilometres north of Franz Josef, it's a larger coastal town with a good selection of accommodation, restaurants and other attractions. However, the drive takes around two hours each way, so I'd personally favour staying in Franz Josef if the heli hike is your main reason for visiting.
Best Places to stay in Franz Josef
Franz Josef has a surprisingly good variety of accommodation for such a small village, including rainforest lodges, comfortable motels, boutique hotels and holiday parks. Many properties are tucked among native bush, giving them a peaceful, secluded atmosphere despite being close to the village centre.
The best places to stay in Franz Josef are:
Alpine Glacier Motel - A comfortable motel in central Franz Josef Village, offering spacious studios and apartments with kitchen facilities, free parking and mountain views from selected rooms. Its convenient location puts restaurants, cafés and helicopter tour operators within easy walking distance, making it a practical choice for visitors planning a glacier heli hike.
Rainforest Retreat - A beautiful retreat surrounded by lush native rainforest in the heart of Franz Josef Village, offering everything from budget-friendly accommodation to luxury treehouses and lodges. With an on-site restaurant, bar and hot tubs, it's a fantastic place to relax after exploring the glacier, while still being within walking distance of the village's main attractions.
Franz Josef Oasis - A peaceful boutique hotel located approximately five minutes' drive north of Franz Josef Village, offering spacious, modern suites surrounded by landscaped gardens and mountain scenery. This is a great option for couples wanting a quieter, more relaxed stay away from the village centre.
Best Places to stay in Hokitika
Hokitika offers a completely different atmosphere to Franz Josef, with accommodation spread around a small coastal town rather than a mountain village. You'll find plenty of motels, beachfront properties and self-contained holiday homes, often with more space and flexibility for families or groups.
It's also a great place to spend some time exploring the West Coast's rugged beaches, Hokitika Gorge and local galleries, making it a worthwhile stop on a South Island road trip.
The best places to stay in Hokitika are:
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika- A modern hotel overlooking the Tasman Sea, offering rooms and suites, many with spectacular ocean views. It has an on-site restaurant and bar, with shops and cafés just a short walk away. Its beachfront location makes it an excellent choice for enjoying Hokitika's famous sunsets.
Shining Star Beachfront - A relaxed holiday park offering self-contained cabins, chalets and apartments, many with kitchen facilities and private outdoor areas. Located just outside the town centre, it provides direct access to the beach, along with BBQ facilities and a children's playground. It's particularly well suited to families or travellers wanting a quieter setting.
Stumpers Hotel - A centrally located hotel offering modern ensuite rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar. Just a short walk from Hokitika Beach, local shops and cafés, it's a practical option for travellers wanting to explore the town on foot without needing to drive everywhere.
Why You Should Do the Heli Hike on Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most remarkable natural attractions, offering the rare opportunity to explore an enormous glacier surrounded by the lush temperate rainforest of the West Coast. What makes it particularly special is the chance to land directly on the ice by helicopter and walk among towering ice formations, deep crevasses and incredible shades of blue, all beneath the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps.
For us, the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike was an experience we'll never forget. Flying over the mountains before landing on the glacier was incredible in itself, but actually stepping onto the ice and exploring its frozen landscape was something else entirely. I was amazed by the sheer scale of the glacier and the intricate ice formations we encountered. It's one thing to admire a glacier from a distance, but walking through it gives you a completely different appreciation of its size and beauty.
Although it's undoubtedly an expensive activity, I'd highly recommend it if your budget allows. We've completed some incredible hikes across New Zealand, but this was a completely different experience and one of the most memorable adventures of our South Island trip.
Where to Book the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike?
Franz Josef Glacier Guides is currently the only operator with permission to conduct guided hikes directly on Franz Josef Glacier.
You can book the experience through their official website or through Get Your Guide, which offers the same guided glacier adventure.
The tour combines a scenic helicopter flight with up to 2.5 hours exploring the glacier on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide. You'll have the opportunity to walk among towering ice formations, deep crevasses and incredible blue ice, with all the necessary equipment, including crampons, boots and safety gear, provided.
The other activities you will likely see online only typically include a flight and potentially a single stop not a hike so make sure you are aware when booking.
The experience takes approximately four hours in total, including check-in, safety briefings, helicopter transfers and time on the ice.
I'd strongly recommend booking your heli hike for your first available day in Franz Josef. The experience is entirely weather-dependent, and cancellations are common due to poor visibility or strong winds. Booking early in your stay gives you the best chance of rescheduling if conditions aren't suitable.
2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer – An unforgettable guided glacier hiking experience combining a scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef with up to 2.5 hours exploring the ice. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll navigate spectacular blue ice formations, crevasses and frozen landscapes, with specialist equipment including boots, crampons and safety gear provided. It's an incredible opportunity to experience Franz Josef Glacier up close without needing previous glacier hiking experience.
How Much does the Heli Hike Cost?
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike costs approximately NZ$899 per person, making it one of the more expensive activities you can book in New Zealand. However, the price includes more than just a helicopter flight, with up to 2.5 hours of guided hiking on the glacier, return helicopter transfers and all the specialist equipment needed to explore the ice safely.
It's certainly a significant expense, but I think it's worth considering if your budget allows. The combination of flying into the Southern Alps and exploring the glacier on foot makes it a completely different experience from a standard scenic flight.
Prices can change, so I'd recommend checking the latest rates and availability through Get Your Guide before booking.
Where Do You Meet for the Heli Hike?
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike departs from the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base, located at 63 Cron Street in Franz Josef Village. The meeting point is conveniently located within walking distance of most accommodation in town, with parking available nearby if you're driving.
You'll need to check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure, although I'd recommend arriving a little earlier. Once checked in, you'll be fitted with the necessary glacier hiking equipment and given a safety briefing before walking the short distance to the helipad.
From here, you'll board the helicopter for a short scenic flight directly onto Franz Josef Glacier, where your guided hiking adventure begins.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Meeting Point: Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street | Google Maps
New Zealand Highlights
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Map
The map below shows the location of Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand's West Coast, along with Franz Josef Village and the helicopter departure point. The heli hike begins with a short scenic flight from the village to the upper glacier, where you'll land and explore the ice with an experienced guide before returning by helicopter.
When to do the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike operates year-round, weather permitting, meaning there's no specific season when you have to visit. However, December to March, during New Zealand's summer, is generally a popular time thanks to longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Winter can also offer spectacular snow-covered scenery, although colder conditions and shorter days need to be considered.
Weather is by far the biggest factor when planning your heli hike. New Zealand's West Coast is known for its heavy rainfall and unpredictable conditions, and helicopter flights require suitable visibility and wind conditions to operate safely. Even during summer, tours can be cancelled at short notice, so there is no guarantee of flying regardless of when you visit.
I'd personally recommend booking one of the earliest morning departures available. Conditions can sometimes be calmer earlier in the day before cloud builds around the mountains, although this isn't always the case. More importantly, an early booking may give you the opportunity to reschedule to a later departure if the weather improves. We were really lucky when we went and got to go up before the cloud cover came in. The afternoon tours on the day that we went ended up being cancelled.
My biggest recommendation is to allow at least two nights in Franz Josef and book your heli hike for your first available day. This gives you some flexibility if your original flight is cancelled, which can make a huge difference when you've travelled all this way specifically to experience the glacier. I'd also avoid leaving the activity until your final morning in town, as you may not have another opportunity if conditions are unsuitable.
What is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Like?
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike begins at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base in Franz Josef Village, where you check in, meet your guides and get fitted with the necessary equipment. This includes specialist hiking boots, crampons and waterproof clothing to help you navigate the ice safely. hey had a lot of different options for sizing so there is something for everyone. You'll also receive a safety briefing before heading to the helipad.
The adventure really begins when you board the helicopter. The short scenic flight takes you above the surrounding rainforest and into the Southern Alps, with incredible views of the mountains and glacier below. As you approach Franz Josef Glacier, you'll get your first proper look at the enormous ice formations and deep crevasses that make this landscape so spectacular.
After landing directly on the glacier, your guide will help you fit your crampons, which provide traction on the ice. From here, you'll begin exploring the glacier in a small group, following a route selected by your guide based on the day's conditions.
The hiking component involves walking across uneven ice, navigating crevasses and exploring spectacular blue ice formations. Depending on conditions, you may also have the opportunity to pass through narrow ice passages or explore naturally formed ice caves. The glacier is constantly moving and changing, so the exact route and formations you encounter will vary from day to day.
Throughout the experience, the guide will explain how the glacier formed, how it moves and why its appearance changes over time.
How Long is the Experience?
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike takes approximately four hours in total, including check-in, equipment fitting, safety briefings, helicopter transfers and time exploring the glacier.
Of this, up to 2.5 hours are spent hiking on the ice, with the remaining time dedicated to preparation and helicopter flights. The actual walking time may vary depending on weather, glacier conditions and the group's pace.
I'd recommend allowing at least half a day for the experience, rather than scheduling other activities immediately afterwards. Helicopter departures can sometimes be delayed by changing weather conditions, so it's worth keeping your plans flexible.
How Difficult is the Hiking Component?
The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is surprisingly accessible, even if you don't have previous glacier hiking experience. Unlike traditional alpine hikes, you won't need to climb thousands of metres to reach the glacier, as the helicopter does the hard work of getting you onto the ice.
However, walking on a glacier is very different from hiking on an ordinary trail. You'll be navigating uneven, slippery surfaces, stepping over small gaps and occasionally climbing short sections of ice. The guide is with you for the entire duration and the supplied crampons make walking on the ice much easier than you might expect.
A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is still important, particularly as you'll be on your feet for several hours. You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and following your guide's instructions, but you don't need technical climbing experience. They actually did run a test to see how comfortable each person was at going up a set of stairs without using their hands back at the base before departing to make sure that everyone was capable of participating so that’s something to keep in mind.
What to Wear and Bring
One of the best things about the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is that you really don't need to worry about bringing much. The tour operator provides almost all the specialist equipment, including glacier hiking boots, crampons and waterproof outerwear, so there's no need to purchase or bring your own hiking gear.
I'd recommend wearing comfortable, warm layers underneath the supplied clothing, as temperatures on the glacier can be considerably colder than in Franz Josef Village. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and your phone or camera for photos, but otherwise, there's very little you need to organise yourself.
The fact that almost everything is provided makes the experience incredibly straightforward, even if you've never been glacier hiking before. Just turn up with suitable clothing, and the guides will take care of the equipment and preparation.
Is Going on the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Worth it?
Definitely. The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike was one of the most unique experiences we had in New Zealand, and I'd highly recommend it if your budget allows.
There's something pretty incredible about flying into the Southern Alps and landing directly on a glacier, particularly when you consider how difficult these environments would normally be to access. The helicopter flight alone is an amazing experience, but getting to explore the glacier on foot takes it to another level.
For me, the real highlight was walking among the enormous blue ice formations and deep crevasses. It's one thing to admire a glacier from a distance, but actually standing on the ice and seeing its intricate formations up close gives you a completely different appreciation of the landscape.
The biggest downside is undoubtedly the price. At around NZ$899 per person, it's a significant expense, particularly if you're travelling around New Zealand on a budget. However, when you consider that the experience includes return helicopter flights, specialist equipment and several hours exploring the glacier with an experienced guide, I think it offers something genuinely special.
Would I recommend the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike? Without hesitation, if you can afford it. It's not an everyday activity, and the combination of incredible scenery, helicopter flights and walking on a glacier makes it one of those experiences you'll remember long after your trip.
Our Experience of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
We arrived at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides base in Franz Josef Village, excited to finally experience something we'd been looking forward to during our South Island road trip. After checking in, we were fitted with our glacier hiking equipment, including boots, waterproof clothing and crampons, before receiving a safety briefing and making our way towards the helipad.
The helicopter flight was an incredible way to begin the adventure. Taking off above the dense rainforest and flying towards the towering peaks of the Southern Alps was spectacular. As we approached the glacier, we could see enormous ice formations and deep crevasses stretching across the mountainside. It was amazing to see just how different the landscape looked from above.
After landing directly on the glacier, we stepped out onto the ice and met our guide, who helped us fit our crampons before setting off. Walking on the glacier for the first time was such a surreal experience, surrounded by towering walls of ice and the rugged mountains rising above us. One of the coolest things to was just seeing the helicopters flying in and out of the valley and landing on the ice, that in itself was an experience.
As we made our way across the glacier, our guide led us through a series of narrow ice passages, deep blue formations and impressive crevasses. This was unlike anything we'd experienced on our other hikes in New Zealand, and we stopped regularly to take photographs and appreciate the scenery.
One of my favourite parts was being able to explore the glacier up close, rather than simply viewing it from a distance. The guide explained how the glacier moves and changes over time, and it was fascinating to see these processes reflected in the ice formations around us.
Before we knew it, our time on the glacier was coming to an end, and we made our way back towards the helicopter for the return flight. The experience seemed to go by incredibly quickly, and I would happily have spent even longer exploring the ice.
Looking back, the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike was worth the expense for us. Between the scenic helicopter flight, the incredible blue ice formations and the opportunity to walk on a glacier, it was a completely different adventure from anything else we did in New Zealand. If you're considering booking it, I'd definitely recommend making room for it in your South Island itinerary.
Franz Josef Glacier vs Fox Glacier
You might be wondering how Franz Josef Glacier compares to nearby Fox Glacier, and whether one is better for a heli hike. Given how close they are to each other and how similar the experiences appear, it's worth understanding the differences before booking.
Fox Glacier is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Franz Josef Glacier, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Both descend from the Southern Alps towards dense temperate rainforest, although Fox Glacier is longer and has a broader upper icefield, while Franz Josef is known for its steep, heavily crevassed terrain and dramatic ice formations.
Both glaciers offer guided heli hikes, combining scenic helicopter flights with several hours exploring the ice on foot. The experiences are very similar, although Fox Glacier tours can offer slightly longer hiking times. The exact ice formations you'll encounter at either glacier depend on conditions at the time.
Which Glacier is Better for a Heli Hike?
Personally, I'd recommend Franz Josef Glacier, as this is where we completed our heli hike and absolutely loved the experience. The blue ice formations, deep crevasses and narrow passages were incredible, and exploring the glacier up close was unlike anything we'd experienced before.
That said, I wouldn't necessarily say Franz Josef is better than Fox Glacier. Both offer spectacular scenery and similar experiences, so I'd base your decision on tour availability, price and where you're staying, rather than travelling out of your way to visit one over the other.
If Franz Josef tours are fully booked or you're staying closer to Fox Glacier, it's an excellent alternative. You can book the following experience through GetYourGuide:
Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer – A four-hour guided heli-hiking experience departing from Fox Glacier township, combining return helicopter flights with up to three hours exploring the glacier on foot. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll navigate spectacular ice formations, crevasses and naturally formed ice caves, with specialist equipment including boots, crampons and waterproof clothing provided. It's a fantastic alternative to Franz Josef, particularly if you'd prefer a little more time on the ice.
Can You Hike Franz Josef Glacier Without a Helicopter?
No, unfortunately you can no longer hike directly onto Franz Josef Glacier without taking a helicopter. Due to the glacier's retreat and the increasingly unstable terrain around its lower sections, traditional walking access onto the ice is no longer available. To actually walk on Franz Josef Glacier, you'll need to book a guided heli hike.
However, you can still explore the Franz Josef Glacier Valley on foot via the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, an easy 1.7 km return trail taking approximately 30 minutes. The walk follows a short path through native rainforest to a viewpoint overlooking the glacial valley, with views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and upper glacier.
The viewpoint is approximately 3 kilometres from the glacier's terminal face, so you won't be able to reach or walk on the ice itself. It's a worthwhile free alternative if you're travelling on a budget, although the experience is very different from a heli hike.
Personally, I'd recommend the heli hike if your budget allows. While the valley walk is a great way to appreciate the surrounding landscape, nothing quite compares to landing directly on the glacier and exploring its incredible blue ice formations up close.
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, I'd consider booking a shorter scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and combining it with the free valley walk. That way, you can still appreciate the glacier from above and explore the surrounding landscape on foot, without paying for the full guided hiking experience.
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