Take on the thrilling adventure of a hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. Combine an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery, and a 3-hour hike through spectacular glacier features for an unmissable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Soar high above Franz Josef Glacier on a scenic helicopter flight
- Explore key glacier features up-close on a 2.25-hour guided hike
- Learn about the region, glaciology, local history and Maori legends
- Unwind after your adventure with entry to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Full description
Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Town, where the friendly team will check you in. Get kitted out with the essential gear and listen to a safety briefing. Once you are ready, your guide will take you an on a short walk through native forest to the helipad to board the helicopter.
After a thrilling scenic flight high above rugged terrain, land on Franz Josef Glacier and set off on 2.25-hour guided hike. With an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, your guide will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery New Zealand has to offer. Each trip is tailored to the ability of your group, as well as the conditions on the day of your tour. During the hike, your guide will tell you stories about the local area and share their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding terrain.
The glacier's features are constantly changing, so you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you're seeing the glacier in a unique state and no two tours are ever quite the same. Your trip includes access to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools, where you'll relax after your adventure in the rejuvenating warmth of hot pools, intimately nestled in the lush native rainforest.
Includes
- Return scenic helicopter transfers
- 2.25-hour guided glacier tour
- All equipment (over trousers, jacket, socks, sturdy boots, crampons, plus hat and gloves if required)
- Entry to Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
- Food and drinks
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Glacier Base Building, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- All trips are subject to favorable weather conditions. It is recommended to book for your first available day in Franz Josef so that you have maximum flexibility
- The date and time of your trip may be different to the one requested. The local operator will confirm your exact tour details by email after booking
- A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required as the glacier terrain is variable and reasonably challenging
- The helicopter transfers between the valley and the glacier are around 4 minutes each way
- Children must be least 8 years old, weight at least 35 kg, and be at least 137 cm tall to participate in this tour
- For your safety, participation is not permitted for those over the weight of 115 kg or pregnant women
- Please advise of any previous medical conditions or injuries. If you have any doubts, consult your medical practitioner prior to booking
- The road leading north out of Franz Josef is closed until further notice due to flooding