Glacier Heli Hike

Imagine being whisked by helicopter onto the ice of Franz Josef Glacier, where the only sounds are the crunch of crampons and the distant groan of moving ice. This is the Glacier Heli Hike, a guided adventure that combines a scenic flight over the West Coast rainforest with a two-hour walk on the glacier itself. You'll explore crevasses, ice caves, and seracs under the guidance of expert instructors, gaining a perspective of this ancient river of ice that few ever see.

Highlights & What to See

• Helicopter flight – Soar above the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier for jaw-dropping views of the icefall and surrounding peaks.
• Guided ice walk – Strap on crampons and follow your guide across the lower glacier, past deep crevasses and striking blue ice formations.
• Ice caves and tunnels – Duck into natural ice caves where the light filters through in surreal shades of blue and green.
• Photo opportunities – Capture the dramatic contrast between the white ice, black rock, and lush rainforest far below.
• Expert commentary – Learn about the glacier's formation, movement, and recent retreat from your knowledgeable guide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day excursion. The total experience from check-in to return is about 3–4 hours, including safety briefings, the helicopter flight (roughly 10 minutes each way), and the guided ice walk itself (around 2 hours). It's best to book for the morning slot to take advantage of clearer conditions and avoid afternoon cloud cover. Allow an extra hour for gear fitting and transport to the helipad from Franz Josef village.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – The gateway village with hot pools, restaurants, and the Glacier Centre.
• Fox Glacier – A quieter sister glacier, also offering heli-hikes and scenic flights.
• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook, just a short drive south.
• Okarito Lagoon – A pristine coastal wetland perfect for kayaking and birdwatching, including the rare white heron.
• West Coast glaciers scenic drives – The road between Franz Josef and Fox is lined with waterfalls, rainforest walks, and viewpoints.

Please check official sources for current details.