The heli-hike in short
A heli-hike flies you to the upper part of Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), where a guide leads a walk on the ice in crampons. The public valley track does not reach the ice. The New Zealand Department of Conservation describes a helicopter as the only safe way to reach the glacier for guided walks, so a heli-hike or a snow landing is how you get onto it.
The figures below come from the operator's own pages and terms as of October 2026. Confirm them when you book, because operators change prices and departure times.
What the day looks like
Four steps from check-in to the walk back.
Check-in at Glacier Base
The base is at 63 Cron Street in Franz Josef, with free parking at the building. In summer the heli-hike departs at 07:30, 10:00 and 12:30. Check in 15 minutes before departure.
Kit and briefing
The operator supplies crampons, a helmet, a harness, waterproof boots, socks, a rain jacket and overtrousers. You bring warm layers, gloves and a hat.
Flight and ice walk
A helicopter flight takes the group up to the ice. The guide sets the route and the pace. Specific formations such as caves or arches are not guaranteed, because the ice changes.
Return flight
The group flies back to Glacier Base. Allow up to 4 hours in total from check-in, and do not book a tight connection straight afterwards.
Our picks: heli-hikes
Two hikes with helicopter transfer from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, plus a flight with an alpine landing if you would rather not walk.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Glacier hike with helicopter transfer
Helicopter flights to the glacier and back, a guided hike, and crampons, boots, poles, rain gear, helmet and gloves. Food, drinks and hotel transfer are not included.
Check availability →
Fox Glacier hike with two helicopter flights
Two helicopter flights, a guide, ground transport, boots, crampons, poles and rain gear. Hotel transfer, food and drinks are not included.
Check availability →
25-minute flight with an alpine landing
Safety briefing, pilot, commentary and headset are included. A Comfort Seat is not included, and the front seat is only available on request.
Check availability →Heli-hikes and glacier flights
Guided ice walks, snow landings and scenic flights from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with live prices and availability.
Who can join
The operator's terms set these limits.
Age, height and weight
The terms list a minimum age of 10, a minimum weight of 35 kg and a minimum height of 137 cm. Anyone under 18 joins with a paying parent or guardian. The upper weight limit is around 115 kg, but the product page and the terms word it differently, so if you are close to it, ask the operator before you pay.
Fitness and health
Moderate fitness is needed. Tell the operator about relevant medical conditions when you book. The guide makes the final safety decision on the day. The terms exclude pregnancy beyond 12 weeks.
Payment and cancellation
Payment is due in full at booking, in NZ dollars, with GST included where it applies. A direct booking can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before check-in. After that the full amount is due. If the operator cancels, you get a new date or a full refund.
Weather and the buffer day
Heavy rain, strong wind and low cloud stop heli-hikes.
The operator needs a clear weather window of about 4 hours and usually at least 4 guests for a departure. It recommends a stay of at least 2 days and booking the first day of your stay, so a cancellation can move to the next day. The final call comes close to departure, and the forecast for the valley alone does not decide it. The West Coast is rainy, with a Franz Josef rainfall normal of about 5,750 mm a year (NIWA, 1981 to 2010), so build a spare day into the plan. The weather guide has the seasonal detail.
If the operator cancels for weather, you can rebook or get a full refund. If you stop the walk yourself after it has started, a partial refund is possible only when you spent less than 1.5 hours on the ice.
Heli-hike or another way onto the ice
Options compared, 2026.
| Option | Total time | On the ice | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef heli-hike | Up to 4 hours | Up to 2.5 hours | NZ$899, valid to 30 September 2027 |
| Fox Glacier heli-hike (Flying Fox) | Up to 4 hours | Up to 3 hours | The 2026 list ended on 30 September, so check the current rate |
| Snow landing (Névé Discoverer) | 25 minutes including the landing | A landing stop, no hike | Check the current rate |
| Two-glacier flight (Twin Glacier) | 35 minutes including the landing | A landing stop, no hike | Check the current rate |
A flight with a snow landing suits a shorter day or a smaller budget, but it is not a hike. The helicopter flights page explains the flights. If you want a similar walk from the next village, see Fox Glacier. For a combined flight that also shows Aoraki/Mount Cook, see scenic flights around Mount Cook. The Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps is a separate trip with its own guide.
Franz Josef heli-hike: frequently asked questions
How much does the Franz Josef heli-hike cost?
The operator lists NZ$899 for adults and children, valid to 30 September 2027. There is no separate child price on that page. Check the total at checkout before you pay.
Can I walk on Franz Josef Glacier without a helicopter?
Not safely. The public valley track ends at a lookout about 3,000 m from the glacier front on 20 October 2026, and the river cut the path beyond it. Guided ice walks use a helicopter.
What happens if the heli-hike is cancelled for weather?
The operator offers a new date or a full refund. Book early in your stay and keep a spare day, as the operator recommends.
What should I wear?
Wear warm layers and bring gloves and a hat. The operator supplies crampons, a helmet, boots, socks, a rain jacket and overtrousers.
Is the heli-hike suitable for children?
From the age of 10, with at least 35 kg and 137 cm, and a paying parent or guardian for anyone under 18. Moderate fitness is needed.