Franz Josef: Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour

The Franz Josef Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. With a combination of a breathtaking helicopter flight and an engaging guided trek on the glacier, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the awe-inspiring glacial landscape. Equipped with safety gear and led by knowledgeable guides, participants can explore the intricate ice formations, learn about the local history, and witness the mesmerizing colors of the glacier. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is sure to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Franz Josef Town.

Key Points

• This half-day adventure includes a guided trek and a helicopter flight to explore the Franz Josef Glacier in Westland National Park.
• Pricing starts at $417.96 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
• The tour offers insights into local history, hands-on experience with glacier formations, and panoramic views from the helicopter flight.
• Safety equipment like glacier boots and crampons is provided, and eligibility restrictions apply for children, pregnant women, and specific height/weight limits.
• Participants can expect a 2-hour guided hike, opportunities to touch the ice, and a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of nature.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Franz Josef Glacier Tour offers a half-day adventure that includes a guided trek across the glacier and a panoramic helicopter flight, priced from $417.96 per person.

The 4-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include learning about the local history and terrain from a knowledgeable guide, hiking over ice formations and pinnacles, and using glacier boots and crampons for safety.

The tour departs from the Franz Josef Village base in Westland National Park, with the helicopter flight landing at a pre-checked safe site on the glacier.

Customers can expect a deeper appreciation for nature after this unique experience.

Experience Highlights

Guided treks across the Franz Josef Glacier provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the local history and terrain from knowledgeable guides.

As part of the tour, guests embark on a panoramic helicopter flight that culminates in a landing on the glacier itself.

This allows them to hike over the ice formations, pinnacles, and fast-moving ice, all while using the provided safety equipment like glacier boots and crampons.

Throughout the experience, participants can touch the ice and observe its unique colors and features, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of nature.

Tour Details

After the exhilarating helicopter flight, participants meet at the pre-checked safe landing site within the Westland National Park to begin their guided trek across the Franz Josef Glacier.

The 2-hour hike provides ample opportunities to:

• Touch the ice and observe its unique colors and formations

• Learn about the local history and terrain from the knowledgeable guide

• Admire the panoramic views of the surrounding glacial landscape

• Appreciate the power and beauty of nature’s raw, untamed forces

Upon completing the glacier hike, participants return to the base with a deeper understanding and reverence for the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.

Important Information and Requirements

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, this tour has certain eligibility requirements.

Children under 10, pregnant women, individuals under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm), under 77 lbs (35 kg), or over 254 lbs (115 kg) can’t participate.

Guests must check in at the Glacier Base at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking on the glacier.

Selfie sticks and tablets/iPads aren’t allowed.

These guidelines help maintain the safety and integrity of the glacier hike.

Adhering to these requirements ensures a memorable and worry-free adventure on the Franz Josef Glacier.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers who’ve experienced the Franz Josef Glacier Tour have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 161 reviews.

The tour’s transportation services received an impressive 4.9/5 rating, and the value for money was also highly praised at 4.5/5.

Reviewers highlighted the organization, knowledgeable guides, and the unique, awe-inspiring experience of the tour.

Key recommendations include:

• Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth start to the adventure

• Be prepared for potential weather-related schedule changes, as the tour’s flexibility is crucial

Helicopter Flight and Glacier Hike

The tour’s helicopter flight whisks participants to a pre-checked safe landing site on the expansive Franz Josef Glacier, where they begin their guided trek across the icy terrain.

Donning glacier boots and crampons, hikers explore the glacier’s fascinating features, including ice formations, pinnacles, and fast-moving ice.

Led by knowledgeable guides, they learn about the local history and unique geology of the area.

The two-hour hike offers ample opportunities to touch the ice and observe its mesmerizing colors.

Returning to the base, participants come away with a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of nature.

Safety Precautions and Restrictions

Given the adventurous nature of the Franz Josef Glacier tour, the operator has implemented several safety precautions and restrictions to ensure guests’ well-being.

Certain individuals, such as children under 10, pregnant women, and those outside the specified height and weight ranges, aren’t permitted to join the excursion for their own safety.

Participants are required to check in at the Glacier Base at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

The tour also prohibits the use of selfie sticks and tablets/iPads during the hike. This is to maintain focus and minimize distractions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

To prepare for the tour, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing and water.

• Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, and individuals outside the specified height and weight ranges

• Check-in 15 minutes before departure at Glacier Base

• No selfie sticks or tablets/iPads allowed during the hike

• Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing and water

Preparing for the Adventure

With the necessary safety precautions in place, guests can now focus on preparing for the adventure that awaits them on the Franz Josef Glacier tour.

Proper attire and equipment will play a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy boots, and bring water and snacks.

The tour provides specialized glacier boots and crampons, ensuring sure-footed traction on the ice. Comfort and flexibility are key, as the hike will involve navigating uneven terrain and ice formations.

Recap

The Franz Josef Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the stunning glacial landscape.

With a breathtaking helicopter flight and a guided trek on the ice, participants can marvel at the mesmerizing colors and formations while enjoying the unique experience of touching the glacier.

Safety equipment and precautions ensure a secure and memorable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: