Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour

Nestled in New Zealand’s stunning South Island, the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for the intrepid traveler. Combining a breathtaking helicopter ride with a guided 2-hour hike on the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier, this tour promises a thrilling exploration of ice formations, caves, and crevasses. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants gain insights into the glacier’s history and ecology, all while marveling at the natural beauty that surrounds them. For those seeking an exhilarating and educational experience, this tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the awe-inspiring landscape of New Zealand’s South Island.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Key Points

• The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour offers a unique exploration of the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand’s South Island, including a thrilling helicopter ride and a guided 2-hour hike on the glacier.

• The tour provides the opportunity to explore ice caves, crevasses, and intricate ice formations, with knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and sharing insights on the glacier’s history and ecosystem.

• Participants must meet specific fitness and weight requirements, and the tour is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions or pregnant travelers.

• The tour includes the necessary glacier hiking equipment, such as boots, crampons, and ice axes, and participants are advised to wear warm, layered clothing for the hike.

• Reservations must be confirmed in advance, and the tour is subject to weather conditions, with cancellations and rescheduling options available.

Tour Overview

The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the majestic Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in New Zealand’s South Island.

Visitors can embark on a thrilling helicopter ride to gain a bird’s-eye view of the stunning glacial landscapes before embarking on a guided 2-hour hike on the glacier itself.

The tour is led by professional guides who ensure safety and provide insightful commentary about the glacier’s history and conditions.

Priced from $436.67, the tour includes all necessary equipment, such as glacier boots, crampons, and ice axes.

With 250 reviews and an average rating of 4.5/5, this tour is a must-do for adventurous travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime glacial experience.

Experience Highlights

Once on the glacier, the guided hike offers visitors the chance to explore ice caves, crevasses, and ice-blue pinnacles, providing a truly immersive and awe-inspiring glacial experience.

The helicopter ride beforehand provides a unique vantage point, allowing guests to admire the glacier and its stunning surroundings from above.

The knowledgeable guides ensure the safety and enjoyment of the hike, sharing insightful commentary about the glacier’s history and current conditions.

Key highlights of the hike include:

• Trekking through intricate ice formations and tunnels

• Observing the ever-changing glacial landscape up-close

• Learning about the glacier’s fragile ecosystem and environmental impacts

This well-organized tour delivers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the raw beauty and power of New Zealand’s glacial wilderness.

Safety and Requirements

Participants’ fitness level must be moderate, with a minimum age requirement of 10 years. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or pregnant travelers. Weight limits are in place, with a maximum of 115kg per person including gear and a minimum child weight of 35kg. As the tour is weather-dependent, cancellations may occur, but guests are offered options for rescheduling or refunds.

Requirement	Details
Fitness Level	Moderate
Minimum Age	10 years
Health Restrictions	No serious medical conditions, not recommended for pregnant travelers
Weight Limits	Maximum 115kg per person including gear, minimum 35kg for children
Weather Dependency	Tour subject to cancellations, options for rescheduling or refunds available

What to Bring

Guests are advised to wear warm clothing, including 3-4 layers, leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sturdy footwear is required, while a waterproof jacket is provided if needed.

The tour company recommends bringing the following essentials:

• Warm layers, such as thermal tops, fleece, and a warm hat or gloves

• Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the glare of the glacier

• Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots or shoes with good traction

These items will ensure guests remain comfortable and prepared during the guided hike on the Franz Josef Glacier.

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, many participants highlight the breathtaking scenery, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized nature of the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Tour. Guests frequently comment on the safety measures in place and the opportunity to explore the unique glacial terrain during the experience. Some feedback suggests that earlier trips may provide a better experience, as the glacier can become quite busy later in the day. Overall, many describe the tour as a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Positive Comments	Negative Comments
Breathtaking scenery	Busy conditions on the glacier
Knowledgeable guides	–
Well-organized experience	–
Opportunity to explore unique glacial terrain	–

Helicopter Ride Experience

The helicopter ride offers guests a unique vantage point to admire the stunning Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding landscapes.

Soaring above the ice-capped peaks and deep crevasses, the aerial journey provides an unparalleled perspective on the glacier’s raw, untamed beauty. The thrilling flight showcases:

• Dramatic bird’s-eye views of the glacier’s twisting, sculpted surface

• Sweeping panoramas of the rugged Southern Alps and pristine wilderness

• Close-up glimpses of the glacier’s intricate ice formations and crevasses

This captivating helicopter experience sets the stage for an unforgettable guided hike on the glacier itself, where guests can explore its unique glacial features and learn about its fascinating history and formation.

Guided Glacier Hike

After the thrilling helicopter ride, adventurers embark on a guided 2-hour hike across the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.

Professional guides lead the way, ensuring safety and providing insightful commentary about the glacier’s history, formation, and unique features.

The guided hike offers the opportunity to explore captivating ice caves, deep crevasses, and stunning ice-blue pinnacles.

Equipped with glacier boots, crampons, and an ice axe, hikers can safely navigate the challenging terrain while marveling at the glacier’s ever-changing landscape.

The guided hike allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic natural wonder that’s the Franz Josef Glacier, an unforgettable experience amidst New Zealand’s breathtaking alpine scenery.

Booking and Logistics

To book the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Tour, visitors must contact The Helicopter Line at least 24 hours in advance to reconfirm their reservation.

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point, 63 Cron Street in Franz Josef, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Upon arrival, guests will check in with the tour operators, who’ll provide the necessary glacier hiking equipment, including:

• Boots
• Socks
• Ice axes and crampons

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations may occur. In such cases, guests will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Glacier Activities?

Yes, you can often combine glacier tours with other activities in the area. Many operators offer packages that include hiking, ice climbing, and even scenic flights to maximize your glacier experience. Check with local providers for available options.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour?

It’s generally recommended to book the tour several weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure desired dates and availability. Booking early ensures the best chance of getting your preferred time slot and avoiding disappointment.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

The tour operator often offers discounts for advance bookings or packages that combine the heli-hiking tour with other activities. Travelers should check the website or contact the company directly to inquire about available deals and savings.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Heli-Hike?

Yes, visitors can take photos and videos during the heli-hike. The tour providers encourage capturing the stunning scenery and glacial features, but recommend not using flash and respecting fellow hikers’ experiences.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is poor on the day of the tour, the activity may be cancelled. Customers will usually have the option to reschedule or receive a refund. The tour operator prioritizes safety and won’t run the tour in unfavorable conditions.

Recap

The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour offers an unparalleled adventure in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

Combining a thrilling helicopter ride and a 2-hour guided glacier hike, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore breathtaking ice formations, take in the glacier’s captivating history, and develop a deeper appreciation for this natural marvel.

It’s an experience perfect for adventurous spirits seeking to witness the raw beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier.