Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour

West Coast, NZ
89% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (260 reviews)

Included

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    Professional guide
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    2-hour hike on the glacier
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    Use of gear (glacier boots, talons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)
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    Helicopter ride

Excluded

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    Gratuities
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    Food and drinks
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    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting Point

Check in is located at The Helicopter Line, Franz Josef, Main South Road, Franz Josef. Check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure time. Please call 0800 807 767 to reconfirm your booking 24hrs prior to your departure time and before 5pm to reconfirm booking details and flight status.

Meeting point

Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856 , New Zealand

End point

End Point

Check in is located at The Helicopter Line, Franz Josef, Main South Road, Franz Josef. Check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure time. Please call 0800 807 767 to reconfirm your booking 24hrs prior to your departure time and before 5pm to reconfirm booking details and flight status.

Meeting point

Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856 , New Zealand

End point

What to expect

A first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper, seeing only what experienced mountaineers can reach is a wilderness experience you’ll never forget. From our Franz Josef Village base, you’ll fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. You’ll land on a section of this 12km long glacier where we’ve made a daily safety assessment of the conditions on this fast-moving ice flow. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons you’ll walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles and see first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air. We team up with Franz Josef Glacier Guides who have been taking visitors over this epic icefall terrain since 1990 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. They have an immaculate safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is taken care of.
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Franz Josef Glacier

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Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning natural wonder in New Zealand's West Coast, offers breathtaking views and a unique experience for adventurous tourists. Explore this magnificent glacier and immerse yourself in its beauty amidst lush rainforests and towering mountains.

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Franz Josef Glacier

Nestled within the stunning Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef Glacier is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates tourists with its majestic ice formations and lush rainforest surroundings. This glacier is not just a sight to behold; it offers a variety of walking tracks, guided tours, and opportunities for adventure. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual visitor, the beauty of Franz Josef Glacier will leave you in awe and provide memories to last a lifetime.

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The Helicopter Line West Coast

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef Glacier from above with The Helicopter Line. This unforgettable helicopter tour offers stunning aerial views of one of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders, allowing tourists to witness the glacier's majestic ice formations and surrounding landscapes like never before. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a nature lover, this experience promises to be a highlight of your visit to the region.

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Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Nestled on New Zealand's stunning West Coast, Westland Tai Poutini National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, lush rainforests, and majestic glaciers. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this national park is a haven for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of nature, where every corner reveals new wonders waiting to be explored.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
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    Not recommended for pregnant participants
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    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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    Minimum age is 10 years
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    It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
  • Additional information
    Moderate level of fitness is required
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    Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
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    Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
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    Maximum weight limit of 115kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 35kg (subject to ice conditions)
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    What to bring
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    Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
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    Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
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    Sunglasses and sunscreen
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    Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)
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    Operated By to Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Provided by Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line

What our experts say

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    Dress in layers for warmth
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    Bring sunglasses and sunscreen
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    Check weather conditions before booking
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    Consider dining at The Landing Café
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    Explore nearby Westland Tai Poutini Park

More About this Experience

Introduction

The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour offers a thrilling adventure through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. This unique experience combines a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain. As you follow an experienced guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore ice caves, crevasses, and pinnacles while learning about glacier formation and movement. Witnessing the extraordinary colors of the ice-flow and touching the ice itself will immerse you in the true magnificence of nature. This wilderness experience is unlike any other, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the inaccessible parts of the glacier that only experienced mountaineers can reach.

What to expect?

During the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour, you can expect an unforgettable first-hand exploration of the glacier. After taking off from the Franz Josef Village base, you'll be flown up to the 12km long Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. The landing site is carefully chosen based on daily safety assessments, ensuring a secure experience. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons, you'll embark on a two-hour walk amidst the mesmerizing ice formations and pinnacles. The vibrant colors of the ice-flow will astonish you, creating a truly immersive experience. The crisp mountain air will invigorate your senses as you breathe in the freshness. This adventure offers a unique perspective on the majestic glacier, allowing you to witness its beauty up close.

Who is this for?

The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends, this tour caters to a wide range of audiences. The tour is accessible for individuals of various fitness levels, as long as you can walk for two hours on glacial terrain. Regardless of age or experience, this tour offers a thrilling adventure and an opportunity to marvel at the stunning natural wonders of New Zealand.

Why book this?

Booking the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour promises a unique and exhilarating experience like no other. This tour allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef Glacier, providing access to areas that are typically inaccessible to the general public. By hopping on a helicopter and landing on a carefully chosen section of the glacier, you'll embark on a guided walk guided by experienced professionals from Franz Josef Glacier Guides. With their impeccable safety record and quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment are their top priority. This tour guarantees an unforgettable adventure, where you'll have the chance to explore ice formations, touch the ice, and breathe in the fresh air of the glacier.

Good to know

It's essential to check-in at least 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time at the Glacier Base building on Cron Street. Make sure to contact The Helicopter Line at least 24 hours in advance to reconfirm your booking. The tour duration is approximately 180 minutes, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the glacier. The Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour is an all-inclusive adventure, providing everything you need, including glacier boots and crampons. Prepare for an awe-inspiring experience as you admire the extraordinary colors and formations of the ice-flow while walking amidst the glacier's wonders.

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