Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Queenstown, New Zealand

6 hours (approx.)
Flight time: 15 minutes
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

The Franz Josef Glacier near Queenstown is a frozen spectacle with deep icy crevasses, crashing waterfalls, and mountainous snowy scenery. Witness the Franz Josef from the sky with a helicopter ride above the glacier on this full-day small-group tour, before setting down for a hike to explore wondrous caves and chilling icefalls.

Full-day helicopter and hiking tour of the Franz Josef Glacier
Hiking boots and crampons are available to help you navigate the ice
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your Queenstown hotel
Small-group tour: Lots of time with your guide to ask questions

What's Included

Hiking boots and crampons are provided
Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch

You are required to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is usually no time to get food in Franz Josef.

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We pick-up from Queenstown Central accommodation. Pick up starts 50 minutes prior to departure.

Meeting point

True South Flights
Building 8 Suite 1B/12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:30 am

Itinerary

Franz Josef Glacier

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Total weight per passenger: 254 lbs
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Near public transportation

Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour
Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries; ACL damage; Joint replacements or dislocations; Neck or back injuries; Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure; Diabetes; Severe asthma. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 34 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Life altering awesome experience

Humeira_B, Jan 2026

This is a once in a lifetime truly amazing experience. The team was amazing and they did all they could to make sure that we were safe. Due to bad weather, our trip was moved to the Tasman glacier. Which was spectacular safety measures were top notch, and I feel extremely confident in recommending them. What was truly outstanding was the guide from Alpine trekkers who was so knowledgeable and took us for a two hour track on the ice at the glacier.

10 out of 10- exceptional all around

Tina_J, Jun 2025

From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn which meant the planned Tasman Glacier Heli-hike couldn’t go ahead. Rather than cancelling, the team sprang into action—making calls, rearranging logistics, and seamlessly rescheduling for a Franz Josef Heli-hike instead. The effort that went into reshuffling flights, coordinating with glacier teams, and making sure all involved still had an incredible experience did not go unnoticed. It would have been much easier for them to call it off, but instead, they went above and beyond to make it happen. Truly exceptional service. I can’t thank them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.