3 h

Popular

About this activity

After meeting your guide and being fitted for all of your provided equipment, your Franz Josef Glacier adventure starts with a thrilling helicopter ride from the helicopter base in town up to the ice. With its ability to hover over stunning landscapes and provide access to remote areas, a helicopter flight is the ultimate way to see the 7.5-mile-long (12 km) glacier at the top of New Zealand's Southern Alps.

Soar right by towering peaks, over deep crevasses and past sparkling waterways. Admire the pristine blue color of the ice, and land high up on the glacier between two icefalls, where your 2-hour guided hike begins. Follow your experienced guide into the spectacular icefall terrain, usually seen only by skilled mountaineers.

Climb in and around ice caves, see dramatic pinnacles and seracs, and learn about the history and current conditions of the Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy amazing photo ops of this unique landscape, and then re-board the helicopter for the ride back to town.

Safety and helicopters:

The local tour operator has an excellent safety record, practices rigid assessments and uses exclusive high-quality equipment. Your safety and enjoyment come first.

Aircraft:

The fleet of modern Airbus helicopters specifically configured for flying in New Zealand's outstanding National Parks, glaciers, lakes, mountains and valleys. The Helicopter Line has the highest levels of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations, this involves regular monitoring and audit of all aspects of the operations.

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Included

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

Not included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Minimum age is 8 years
It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
Moderate level of fitness is required
Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
Maximum weight limit of 120kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 30kg (subject to ice conditions)
What to bring
Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)

Features

Original

65%

Sport

65%

Tourism

55%

Adrenaline

50%

Reviews

4.6

167

l

lee f

5 | 2018-04-17

BRILLIANT , MUST DO TOUR .

A

Alana H

5 | 2018-04-02

AMAZING!!! Highlight of my trip

S

Stuart i

4 | 2017-08-29

The should mention that there is a weight limit before they give you all the equipment and explain what to expect, my husband wasn't allowed on. It was a good walk , but not difficult or challenging

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