Heli Hikes
(Updated November 8, 2025)
Is a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike worth it? A 100% resounding YES!
If there is one thing to really splurge on when visiting New Zealand, it has to be a heli-hike – nothing else gets you as close to the famous, pristine, blue ice on Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier).
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime-glacier adventure, this is it! If you’re short on time or budget, consider a scenic helicopter flight instead.
Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
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Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hikes
With glaciers fast disappearing across the globe, visiting glaciers is easily one of the top New Zealand bucket list items because New Zealand is one of the few places on earth where the glaciers are actually still thriving, a quirk of nature!
For most visitors, a Franz Josef Glacier heli hike is must-splurge item, offering a stunning perspective of the scale and beauty of the glacier!
While you can tick off a visit to the glacier by strolling down to terminus or driving to viewpoints, you’re a missing a lot by not actually walking on the frozen landscape of the glacier.
And what a landscape! Towering walls of pristine blue ice, deep crevasses, massive ice caves, towering seracs, and other incredible ice formations.
What Does a Heli-Hike Involve?
Unlike hardcore mountaineering, heli-hikes are tours designed for beginners with expert guides leading the way and crampons (specialized metal gear that attaches to boots) provided for traction on the ice.
Crampons have sharp spikes (points) made of aluminum or steel that dig into ice or hard-packed snow, preventing slips and falls. Crampons are included in your tour ticket price.
If you don’t have boots, the tour will likely provide these as well (check with the tour when you book) – sturdy, waterproof boots are a must.
You should dress in layers, and waterproof jackets and pants (which may be provided as well by the tour operator, please confirm).
The helicopter ride is usually 5-10 minutes, but you get jaw-dropping aerial views of the rugged icy glacier landscape.
The pilot will land on the upper reaches of the glacier where your hike will begin.
Your expert guide will lead your group through twisting ice formations, tunnels, caves and deep crevasses. There is no fixed route as the glacier is constantly changing as it shifts and melts, making every hike unique.
You can expect to see (depending on the conditions):
- Deep crevasses: Giant narrow cracks in the ice, uncovering centuries of blue frozen ice. Some hikes may include navigating these narrow pathways.
- Ice caves & tunnels: Glowing blue ice caves and tunnels, natural ice formations, where the ice hollows out.
- Seracs & Ice Towers: Huge towering columns of ice rising from the surface, formed by intersecting crevasses isolating blocks of ice.
- Glacial Streams: Crystal-clear water from melting ice, forms lakes and streams.
This Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour is well-reviewed and popular, roughly about 4 hours long, includes equipment like a waterproof jacket, glacier boots and crampons, and about a 2-hour, 15-minute hike on the glacier.
Kids must be over 10 years old, with a weight over 35 kgs.
This heli-hike from Queenstown is another option for time-constrained visitors.
Check our guide on helicopter tours from Franz Josef Glacier to learn about other options including scenic flights, private tours, and shorter tours with snow landing (but no hiking).
Heli-Hike Tips for Visitors
What to Wear
Depending on the season, Franz Josef Glacier weather can vary on top of the glacier, but below freezing temperatures should be expected. Dress in layers, you will warm up while hiking.
Gloves and a hat (or other head / face /ears covering) are essential for comfort in icy conditions.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended. Ice reflects sunlight making it incredibly bright.
What to Bring
Unless you’re a nature photographer, a smartphone should suffice for capturing photos of the unreal ice landscape.
Note that the high contrast, reflective ice and bright sunlight may need some adjustments: increase exposure (tap on ice/snow) if the image looks too dark, use HDR mode to balance snow and dark shadows, use Daylight or Cloudy mode to avoid a blue tint.
A polarizing clip-on filter may reduce glare and enhance contrast in ice and sky.
A water bottle and a small backpack (make sure you can hike easily with it) to carry essentials may be needed as well.
Other Tips
Book well in advance since heli-hikes are extremely popular, and will sell out in peak season (December – March).
Try to book early in your trip so that you have some flexibility if the tour gets canceled or rescheduled due to weather.
While you don’t have to be an athlete, be prepared to walk 2 hours on uneven ice – you should have reasonable mobility.
Most heli-hike tour operators allow children over 10 only for safety reasons.