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Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

Offered by True South Flights

From

$2,149.00 per person

4.9 (38 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

7 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

One-day tour from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier with return fixed-wing flights, a helicopter landing, and around two hours of guided glacier hiking.

Tour Overview

Fly from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier on a one hour fixed wing flight, with wide views before the main part of the day begins on the ice. The total tour duration includes check in time in Cooks, plus the return flight between Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier.

At Franz Josef Glacier, the heli hike starts with a scenic helicopter flight into a deeper section of the glacier. On the way, you pass over the icefalls, deep crevasses and waterfalls before landing on the upper ice fall of Franz Josef Glacier. This gives you direct access to terrain that would otherwise take much longer to reach.

Once on the glacier, you’ll be fitted with crampons for around two hours on the ice with experienced guides. The hike takes place on Franz Josef Glacier itself, where you explore ice caves and move through a landscape that is constantly changing. The contrast between the rainforest and the alpine environment is a defining part of this area, and seeing that shift up close is part of what makes the hike distinct.

This tour combines air travel, helicopter access and guided glacier walking in one day, with time spent both above and on Franz Josef Glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

What's Included

  • Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide
  • Two helicopter transfers onto the ice
  • All essential hiking gear provided
  • Guaranteed window seat for everyone on the plane
  • Collections and drop off to Queenstown Hotels
  • Round trip scenic flights from Queenstown to Franz Josef

Not Included:

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

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    True South Flights

    Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart.

    30 minutes

  3. 3

    Queenstown Airport

    Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4

    Wanaka

    From Queenstown you'll head North, crossing over the Pisa mountains, with great views of Lake Wanaka from above.

    Pass by without stopping

  5. 5

    West Coast Region

    After crossing the Southern Alps, you'll get some stunning views of the West Coast National Park. This includes some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Franz Josef Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.

    Pass by without stopping

  6. 6

    Franz Josef

    After landing in Franz Josef, our guiding partners will drive you 10 mins to the glacier base. Here you will gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide.

    1 hour

  7. 7

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Franz Josef Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base.

    2 hours 30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  8. 8

    West Coast Region

    Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane. Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.

    Pass by without stopping

  9. 9

    True South Flights

    Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

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

Or Meet At Meeting point

True South Flights

Building 8 Suite 1B/12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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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.

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.