West coast of New Zealand Franz Josef glacier helicopter cruise + glacier hiking
Franz Josef glacier helicopter-hiking
[Franz Josef glacier helicopter + glacier hiking introduction] - 3 hr
Departing from Franz Josef town, fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. The helicopter first flies over the town, then ascends along the glacier to reach its upper reaches. Land on the ice at the glacier's summit for a close-up view of the ancient glacier's sculpted masterpieces beneath your feet. A professional guide will introduce you to the glacier's unique world.
The helicopter glacier hiking route has an excellent safety record, with strict evaluations and the use of high-quality equipment, ensuring complete safety.
Highlights
- The helicopter will take off from Franz Josef town airport, fly over spectacular ancient glaciers, and land on Franz Josef glacier.
- Explore the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand up close with a professional guide on a 2-hour hiking tour. (Total duration over 3 hours)
- On the return flight, fly over the Southern Alps and pass by the Hochstetter icefall.
Inclusions
- Round-trip helicopter flight.
- Glacier landing and 2 hr glacier hike (total duration over 3 hr).
- Professional and experienced guide.
- Equipment - full glacier hiking gear including glacier boots, crampons or snowshoes.
**Meeting Point**
Franz Josef: Depart and back from the helipad in Franz Josef town, New Zealand.
What you need to know
Departure time and check-in
- Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
- Please call the flight base 24 hours before departure as per the confirmation letter to check the weather conditions and confirm if flying is possible.
What to bring
- Warm upper body clothing (3-4 layers)
- Long pants. (Jeans and ski pants are not recommended)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- A bottle of water and a snack pack
- Waterproof jacket (if you don't have a waterproof jacket, please let us know in advance).
- We provide professional equipment for glacier hiking.
[Weather]
- If your helicopter flight is canceled due to severe weather, you may choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.
- We recommend you book as early as possible before your trip to allow flexibility in your itinerary for weather changes and ensure you don't miss this unique flight experience.
- Please call the flight base 24 hours before departure as per the confirmation letter to check the weather conditions and confirm if flying is possible.
Additional info
- After payment and booking, please wait for confirmation info.
- Visitors need moderate physical fitness and hiking ability. For example, you must be able to walk at least 1 km independently and climb up or down stairs with ease to participate in this activity.
- Children must be at least 9 years old to participate. They must be able to walk completely independently on uneven terrain and follow instructions. For safety reasons due to glacier/snow conditions and weather, we reserve the right to modify requirements for children.
- The aviation company has a minimum passenger requirement for each flight. If the minimum number of passengers is not met, the company reserves the right to cancel the flight, with only a refund of the current activity fee. When possible, the company will coordinate arrangements to proceed with the flight as scheduled. The maximum allowable weight for passengers in the helicopter's rear seats is 116 kg.
- Our professional guides can only provide verbal and safety instructions in English. If you have hearing impairments, please inform the staff and guide.
- Glaciers are not always safe, so always follow professional guides when hiking on them. If staff determine that disobedient visitors may pose safety risks during the activity, they reserve the right to stop their participation.
- For safety reasons, drones, iPads, and selfie sticks are not allowed on board.
Note: All images used are officially authorized or owned. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.