New Zealand · FRANZ JOSEF AND FOX GLACIER
16 reviewed
You cannot walk onto either glacier from the valley floor any more, so every hike starts with a helicopter. These 15 lay out the difference between a scenic flight with a snow landing and a full heli-hike with crampons and a guide, how much ice time each buys you, what happens when the weather cancels, and what you pay either way.
25 minutes by helicopter over Franz Josef Glacier, with a chance to land on snow or alpine terrain for photos in the Southern Alps.
“Absolutely stunning views which you would only get from helicopter. Staff were all lovely. It was expensive for such a short duration but worth the cost. I would recommend to friends and family.”
Fly to Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, then hike with crampons and expert guides through ice caves and crevasses.
“We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend”
Heli-hike Fox Glacier: short helicopter views, up to 3 hours on cramponed ice with guide-cut steps in shifting weather.
“Great experience. The heli-hike was well organised. It’s a really unique experience and our guide Seb certainly made it even more interesting!”
35-minute helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman glaciers, plus a 10-minute snow landing and live pilot commentary.
“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”
Small-group kayak on Lake Mapourika from Franz Josef. Guided paddle, kiwi sanctuary and rainforest, gear, transport, and digital photos.
“It was a nice lake kayaking activity, but we could not see the glacier from where we were on the lake.. The Staff were friendly, nice, and informative as well as passionate about the local wildlife and the protection plan to save the Kiwi. It was a rare good weather day.”
Helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with a snow landing, pilot commentary, and big Southern Alps views in 35 minutes.
“What a great experience we had would highly recommend”
Helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier, then a guided hike through crevasses and ice caves. Gear, stories, and exclusive access for $475.
“My husband and I splurged and purchased two tickets to do the flight and hike combination and we had a blast! Our guide Ana was excellent she is excited for us energetic and prepared for anything! She provided fun history and commentary during the hike and was great company throughout the treck. The helicopter ride was also amazing, I was initially worried that I would be left wanting as it’s a pretty quick flight, however you get the most amazing views on the way up and back down flighting right over multiple cliffs and water falls it was fantastic. The best part landing on the glacier! It was wild litterallly…”
Helicopter to Fox Glacier plus up to 3 hours on the ice, with crampons and expert guiding, for dramatic caves and arches.
“Great experience on the glacier. Lucky to go on tour as previous day had low cloud cover. Amazing how uneven the glacier was to walk on. Helicopter flight was very quick and safety was given. Only way to touch the very cold glacier with hands. 👍”
2-hour off-road quad ride from Franz Josef, rain gear included. Learn fast with expert guides, splash through rivers, see glaciers.
“This is a well organised experience Wife and I had double quad bike and both had a great time All wet weather gear and safety gear supplied”
Helicopter over Franz Josef Glacier with an alpine landing, rainforest views, and Southern Alps scenery, plus about 10 minutes on a peak.
“Amazing - well organised, from rescheduling to suit the weather, to getting there, going up and coming down!”
Ride a 450cc single quad through rainforest and Franz Josef Glacier riverbeds, with wet gear and free guide photos in 2 hours.
“The quad two hours ride went well beyond my expectations. Well organised, friendly and professional group leeder made the whole experience exceptional. The organisers also took safety of the group very seriously and made everyone feel safe and relaxed during the ride and focused only on having as much fun as possible. Best spent money on my South Island tour.”
Fly low over Franz Josef Glacier, then step onto glacier snow. A 25-minute helicopter flight with panoramic ice views.
“I couldn’t not recommend this trip anymore. Our pilot Richard was so friendly, helpful and informative.”
Twin-glacier helicopter flight from Franz Josef with a snow landing on the ice. Panoramic views of both glaciers plus pilot narration.
“The weather on the day we went was fantastic and our pilot was very informative and easy to chat with.”
A gentle Fox Glacier valley walk through rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with Mt Tasman views, geothermal hand dip, and hot drinks.
“A really great walk with expert guide Cliff who highlighted lots of nature points of interest whether this be about the glacier, the area, the wildlife or the planation - he had some great knowledge of the area and also knew really good routes that you possibly would not have found for yourself. A very pleasant afternoon with great cookies too!”
Guided Franz Josef Glacier Valley walk through native rainforest, waterfalls, and kettle lakes with small groups, gear, and hot drinks.
“Transportation was provided. The guide took us off the main trail on to a private trail to explain all about the birds and the flora that we were walking thru. The guide talked almost continually pointing out various things. When we got to the view point to look at the glacier she told us things about the glacier and its history. If you didn't have a guide you would just walk up to the view point spend 5 minutes looking at a few signs, the glacier and leave. There is more to the area than that. The 3 hours we spent on the tour did not seem long.”
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