Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike (including Hot Pools)

Combine an exhilarating helicopter ride and a guided glacier hike with this excellent-value tour!

Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where the friendly team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing. From here, your guide will lead you on a short walk through the native forest to the helipad and get you ready to board your helicopter. As you board your helicopter, you will have an opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere nestled within the surrounding mountains.

Your pilot will land you high up on the glacier where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape. During the hike, your guide will share with you the story of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight on why Franz Josef is so unique. You'll come away from your trip not only with a sense of awe at this majestic beauty but a whole new understanding of why this precious landmark is so special.

Nothing can be a better way to end a day of exploring the glacier than relaxing in the heavenly warmth of a hot pool! You'll have access to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot pools, located in the glacier base building in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier, so you can sit back and relax after your hiking adventure.

Book your guided glacier experience online with us now!

• Meeting point: Glacier Base Building, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef

• Please check-in at the meeting point at least 20 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure time.

• Free parking is available in Franz Josef Village.

• Children must be over 8 years old and share the same price as adults.

• All children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult or guardian.

• Children need to weigh more than 35kg and have a minimum height of 137cm.

• Please be advised that the maximum weight is 115kg.

• This activity is not suitable if you are pregnant.

• Departure times: 8:15 am - 12:45 pm (8:30 am - 12:15 pm in winter), every 15 - 30 minutes

• The whole tour runs for approximately 4.5 hours, including 3 hours on the glacier.

• Hot Pools opening hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, with last entry at 8:00 pm

• Lockers are available for hire. Please do not bring valuables such as passport, wallet and car keys.

• This activity is subject to favourable weather conditions; if cancelled due to poor weather, you will have the option of an alternative date or a full refund. If your helicopter hike is cancelled but you have already experienced the hot pools, the price of the hot pools ticket will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Technical and safety equipment provide:

• Crampons

• Suitable walking boots and socks

• Trekking poles
  

• Waterproof jackets
  

• Waterproof over-pants
  
• A small waist pack to carry your crampons and essentials
• A warm hat and gloves

What to bring:

• 2-4 warm upper body layers ideally woollen or polypro (not cotton)

• Quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans)

• Food and drink for the day

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Camera