Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
4.5
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
By The Helicopter Line West Coast
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About
Heli-hike the Franz Josef Glacier on an adventurous mountaineering tour that explores the Southern Alps from the air and on the ice. Flying over Franz Josef Glacier is great for panoramic views of crevasses and ice falls, and the guided hike gets you to a fantastic vantage point high on the glacier to explore ice caves and glacial terrain up close, with all mountaineering equipment provided.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 10-99, max of 22 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Fly over Franz Josef Glacier for a glacier hike
- Don provided mountaineering equipment for a guided hike
- Great way to access extreme mountain terrain with no experience needed
- Helicopter ride
- Professional guide
- 2-hour hike on the glacier
- Use of gear (glacier boots, talons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Make your way to the heli-hiking home base, where you’ll meet a guide and be fitted with all necessary equipment, including a waterproof jacket, glacier boots, and an ice axe. Board a helicopter for the flight over Franz Josef Glacier, a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer)-long glacier. Soar over towering peaks, deep crevasses, and winding streams of glacial melt. The pilot will guide the helicopter onto the ice, touching down high on the glacier. Climb in and around ice caves, capturing remarkable photographs of the frozen landscape, and learn the history of Franz Josef Glacier. Following the hike, board the helicopter for the spectacular return flight, retracing your path with sweeping views across the Southern Alps.
- Start:
- The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Heli Hike, Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New ZealandCheck in is located at The Helicopter Line, Franz Josef, Main South Road, Franz Josef. Check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure time. Please call 0800 807 767 to reconfirm your booking 24hrs prior to your departure time and before 5pm to reconfirm booking details and flight status.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3434WHO_HELIHIKE- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age is 10 years
- It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
- Moderate level of fitness is required
- Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
- Maximum weight limit of 115kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 35kg (subject to ice conditions)
- What to bring
- Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
- Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)
- Operated By to Franz Josef Glacier Guides
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3434WHO_HELIHIKE
From
$815.39
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Dobbo650 contributionsMust DoFantastic experience. A great way to see and land on the glacier. Pilot provided excellent commentary. Defo recommend.Written 16 February 2025
- Sue W0 contributionsThe best activity of our whole trip so far,such a Wow factor!!!Our pilot Paul was excellent we couldn't have wished for better.AUnbelievably fantastic.Such a Wow factor flight. Pilot Paul was excellent & very informative.Would highly recommend this company😃Written 14 February 2025
- jaynebR8437YS0 contributionsExcellent experienceExcellent. Pilot Richard was really informative and the experience was amazing. Highly recommend. Seems expensive but a trip we will never forgetWritten 13 February 2025
- Climber7894860 contributionsHighly recommended!Outstanding views of the glacier, beautiful sunny day above the layer of cloud. Great commentary by our pilot Simon. Opportunity to take lots of photos.Written 12 February 2025
- BestDreamcatcher0 contributionsExciting and entertaining!An exciting and entertaining flight in changeable weather, with a set down under beautiful blue sky at the top of Franz Josef Glacier. Pilot was fab (thank you Simon). Well worth doing!!!Written 8 February 2025
- ChandlersForders0 contributionsAmazing Helicopter rideGreat customer service in booking and rearranging flights - so that we could get exactly what we wanted. Very honest about weather restrictions and likelihoods of a flight going ahead. Wonderful flight over and onto the glacier. Able to go on the full 40 minute flight - even Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. Spectacular views and Jay was a very knowledgeable pilot. We were able to replicate a photo from our last flight with you 26 years ago!Written 7 February 2025
- 583katec0 contributionsUnforgettable experienceExcellent trip. Rich gave us such a good flight and commentary. Landing on the snow was fantastic, an unforgettable experience.Written 2 February 2025
- Odyssey529001662060 contributionsA must do experienceFantastic flight with a great pilot, Tom. Extremely helpful and friendly staff all through the experience. Highly recommended.Written 30 January 2025
- juglansjames0 contributionsGreat fun and fantastic view and access to the top of Franz Josef glacier.Celebrating 40 years, to the exact day in 1985, of my first of many flights as a pilot of Gazelle helicopter [grandfather of this range of single engine helicopters]. Quite a significant day to get back in a helicopter once again in my retirement from a full and rewarding career with helicopters! What great fun with super views of Franz Josef glacier and straight to the top in a comfortable safe and quiet helicopter. Single Squirrel was roomy and easy to access. Ground crew safety brief was too quietly spoken for an older audience but control around the helicopter was well managed. Good communication and commentary by Simon our pilot and all flying manoeuvres done IAW the manual. Landing spot on the flat ice was unique and walk about away from rotors running aircraft was a strange experience but accepted as a normal procedure in NZ. Had a informative chat about the aircraft with Simon and had lots of photos taken. Just a quick up and down 7,000 ft but to that’s the versatility of helicoptersWritten 29 January 2025
- Christine B0 contributionsVery professional.Excellent communications.Excellent health and safety.This was my 3rd trip (over many years). I've always found them to be very professional. Communications are excellent. Health and safety was spot on. I felt 100% safe.Written 26 January 2025
- 826jessicam0 contributionsAbsolute Bucket List Experience Ticked OffI loved my experience with The Helicopter Line. The staff were very friendly, helpful and informative. The experience itself was unbelievable. Paul was an excellent pilot, giving us plenty of interesting commentary during the flight and during our time out on the top of Fox Glacier. I took so many photos of videos during the experience, plus Paul took one as well that I was able to purchase back at the office. and have loved sharing them with family and friends. I did not book beforehand, and took a risk waiting to make sure the weather was clear when I went. I woke up early, and went into the office at Franz Josef once I knew it would be a clear day and they were thankfully able to book me in during the morning. Mornings tend to be better for weather in the area, which was a handy point to know. Having visited Fox Glacier back in 2008 when you were able to hike on from the car park, I always wanted to come back and experience it from the sky and I would definitely do this again when visiting New Zealand. An amazing way to see the mountains and glacier of the West Coast.Written 25 January 2025
- thecraw710 contributionsAwesome ExperienceHad a great experience doing the two glacier helicopter ride. Staff were fantastic at checkin and the pilot gave great insights to the glaciers.Written 22 January 2025
- RickCosseboom0 contributionsGreat TripGreat trip. The staff was amazing and our pilot, Jason, was great and provides lots of information during the flight! We did the 40 minute trip, well worth the price.Written 20 January 2025
- nicolastabo0 contributionsMagical experience! Very good staff and pilot.Magical experience! It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a wonderful way to see the glacier. The staff and pilot at the Helicopter Line made us feel very safe and comfortable. I highly recommend!Written 17 January 2025
- Kelly J0 contributionsStunning - trip highlightAmazing company to deal with, our first two flights were delayed due to bad weather conditions, and the staff were extremely helpful. The actual flight and experience were absolutely stunning - the pilot spoke to you, giving some information on the way and we were able to land. Took some amazing photos - and the pilot also takes one of your group for you too.Written 15 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
72 reviews
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56
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4
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4
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nick e
Napier, New Zealand9 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Took this guided trip today and exceeded expectations. The guide ‘Romina’ was awesome, she guided us through the glacier taking extra time for those who required it and answering the many questions. Her sense of humour had everyone at ease and there was lots of laughter. A truly unforgettable team thanks to the team at Helicopter Line and Romina and her team of guided who establish the route before you arrive on the glacier. Would highly recommend this trip
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Nick,
Thanks you for taking the time to leave us a glowing review! Your photo of Romina sums up her personality well. We’ve passed your praise back to Romina and the team at The Helicopter Line, we all hope you enjoyed the rest of our time here on the coast.
Written 28 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsty M
18 contributions
Sept 2020
I have wanted to do this activity for two years, since finding out about the experience through word of mouth in 2018.
Upon arrival we checked in, weighed, and given wristbands. Overalls (trousers and jacket), socks, boots, and crampons/crampon bag was provided.
Make sure you bring sunglasses (hat if its cold), suncream, and a water bottle. You are not able to take your own personal bags, just take the necessary items and put them in the crampon bag provided.
Depending on the group and weights, you will be allocated a certain seat in the helicopter, I was lucky enough to sit at the front and having never flown in a helicopter before what a treat!
I loved the sensation as the heli rises. The trip was about 15 minutes to the glacier, you realize the sheer scale once you see your guide waiting for you on the ice (microscopic dot from a distance).
Jake was our guide for the day. Unfortunately, as we arrived, one of the girls felt light-headed after the heli ride but Jake was extremely considerate and he was on hand to help find a comfortable place for her to lay down. He made sure she had time to relax, have some fresh air and water and should she require it, action help. The whole group was very impressed with how he dealt with the situation and we felt reassured we were in great hands.
Jake was an excellent guide, very knowledgable, and informative. It seemed very easy to lose your sense of direction/location but Jake knew the route well and it did not disappoint. Huge crevasses, natural carved ice creations and small pools, there was no end of postcard-worthy photography shots.
The landscape is forever changing so if there were some parts that were harder to climb, Jake would be at the front in order to guide us through the best possible route and had a shovel on hand should he require it to make passage safe.
The tour is the perfect length (I could obviously stay longer) however I felt we had the right amount of time on the ice to explore the glacier.
We were blessed with the weather and the memories and photos I will take away from this experience I will treasure forever.
Huge thanks to the team, I can finally tick this one off my bucket list :)
Upon arrival we checked in, weighed, and given wristbands. Overalls (trousers and jacket), socks, boots, and crampons/crampon bag was provided.
Make sure you bring sunglasses (hat if its cold), suncream, and a water bottle. You are not able to take your own personal bags, just take the necessary items and put them in the crampon bag provided.
Depending on the group and weights, you will be allocated a certain seat in the helicopter, I was lucky enough to sit at the front and having never flown in a helicopter before what a treat!
I loved the sensation as the heli rises. The trip was about 15 minutes to the glacier, you realize the sheer scale once you see your guide waiting for you on the ice (microscopic dot from a distance).
Jake was our guide for the day. Unfortunately, as we arrived, one of the girls felt light-headed after the heli ride but Jake was extremely considerate and he was on hand to help find a comfortable place for her to lay down. He made sure she had time to relax, have some fresh air and water and should she require it, action help. The whole group was very impressed with how he dealt with the situation and we felt reassured we were in great hands.
Jake was an excellent guide, very knowledgable, and informative. It seemed very easy to lose your sense of direction/location but Jake knew the route well and it did not disappoint. Huge crevasses, natural carved ice creations and small pools, there was no end of postcard-worthy photography shots.
The landscape is forever changing so if there were some parts that were harder to climb, Jake would be at the front in order to guide us through the best possible route and had a shovel on hand should he require it to make passage safe.
The tour is the perfect length (I could obviously stay longer) however I felt we had the right amount of time on the ice to explore the glacier.
We were blessed with the weather and the memories and photos I will take away from this experience I will treasure forever.
Huge thanks to the team, I can finally tick this one off my bucket list :)
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Kirsty. Thank you so much for your lovely review and we will make sure to pass your kind words on to Jake. We are so happy you enjoyed your experience and that you were able to tick that one off the bucket list. We hope that the rest of your time in Franz Josef was just as wonderful!
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katrina C
Bristol, UK20 contributions
Jan 2023
A fantastic experience. Special shout out to Phill to took my husband and I under his wing when my husband was struggling to keep up with the main group. Phill made sure we still had the full experience and took time with us, making us feel safe and sharing his vast knowledge of the glacier.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Katrina, Thank you for taking the time to share your very kind review . We're glad to know how much you appreciated Phil as your guide on the heli-hike. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiji2015
Brisbane, Australia103 contributions
Dec 2022
Our flight was cancelled due to bad weather which I have no issue with at all, what I have an issue with is the way it was handled. We were booked to travel, but called to say we had noticed bad weather predicated. We changed our booking to the day prior at 4.30pm and drove for 5 hours to get to Franz Joseph, for an 11 am flight the next day. At 5pm the company decided not to go ahead with the flight that they had just transferred me to 30 minutes prior, but no-one called to let us know, so we drove all night for nothing. We arrived, checked into our accommodation and the company only contacted us at 9am for an 11am flight to advise it was cancelled. Then they told us it would take 10 days to get a refund, which I still don't have. I understand that things are cancelled due to weather and happy for the safety aspect, what I have an issue with is we had literally just spoken to them, told them we would drive overnight, and change our accommodations etc, and within 30 minutes it was cancelled, and no-one thought to let all the people on that flight know. Just bad business processes and reading the reviews this is not a stand-alone incident.
We went to a lovely company at Fox Glacier, booked in with them for later that day on the off chance the weather would clear, it didn't but the staff were amazing, and then phoned us two days later to say the weather had broken if we were still in the area they would take us today. We went and it was fabulous.
My advice if booking with The Helicopter Line is do not pay in advance, and maybe consider the Fox Glacier option. Lower and more change of it not being cancelled.
We went to a lovely company at Fox Glacier, booked in with them for later that day on the off chance the weather would clear, it didn't but the staff were amazing, and then phoned us two days later to say the weather had broken if we were still in the area they would take us today. We went and it was fabulous.
My advice if booking with The Helicopter Line is do not pay in advance, and maybe consider the Fox Glacier option. Lower and more change of it not being cancelled.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. On behalf of our team, I would like to apologise for the inconvenience that occurred during your stay here in Franz Josef. I am pleased to hear you were able to fly in Fox Glacier a few days later and enjoyed the spectacular background we have here on the West Coast. The weather here is very unpredictable and changes frequently with little warning. Apologies to hear the communication was not the greatest for your experience. We try our very best to give our customers as much notice as possible if the flight is cancelled or not. However, the final call for whether the flight is cancelled or going ahead is made 30 minutes prior to your flight departure at check in time. This is to ensure our pilots have the most correct and up to date weather call.
When booking a Scenic Flight with us, we do not take any payment until the time of the flight. This is due to our products being weather dependent, and we only charge our customers if they get to fly. If you book through our website, we do take credit card details to secure your booking. No payment has been taken and will not be taken until you fly. Therefore, if you have been charged, please let us know and we will investigate as to why that has happened and get the refund processed for you.
Once again, we apologise for the communication you received from our team and appreciate your feedback. We're sorry you drove overnight and changed your plans to accommodate your scenic flight with us. We look forward to having you fly with us in the future.
Written 9 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KenVicLee
Huntington Beach, CA2,087 contributions
Mar 2020
There were seven of us. We were only going to be in Franz Josef one night, the whole purpose being the heli-hike combo on the Franz Josef Glacier. Our travel company set up the reservation. Somewhere I lost the memo saying that they only complete these trips 40% of the time.
Yes, conveniently no one wants to mention the statistics. The day we arrived we could see the glacier clearly from town. We called, as instructed, to see if we were still on. They said that we were but to call again in the morning 15 minutes before our scheduled flight. The next morning we could still see the glacier and it was not shrouded in clouds. We stopped by The Helicopter Line's office in town after getting an early breakfast and they said, "Yup, still on, but call fifteen minutes before your check in at 9:00 am." At 8:45 am we called and......the flight was off.
That started the second part of reservation takers job. Now they were supposed to find out if we could reschedule for the following day? Where we were going to be? Could we drive back to Franz Josef? I don't envy those people. When they are only successful 40% of the time, that is a lot of rebooking.
As it was we were driving to Queenstown the next day. I do appreciate their trying to still get us up to the glacier. It was to be one of the highlights of our two weeks in New Zealand. I will say this for The Helicopter Line. Since we couldn't go up to the glacier we opted for a hike in Okarita. While doing that 3 mile round trip hike it rained nearly the entire time. So at least we know that The Helicopter Line is reading the radar screen accurately. I hope you are part of the 40%.
Yes, conveniently no one wants to mention the statistics. The day we arrived we could see the glacier clearly from town. We called, as instructed, to see if we were still on. They said that we were but to call again in the morning 15 minutes before our scheduled flight. The next morning we could still see the glacier and it was not shrouded in clouds. We stopped by The Helicopter Line's office in town after getting an early breakfast and they said, "Yup, still on, but call fifteen minutes before your check in at 9:00 am." At 8:45 am we called and......the flight was off.
That started the second part of reservation takers job. Now they were supposed to find out if we could reschedule for the following day? Where we were going to be? Could we drive back to Franz Josef? I don't envy those people. When they are only successful 40% of the time, that is a lot of rebooking.
As it was we were driving to Queenstown the next day. I do appreciate their trying to still get us up to the glacier. It was to be one of the highlights of our two weeks in New Zealand. I will say this for The Helicopter Line. Since we couldn't go up to the glacier we opted for a hike in Okarita. While doing that 3 mile round trip hike it rained nearly the entire time. So at least we know that The Helicopter Line is reading the radar screen accurately. I hope you are part of the 40%.
Written 9 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience. It is so unfortunate that the weather did not play in your favour so you could experience our amazing Heli Hike trip. Weather on the West Coast has a temper of its own especially since we are guiding on the beautiful Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) located in the middle of a rainforest.
Weather is changing every year, so we do not have an exact percentage of how many trips get cancelled due to bad weather. However, our staff is trained on weather in the area and encouraged to make the safest and accurate decision depending on weather forecast.
Although we were not able to show you our beautiful backyard, we are happy to hear that the staff took care of you and met your standards. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels and please do not hesitate in contacting us if you are ever in the area again.
Written 12 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vidaberoy
Rennes, France15 contributions
It was both a helicopter baptism and a foot on a magnificent glacier (high up)
I would have liked to do the 3:00 tour which includes a short hike but the weather conditions are extremely complicated on this side and nothing guarantees a takeoff, be warned :)
I really liked this release, the pilot was great!
I would have liked to do the 3:00 tour which includes a short hike but the weather conditions are extremely complicated on this side and nothing guarantees a takeoff, be warned :)
I really liked this release, the pilot was great!

Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We are glad to know how much you enjoyed your flight up to your alpine landing. We hope to see you for a Heli Hike in the future. Thank you for joining us on the West Coast.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Written 20 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fearless530387
3 contributions
Feb 2021
We had booked this trip for Tuesday 23 February at midday.
This was to be the highlight of our month long South Island adventure and we had planned the whole trip around this.
Friday 19 February we received an email advising that it had been cancelled - “We have cancelled your booking for Franz Joseph Heli Hiking Guided Tour”.
No explanation given which we felt was really rude and unhelpful. Yes we know life happens - equipment breaks down, crew/guides aren’t available for various reasons - and yes we have received a refund but beside the point. Very poor customer relations, Franz Joseph Heli Hiking
This was to be the highlight of our month long South Island adventure and we had planned the whole trip around this.
Friday 19 February we received an email advising that it had been cancelled - “We have cancelled your booking for Franz Joseph Heli Hiking Guided Tour”.
No explanation given which we felt was really rude and unhelpful. Yes we know life happens - equipment breaks down, crew/guides aren’t available for various reasons - and yes we have received a refund but beside the point. Very poor customer relations, Franz Joseph Heli Hiking
Written 20 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Fearless530387.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience. When booking through a third party, we aren’t necessarily able to control all of the correspondence that you can receive from them- including reasons why your trip may have been cancelled. Our Heli Hike on the 23rd of February was cancelled due to a significant active rock slide on to where we guide on the Franz Josef Glacier. You can understand that as safety is a top priority, we do not want to put anyone in harm’s way- especially knowingly into the path of an active rockslide. We were aware of it the day before your tour, and notified you via the channel provided through your third party booking agency.
We hope to see you again in future.
Regards,
The Helicopter Line
Written 2 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian S
6 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This was amazing. The first day was cancelled due to weather but were able to go the next morning. They were so helpful getting us on the next morning. Again photos cannot replicate the experience. Our guide was so informed and passionate about the area. Just 5 in our chopper so plenty of room and very safe pilots! Cannot recommend this enough
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Ian,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that despite the weather delay, you had an amazing time on your helicopter tour. Our team is always ready to accommodate changes and ensure our guests have the best possible experience. It's wonderful to hear that you found our guide knowledgeable and passionate about the area, and that you felt safe and comfortable during your flight with us. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line West Coast
Written 13 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick Green
8 contributions
A great flight to the Franz Joseph glacier and first rate, short guided hike. Luke was a great guide. Very knowledgable and good communicator. A great experience. The only hiccup was paying - the company technology wasn't as up to date as UK banking technology which needed a telephone call to the UK to sort out.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you for your awesome review. We will pass on your feedback to Luke that he was great. We do apologise for the hiccup in the payment process and will look into ways we can improve this process in the future.
We hope you enjoy the remainder of your New Zealand Adventure.
Kind Regards, The Helicopter Line, West Coast.
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan B
Beccles, UK202 contributions
My wife & I were fortunate enough to do this activity on our honeymoon.
We were extremely impressed by the professionalism of the whole process, in particular our guide Kim who put everyone at ease and was very clear and precise when needed and also had a good sense of humour.
The helicopter flight up to the glacier was a great experience in itself and one we were on the ice this “bucket list” experience just got better.
We both thoroughly recommend this people.
We were extremely impressed by the professionalism of the whole process, in particular our guide Kim who put everyone at ease and was very clear and precise when needed and also had a good sense of humour.
The helicopter flight up to the glacier was a great experience in itself and one we were on the ice this “bucket list” experience just got better.
We both thoroughly recommend this people.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Jon,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. Will be sure to tell Kim how much you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for joining us on your honeymoon. Best wishes to you both. We hope to see you on a return anniversary trip in the future.
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am getting very scared of heights and have very arthritic knees. Can I do this?
Written 14 August 2019
is Mt Cook airport where these flight take off from? (i.e. is there another airport around?) We are looking at best accommodations close by...
Written 12 August 2019
Hi there travelling in October - is the Heli hike still suitable in spring?
Written 14 March 2019
What is the best time slot to do this hike & heli?
Written 19 January 2019
G'day. Whats the guide to guest ratio for this specific heli hike trip?
Cheers
Written 25 December 2018
You could, but I wouldn't recommend it. That would be driving 8-10 hours over the course of one day (not including the actual time on the glacier). You'd be better off to spend a full day there and really explore the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier area, which is beautiful.
Written 16 May 2018
I booked this trip for 16 March last month . Unfortunately it was cancelled on the day DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER I'm trying to get a refund but contacting Viator has been impossible BookinG ref BR645980245
Written 7 April 2018
We booked directly with the company so not sure about Viator.
Written 21 April 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.