Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$713
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
4.5
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. We make a clear commitment to you that our trip is the most spectacular and rewarding available.
Tours and Tickets by Franz Josef Glacier Guides
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4.5
2,209 reviews
Excellent
1,645
Very good
320
Average
107
Poor
67
Terrible
70
Molly Harrison
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was a bucket list activity, and it did not disappoint!
We were lucky enough to get on a last-minute heli hike. Abbi on the desk was very friendly, helpful and all round - an absolute star!
We then got kitted up and had a safety brief. It's a short 10-minute walk to the helipad.
What followed was the most beautiful views of the Franz Josef glacier from the helicopter and from the glacier itself.
Our hike was led by Cale who was energetic, super friendly, and made you feel very safe in what is a daunting environment.
A moderate level of fitness is enough for this activity.
I'd recommend bringing a small bottle of water and a snack as two hours on the ice can make you thirsty.
Also, bear in mind that this activity is weather dependent, and cancellations are common.
Thank you for such an incredible experience with such a fantastic team!
Molly and Duncan x
We were lucky enough to get on a last-minute heli hike. Abbi on the desk was very friendly, helpful and all round - an absolute star!
We then got kitted up and had a safety brief. It's a short 10-minute walk to the helipad.
What followed was the most beautiful views of the Franz Josef glacier from the helicopter and from the glacier itself.
Our hike was led by Cale who was energetic, super friendly, and made you feel very safe in what is a daunting environment.
A moderate level of fitness is enough for this activity.
I'd recommend bringing a small bottle of water and a snack as two hours on the ice can make you thirsty.
Also, bear in mind that this activity is weather dependent, and cancellations are common.
Thank you for such an incredible experience with such a fantastic team!
Molly and Duncan x
Written 18 November 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.
Monika G
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Absolutely amazing experience! Staff is really well trained, the whole process was well-organised and smooth. Tom was guiding our group on the glacier and he was excellent!
Written 5 November 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.
Angela R D
California10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
To celebrate our anniversary, we did the heli hike again after 25 years. It wad good to see the glacier hadn't retreated much. It was our second time visiting the glacier but the experience felt so new and fresh. We were fortunate to have a nice enough weather, the heli flight was smooth. The hike was lovely and our guide was informative, the glacial pinnacles gave the whole landscape an out of this world vibe. This is def the best way to see the glacier, would be nice to see the west coast having its tourism back.
Written 15 September 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.
Ben K
Fleet, UK26 contributions
Am so glad we managed to get the weather to get up there. It is one of the most other worldly experiences you could ever have. The helicopter ride is short but spectacular views. Our guide, Jula, was excellent and made sure we were safe but was also super informative. We had to leave 30 mins early due to clouds rolling in, but this didn’t ruin our visit!
Written 26 August 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.
Fidelma
6 contributions
This was an amazing highlight to our trip to NZ. We were slightly nervous as we had never done anything like this before, but from the moment we arrived, we felt assured by the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. The helicopter ride with Happy Andy, our lovely pilot, was spectacular and we felt safe and confident on our hike with our guide, Kylean (I’m probably spelling that wrong). Overall, it was a brilliant experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Written 6 August 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.
Mrdelan
15 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were hesitant to book due to cost but so happy we did! We had such an amazing experience & the guides are so professional and amazing. We unexpectedly had to stay on the Glacier longer than planned due to weather as it’s often unpredictable on the Glacier and the guides were remarkable. They went above and beyond with their planning, ensuring we stayed warm and safe waiting for the weather to pass. Jule was our guide during the hike and shared a lot of amazing facts about the Glacier and made our hike interactive and fun!
Written 5 July 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.
NorthStar18151648897
Kia ora Mrdelan,
Thank you for taking the time to place a review, we appreciate you sharing your experience! We are prepared for anything and are so pleased you enjoyed your adventure with us and the extra time on the ice with Jule co. I will make sure to pass on your praise to the guides!
Safe travels and enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Nga mihi,
Faith
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dermot
Auckland, New Zealand5 contributions
Anyone near Franz Josef should get themselves on this experience! Fantastic from start to end - great memories I’ll be able to have for the rest of my life!
Written 16 June 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.
NorthStar18151648897
Kia ora,
Thank you for taking the time to place a review, we sincerely appreciate it! We're Happy to hear that you enjoyed your hike and have stories and memories to bring home! Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back someday!
Nga mihi
Faith
Written 30 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nov973
Tea Tree Gully, Australia75 contributions
Our flight was cancelled due to bad weather and although really disappointing this is not the reason for the 1 star review...we only found out about the cancellation when we arrived to check in. Surely you knew prior to this. The girl said, we were just about so send an email. You have my number, why not call? We were then told everything the next day was full. There was an 8am that would have suited our plans. No offer to look for an alternative, it was pretty much, see you later..get your money back through your travel agent. We then popped back in an hour later to ask if we could be added to a waiting list and the girl just said, oh I suppose we can do that...why not offer in the first place??? She then said it left at 9am which was too late for us. I mentioned that previously she said 8am and she claimed this wasn't the case..we were extremely disappointed with her whole attitude. Luckily for us we decided to pop into a place in the main street called glacier country helicopters what a difference. The guy at the desk bent over backwards and managed to get us on a trip the next day. Also rang in the afternoon as he had an earlier spot available. I cant thank these guys enough. and the tour was fantastic...don't bother with glacier guides, they really don't care about you. I own a travel agency in Australia and will be sending all future clients your way...
Written 12 June 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.
Tena koe Clare
I am really disappointed to hear that your experience was not up to our usual high standards. Cancellations can be made at short notice, and this is due to changing weather conditions; health and safety of our guests is of the upmost importance.
You are quite right you should have been offered the option to go on the standby list for the following day if you had indicated travelling the following day was an option for you. Our trip times during winter are 8.00am, 8.15am, 10.30am and 10.45am, the helicopter departs one hour after this, apologies there was some confusion around this.
I am glad that you were able to get up on a flight with Glacier Country Helicopters and experience the beauty of Franz Josef.
All the best for the rest of your travels around Aotearoa.
Nga mihi,
Janelle
Written 14 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dee
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Business
Had an absolute ball with Alex as a guide.. such a cool, calm and collected guy and was really personable/ passionate:-) highly recommend!
Written 8 June 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.
Peter
Newport, UK5 contributions
Save your money, walk Alex Knob track and do a Helicopter Tour! (Or go skiing)
This experience was vastly overpriced. Friendly staff and it was nice to be on the glacier, but not at all worth it.
• Walk advertised as 2 hours, but could’ve been completed in 10mins - it was SO slow and we hardly went anywhere.
• Helicopter only went to the bottom of the glacier - we didn’t get any special views.
This experience was vastly overpriced. Friendly staff and it was nice to be on the glacier, but not at all worth it.
• Walk advertised as 2 hours, but could’ve been completed in 10mins - it was SO slow and we hardly went anywhere.
• Helicopter only went to the bottom of the glacier - we didn’t get any special views.
Written 18 May 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 Getaway43482094918
We are disappointed to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations, we take huge pride in what we do and sharing the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier/ Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere with our manuhiri. We do hope you enjoy the rest of your travels around Aotearoa.
Nga mihi
Janelle
Written 5 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johonna M
perth2 contributions
Hello there, do you also offer the Heli ice climb? Or just the Heli hike please? thanks very much
Johonna M
perth2 contributions
Hello there, do you also offer the Heli ice climb? Or just the heli hike please? thanks very much
Donna O
1 contribution
We are cpnsidering the glacier valley walk when we visit on the 18th Jan. We will have my 11 year old austistic son. Is it possible to stop independend of the group along the way? should we just do our own walk instead of a group? He may get distracted and not want to do as a guide says,
Swaminathan S
Redmond, WA6 contributions
Hi, we did the glacier heli hike which is different from the valley walk. For the glacier heli hike I would recommend doing it with a guide since the conditions change drastically. I do not have much idea on the valley walk. But overall the guides were very friendly and supportive and waited for all of us.
Sharon
Scottsdale, AZ5 contributions
Hello! We are honeymooning in NZ this coming February and plan to do the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike during our trip! I’d love to know about typical weather conditions, skill/fitness level required to enjoy the hike, and if there’s any truth to the strong sulfur smells during the tour! Much appreciated, Sharon
SANTOS__1154
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain72 contributions
Well, no sulfur smels in the way to see the glaciar. The whether is very changeable. Perhaps in the morning it is sunny and in 3/4 hours there are many clouds. Have a good and clear day when you stay in Franz Josef. And enjoy the termal water.
ikihappy
Hong Kong, China165 contributions
Hello I have booked a heli-hike trip on 30/11 morning 9:30am
I’d like to know if the weather is unsatisfactory would it be deferred to a later time of the day? If yes what would be the latest time slot?
Coz I’m thinking of a sunset kayak on the same day which would start at 5pm...hope I’m lucky enuf to do both XD
ikihappy
Hong Kong, China165 contributions
Thanks!
Ya I well understand it can be cancelled as the weather is really unpredictable there so I want to know if they would try to defer the Heli Hike to afternoon and if yes what would be the latest time slot becoz I plan to arrange other activities in late afternoon and need to know if the two activities would clash.
Of coz my top priority goes to Heli Hike XD
ikihappy
Hong Kong, China165 contributions
Hi we will be joining the heli hike at Franz Josef glacier in end November. Do i need to wear a few layers of wool/warm jerseys underneath? Or just 1-2 think long sleeves + one warm layer is OK?
Mason S
5 contributions
kia ora ikihappy,
Yes we recommend to bring 2-3 warm upper layers and leggings or track pants down below. We will provide extra layers and waterproofs at no extra costs if we believe you do not have the sufficient gear. Please do not wear jeans. We look forward to welcoming you.
cailinruadh
Limerick, Ireland466 contributions
When walking on the Glacier is it relatively flat or are there any parts which have a steep decline ?
Federico H
Rosario39 contributions
Some parts are up and down, but it's not so rough. Enjoy!
Jungyeon L
2 contributions
Hi. Two questions! 1. Which is the better way to get to Franz Josef from Nelson - driving a car through the whole 6 hrs or plane to Hokataki and driving 2 more hrs? If driving 6 hrs I'll prolly depart afternoon, and if choosing airplane I'll take the morning flight of the next day. 2. For those who took helicopters - was it worth it? Thanks xx
Patricia W
Gainesville, FL975 contributions
We always drive. BEAUTIFUL drive. BUT, I would take the morning help up to the Glacier. Say - 10AM - so the fog has burned off.......
We loved it.
anna_banana1990
San Francisco, CA7 contributions
Hi! I am wondering about the physical fitness level necessary for the heli ice climb of Franz Joseph. My husband and I are in our late twenties and we have done plenty of mountain hiking, but we have never done an ice climb. Is this something that someone who can jog for 40min can do without a problem, or is greater physical endurance recommended? Thank you!
Andréa A
Vaxjo, Sweden127 contributions
Hi Anna, the heli hike is fine if you’re in like a regular good shape, it’s quite easy. The heli CLIMB i’m not quite sure. The heli hike and the heli climb are two different tours to Franz Josefs glacier :) anyhow, enjoy your trip to Franz Josefs, it’s magnificent!
AdrienneSelarep
Los Angeles, CA134 contributions
Where does everyone lodge to arrive at the location? Is driving to the glacier the only way to get to the tour location?
jimiflyjordan
3 contributions
They have 600 residents but 4000 motel rooms. Driving is the only way of getting there. There are bus tours that will take you there.