From the moment you step on board the Franz Josef chopper, your experience will be unforgettable. Franz Josef heli hikes offer an amazing opportunity to explore one of the most spectacular Glaciers in New Zealand. You can expect your breath to be taken away with stunning views and the surroundings of the Franz Josef Glacier.
The adventure starts with getting kitted up to explore the Glacier with specially designed overalls and boots. Once kitted up, jump in the chopper and have your camera ready to capture the panoramic views of Franz Josef Glacier. (You access the Glacier by helicopter as this is the only way to reach the most popular Glacier in the south island of New Zealand).
Once you have taken a quick exhilarating helicopter flight high above the rugged terrain you will land safely with your group and guide, from here you will explore the Glacier by foot so be ready to study ice formations and navigate tight crevasses with your group.
Your friendly guide will lead you on an incredible 2.5-hour hike through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacial scenery in the world.
The experienced local guide will choose your route carefully as you go, and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary land of towering peaks and glistening blue ice.
Following this impressive 2.5 hour hike, you’ll return to ground with another incredible helicopter flight. This will almost certainly be your most memorable New Zealand experience and one you will remember forever.
Your tour begins at The Helicopter Line Base, situated on the Main Road (State Highway 6), Franz Josef Glacier, 7856.
On arrival the friendly team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing.
You will walk with your group and your guide to the heli-pad where you will board the chopper waiting to take you to the Glacier.
You will then have a short scenic helicopter transfer flying over the glacier valley and landing on the ice.
Once you land , you will begin your 2.5 hour heli hike exploring the amazing ice formations and crevasses with your experienced guide.
Once you have arrived safely back at the Franz Josef glacier guides check in centre, you can deposit your gear and collect your valuables and head back to your designated accommodation having just experienced one of NZ’s most spectualtor destinations.
Make own way to check in for your tour
Tour times 8:30am (check in 7:30am) & 11.00am (check in 10.00am)
Duration of Tour: 4 Hours
TRIP CANCELLATIONS
The changeable weather that shapes our dramatic landscape on the West Coast can also impact our ability to operate. We will not compromise the safety of our guests or staff in any circumstance, so if the weather conditions mean it’s not safe to operate a trip we will cancel it. All trips cancelled due to weather will be refunded. We need a four-hour window of clear weather to operate our Heli Hike, and because the weather is so changeable we are constantly monitoring weather reports and conditions on the glacier to make the safest and most accurate decision. Since we usually make the final weather call just before the trip departure, the best way to stay informed is to check with us or The Helicopter Line on the morning of your scheduled trip. If you can manage it, we recommend spending at least two days in the Franz Josef region to allow the best chance of getting onto a Heli Hike trip.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Pre-existing medical conditions Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It’s important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries ACL damage Joint replacements or dislocations Neck or back injuries Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure Diabetes Severe asthma If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.
SAFETY RESTRICTIONS
Participation Heli Hike Tours are operated by The Helicopter Line with guiding services provided by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. The Helicopter Line adheres to the highest safety standards to ensure ongoing safety for both guests and our team. They will be delighted to welcome you as a guest provided you: Weigh less than 115kg (253.5lb) Are not pregnant Are over the age of 8 years old, the weight of 35kg and the height of 137cm tall Are not under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol Have not been assessed by a lead guide as lacking the required fitness to complete the trip
If you need help with an existing booking please email us at [email protected], if your enquiry is urgent please follow up your email with a quick call on +61 2 5633 1149 so we can help you.
Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travelers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.
World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
Absolutely, just let us know your preferred start and finish location and we’ll make it work.
There is definitely no wrong way. We recommend either taking a WHIMIT or Hop on Hop off bus pass such as Greyhound or renting a campervan with some mates and hitting the open road. If you feel like getting pretty adventurous and want to get amongst the true Australian terrain, a 4WD may be better suited for you. Enquire now and we can help you find the most suitable transport option.
We get it. Life is all about the unexpected, especially when you are travelling. If you are unable to make your pre-arranged tour you will need to reach out to our support email so we can give you a helping hand. In all cases we strongly recommend having a valid travel insurance policy which covers you for unexpected cancellations.
Yes. All of our packages are customisable so if you would like to make any changes please contact our team.
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