If you’re searching for the best heli hike New Zealand has to offer, look no further than Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Nestled in the heart of Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast), Franz Josef Glacier is one of the world’s most accessible glaciers - a dramatic river of ice tumbling from the Southern Alps almost to sea level. Our signature Heli Hike experience combines a spectacular helicopter flight, an expertly guided glacier walk, and the chance to explore towering ice formations found nowhere else on earth.
A Glacier Unlike Any Other
Franz Josef Glacier is unique in its geology, movement, and accessibility. Few glaciers in the world descend into temperate rainforest, and even fewer can be reached within minutes from a township. The fast-flowing, ever-changing nature of Franz Josef creates an ice landscape filled with deep crevasses, caves, tunnels, and seracs - features that make every trek dynamic and different.
Because the glacier reshapes itself daily, our team maintains unparalleled knowledge of safe routes and the most impressive features to explore. This combination of accessibility, drama, and expert guidance is what makes our Heli Hike the leading glacier experience in Aotearoa.
The Ultimate Heli Hike Experience
Our Heli Hike begins with an unforgettable helicopter flight, lifting you above lush native forest into the vast icy world of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, the Franz Josef Glacier. From the moment you land, your journey becomes an immersive tour through ice formations carved by natural forces over centuries.
Our expert guides will equip you with crampons and gear before leading you on a two-hour glacier walk designed to showcase the glacier’s best features. You’ll navigate sparkling blue ice, squeeze through sculpted crevasses, and admire towering seracs glistening in the sunlight. Whether it’s your first time on a glacier or you’re an experienced hiker, our guides adapt the route to ensure the right balance of adventure, comfort, and awe.
Why Franz Josef Glacier Guides Is the Best
With over 30 years’ experience delivering glacier adventures, Franz Josef Glacier Guides is the only operator licensed to guide on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier itself. That exclusivity means we are deeply connected to the glacier’s rhythms, behaviour, and hidden beauty. It also means you’re experiencing the glacier with the team who knows it best.
Our commitment to safety, quality equipment, and exceptional customer service underpins every Heli Hike. We work closely with helicopter pilots, geologists, and safety experts to ensure each trek is both thrilling and secure. Our guides also infuse each tour with rich storytelling, weaving in geology, glaciology, and cultural context that brings the landscape to life.
Incredible Value in a World-Class Setting
Guests consistently tell us the Franz Josef Heli Hike is the highlight of their South Island journey. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and immersion, a chance to stand on a moving glacier, feel the crunch of ice underfoot, and discover one of Aotearoa’s most extraordinary taonga (treasures). With the glacier shifting constantly, every experience is unique, making your adventure one-of-a-kind.
A Must-Do on Any New Zealand Itinerary
For visitors seeking unforgettable experiences, the Franz Josef Heli Hike is a bucket-list essential. You’re not simply taking a glacier walk; you’re stepping into a world shaped by ancient forces and guided by experts passionate about sharing it. Whether you’re travelling solo, adventuring with friends, or exploring with whānau, this is the best heli hike New Zealand offers, hands down.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
Franz Josef Glacier Guides’ Heli Hike fills quickly, especially in peak season. If you’re ready to join an iconic trek across dazzling blue ice and see one of the world’s most remarkable glaciers up close, book your adventure today.