Franz Josef Glacier experiences are operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides Limited ("FJGG"). Helicopter transport to and from the glacier is provided by Inflite Franz and Fox Helicopters, a CAA-licensed aviation operator. Together, we are committed to providing you with a safe, friendly and memorable experience on one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural environments.
FJGG has been assessed to meet or exceed the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016, certified by AdventureMark™ (a WorkSafe NZ approved certification body), and holds Qualmark Gold accreditation, New Zealand tourism's official quality mark.
Franz Josef Glacier is a living; dynamic environment and conditions can change rapidly. Our team continuously monitors the glacier and makes safety decisions based on the most current information available, but guests should be aware that the terrain on the ice, including uneven surfaces, steep sections, and physically demanding ascents, can be challenging.
Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents significant natural hazards including avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, flooding, cold exposure, heights, uneven terrain, and sun exposure. In rare circumstances, conditions may result in guests experiencing delays on the ice or, in exceptional situations, being required to stay on the glacier overnight. Our guides are trained to manage these situations, and your safety always remains the priority.
By participating in this activity, you ("the customer") agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Assumption of Risk
Participation in adventure activities carries a degree of inherent risk. By participating in any experience provided by FJGG, you are expressly assuming those risks personally and are, to the maximum extent permitted by law, waiving and releasing FJGG and its officers, employees, and any subsidiary or related company from any liability, claims, losses, damages or expenses caused by any event including, but not limited to:
a) Personal injury or death.
b) Property loss or damage.
c) Acts which may be construed as negligent or accidental.
d) Any other loss, damage, suffering, emotional or nervous disorder.
2. Governing Law
The laws of New Zealand apply exclusively to these terms and conditions and the Courts of New Zealand have exclusive jurisdiction. You agree not to commence any litigation or proceedings in any other country in relation to the risks and perils set out in clause 1, and to indemnify FJGG against any such actions. In the event that any liability is attributed to FJGG, such liability is limited to the price paid for the activity.
3. Medical Fitness
By participating, you confirm that you are physically fit and have no medical conditions which may be aggravated by this activity. Please refer to the Health & Safety Information section of these terms for full details of medical and fitness requirements.
4. Medical Treatment
You consent to receive medical treatment in the case of injury, accident or illness during the activity, and agree to indemnify FJGG against any claims arising from such treatment.
5. Guide Instructions
You agree to always follow the instructions of your guide, including compliance with all Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) operating requirements, and to ensure any children in your care do the same. FJGG reserves the right to remove or refuse any guest who does not comply with instructions, or who is deemed to be acting recklessly, causing a nuisance, or otherwise unsuitable to participate.
6. Insurance
FJGG strongly recommends that all guests hold comprehensive personal travel and medical insurance, including cover for adventure activities, customer-initiated cancellations, personal injury, and loss of or damage to property.
7. Weather & Operational Cancellations
Our team operates year-round and makes every effort to get you onto the glacier safely. Ka Rōimata o Hine Hukatere/Franz Josef Glacier sits in one of the most dynamic weather environments in Aotearoa New Zealand, and on occasion it may be necessary to reschedule or cancel an experience due to weather, glacier conditions, or circumstances outside our control.
Where FJGG cancels or curtails an experience, we will offer either a reschedule (subject to availability) or a full or partial refund in accordance with our Operator Cancellations policy. FJGG does not accept responsibility for consequential costs arising from a cancellation, such as flights, accommodation, transport, or other pre-booked arrangements. This is why we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes activity cancellation and trip disruption cover.
8. Exceptions
Any decision regarding an exception to these terms and conditions will be made entirely at the discretion of Franz Josef Glacier Guides Limited.