Franz Josef Glacier ToursFranz Josef Glacier Tours
Westland Tai Poutini National Park · New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier Tours

Franz Josef Glacier tours put New Zealand's fastest-moving ice within reach — helicopter flights that land on the snow, guided heli-hikes across the crevasses, and rainforest valley walks, every option compared in one place.

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12 kmof flowing ice
300 mvalley-floor descent
From $66per person

Verified by the Franz Josef Glacier Tours team. Last updated: August 10, 2026

🏔️ Franz Josef / Waiau, West Coast· Top tours·Compare· FAQs·Getting here
Hand-picked

Top Franz Josef Glacier Tours for 2026

The tours that answer the big questions — walking the ice, landing on it, and seeing the glacier without flying.

Best SellerFranz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★ 4.6 (655 reviews)

~2h15m on the iceAll gear includedExpert ice guides

Fly high onto Franz Josef Glacier and spend around two and a quarter hours walking the ice itself — the only tour that puts crampons on your boots since the 2012 collapse ended valley access. Round-trip helicopter flights, boots, crampons, jacket and expert ice guides are all included, with your guide cutting steps and picking a safe line through caves and pinnacles. It is the most-booked tour at the glacier, and the reason is the time on the ice, not just the flight. Moderately challenging; check in at the Cron Street base 30 minutes early.

From $555 / person

4 hours · Free cancellation

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Top RatedFranz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★ 4.9 (238 reviews)

Lands on the glacierNo hikingSmall group

Lift off from Franz Josef village, climb over the icefalls and crevasses, and touch down on a snowfield high on Franz Josef Glacier itself for photos in the alpine air. The 25-minute loop is the best-rated helicopter flight here, and the landing is on the glacier — not the bare-rock alpine stop a similarly priced flight makes in summer. No hiking and no gear needed, which makes it the easiest way to actually stand on the ice. Ideal for families, tight schedules and anyone the heli-hike would exclude; check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.

From $238 / person

25 minutes · Free cancellation

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Best ValueFranz Josef Nature Tour

Franz Josef Nature Tour

★ 4.9 (115 reviews)

No flyingRuns rain or shineFamily friendly

Walk the glacier valley with a guide who opens rainforest side-tracks closed to independent visitors, ending at a viewpoint below the ice — the closest the valley floor now gets. Walking poles, umbrellas and wet-weather clothing are supplied, and the commentary covers the glaciology, the ecology and the story of the retreat you are looking at. At the glacier's price floor, it is the no-fly answer, and it runs rain or shine when helicopters are grounded. Suits most fitness levels and ages; meets on Main Road in the village, about three hours in total.

From $66 / person

3 hours · Free cancellation

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Why book with us

Trusted by Thousands of Visitors

🦹

Best Guides

Discover Franz Josef Glacier with expert local guides and pilots — people who read the ice and the weather every day, and know every crevasse, kettle lake and story in the valley.

🛡️

Book With Confidence

We found the best Franz Josef Glacier tours and tickets so you don't have to. Free cancellation on most departures, reserve now and pay later, no hidden fees.

❄️

Experience of a Lifetime

Stand on a river of ice above a rainforest — a meeting of worlds almost nowhere else on Earth stages — and leave knowing you saw it the right way.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice
✓ Free cancellation✓ Reserve now, pay later✓ Live operator prices
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before most tours — weather-cancelled flights are rebooked or fully refunded.
The full range

All Franz Josef Glacier Tours & Tickets

Helicopter flights, heli-hikes, guided walks, lake trips and big-sky adventures — compared in one place. Glacier tours lead; the above-ground trips round out a Glacier Country stay.

Likely to Sell OutPilot's Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

Pilot's Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★ 4.8 (390 reviews)

Pilot's best route2 glaciersSnow landing

The pilot picks the day's best line over two glaciers — Franz Josef and Fox — reading the weather and light to fly the most scenic legal route, with a snow landing high in the alps. That flexibility is the point: rather than a fixed loop, you get the flight the conditions deserve, which is why this departure carries the biggest review count of any flight here. Commentary runs throughout, and the landing adds unhurried photo time. A smart pick when you want a longer flight without committing to the full three-glacier circuit; check-in 30 minutes early, Comfort Seat at 120 kg.

From $285 / person

1 hour 20 minutes · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★ 4.8 (227 reviews)

Alpine landingPilot commentary25 minutes

A 25-minute scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier with an alpine snow landing high in the Southern Alps. The route climbs the glacier valley past the icefalls, and the landing site is chosen for conditions on the day — in high summer it can be an alpine ridge rather than the glacier surface itself, which is the honest difference from the snow-landing flight above. Small-group flying with pilot commentary throughout, and photo time at the landing. A solid-value way into the mountains when the glacier-landing departures are booked out; 30-minute check-in strictly enforced.

From $238 / person

25 minutes · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★ 4.6 (188 reviews)

Veteran operator2 glaciersSnow landing

A 35-minute twin-glacier flight with The Helicopter Line, one of New Zealand's longest-running alpine operators, crossing both Franz Josef and Fox with a landing in the high snow. The veteran operation is the differentiator — mountain flying has been their trade for decades, and the aircraft and pilots reflect it. The route delivers the two-glacier sweep at the same price point as the sister flight above, so the choice often comes down to departure times on the day. Solid mid-range option for couples and small groups; helicopter weight rules and the 30-minute check-in apply as standard.

From $299 / person

35 minutes · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

★ 4.8 (159 reviews)

2 glaciersSnow landing35 minutes

See both of the West Coast's famous glaciers in one 35-minute flight — Franz Josef and Fox from the air, with a snow landing high in the névé for photos. The twin-glacier route adds the second icefield for a modest step up from the single-glacier flights, which is the practical reason many visitors choose it. Flying with the operator's experienced mountain pilots, you get commentary on both valleys and the Southern Alps between them. A good middle option between the short hop and the grand alpine circuits; helicopter weight rules apply, with a Comfort Seat required at 120 kg.

From $299 / person

35 minutes · Free cancellation

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Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

★ 4.8 (135 reviews)

3 glaciers45 minutesSnow landing

The grand tour of the ice: a 45-minute flight taking in Franz Josef, Fox and the Tasman Glacier country, with Aoraki/Mount Cook and Westland's highest peaks on the horizon and a snow landing along the way. It is the longest and widest-ranging of the shared scenic flights, built for visitors who want the full sweep of the Southern Alps rather than a single valley. Pilot commentary runs the whole route, and the landing adds photo time in the high snow. The premium pick among the non-private flights; weather windows matter more on the longer route, so book early in your stay.

From $419 / person

45 minutes · Free cancellation

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Top RatedFranz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

★ 5.0 (38 reviews)

Flagship route5.0 rated40 minutes

The Mountain Scenic Spectacular is a 40-minute grand alpine flight with The Helicopter Line: both glaciers, the high peaks of the Southern Alps around Aoraki/Mount Cook, and a landing in the snow at altitude. It is the operator's flagship route and carries a perfect rating from the travellers who have flown it, trading a higher fare for the widest mountain panorama on the shared-flight list. Commentary and photo time at the landing are included. For visitors who want the full Southern Alps theatre in one flight; weather windows matter, so book it early in your stay.

From $405 / person

40 minutes · Free cancellation

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25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing

25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing

★ 4.8 (15 reviews)

Private charterUp to 325 minutes

A private 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing, for your group of up to three — the shortest of the private charters and the most direct way to have the ice to yourselves. You fly the classic glacier route without sharing the cabin, set your own pace at the landing, and take the front-seat views home. Priced per group, it lands close to the shared-flight cost per head when three fly together. Ideal for proposals, anniversaries and small families; the total experience runs a little over an hour door to door.

From $901 / group (up to 3)

1 hour 15 minutes · Free cancellation

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Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

★ 5.0 (7 reviews)

Private charterUp to 32 glaciers

Charter the helicopter privately for a one-and-a-half-hour, two-glacier experience over Franz Josef and Fox with a snow landing — just your group of up to three and the pilot. Private flying means the front seat, your own pace at the landing, and commentary tailored to what you want to see rather than a shared loop. The price is per group, not per person, which brings the per-head cost close to the premium shared flights for a full party of three. Built for couples marking an occasion, photographers who want the window, and families who prefer flying alone.

From $1235 / group (up to 3)

1 hour 30 minutes · Free cancellation

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Top RatedFranz Josef Off- Road Adventure Quad Bike Tour (Single Quad)

Franz Josef Off- Road Adventure Quad Bike Tour (Single Quad)

★ 4.9 (323 reviews)

Runs rain or shineGear suppliedAbove ground

Ride an automatic quad bike through rainforest tracks, farmland and glacier-fed river flats near Franz Josef village, mud very much included. Wet-weather gear and gumboots are supplied, guides run a full briefing for first-timers, and the pace adapts to the group. It is the classic bad-weather hero: the tour runs rain or shine, and a low-cloud day that grounds every helicopter is exactly when the river flats are at their moody best. No glacier access on this one — it is an above-ground adventure. Great for families and groups; passengers can double up with a driver.

From $146 / person

2 hours · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise

Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise

★ 4.8 (144 reviews)

Gentle cruiseTransfers includedAll ages

Cruise Lake Mapourika — the mirror-still kettle lake the Franz Josef Glacier carved and left behind — on a small covered boat with a skipper who knows the birdlife and the conservation story. The two-hour trip crosses to the Okarito shoreline, with tea, coffee and shelter on board and transfers from the village included. On a calm morning the reflections of the Southern Alps are the photograph of the trip. This is the gentlest tour at the glacier, runs in most weather, and suits every age and fitness level; sandfly cover is provided at the landing.

From $73 / person

2 hours · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

★ 4.9 (137 reviews)

Guided kayakGear includedNo experience needed

Paddle Lake Mapourika's glacial meltwater by kayak, tracing the shoreline where podocarp rainforest meets still, dark water the glacier left behind fourteen thousand years ago. Stable double kayaks, dry bags, paddle jackets and a guided briefing are included, with village transfers to the lake. The three-hour trip moves at a relaxed pace with time to drift under the birdsong — a completely different angle on Glacier Country from the flights. No experience needed and it runs in most weather; wear warm layers you can move in, and expect the sandflies the West Coast is famous for.

From $87 / person

3 hours · Free cancellation

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Franz Josef: Kayak & Walking Tour to Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Franz Josef: Kayak & Walking Tour to Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

★ 4.9 (72 reviews)

Kiwi sanctuaryKayak + walkRainforest track

Combine a guided kayak across Lake Mapourika with a walk into the Okarito sanctuary, home of the rare rowi — the world's rarest kiwi. The four-hour trip pairs the paddle with a private rainforest track, and the guides are honest about the odds: rowi are nocturnal, so the sanctuary stop usually shows a nest site rather than a bird. The draw is the untouched forest, the birdsong and the story of the recovery programme. All kayaking gear and transfers are included. For nature-focused travellers who want depth rather than adrenaline; moderate fitness covers it comfortably.

From $99 / person

4 hours · Free cancellation

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Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef

Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef

★ 5.0 (20 reviews)

16,500 ft~60s freefallStrict limits

Jump from 16,500 feet above Glacier Country in a tandem skydive that takes in Franz Josef, Fox, the lakes, the coast and Aoraki/Mount Cook on the horizon. Roughly sixty seconds of freefall, then a long canopy ride down over the ice and rainforest with your tandem master steering. The operation is small, meticulous and superbly reviewed, and photo-video packages replace the personal cameras that safety rules keep on the ground. Strict conditions apply: minimum 35 kg, assessment and surcharge at 100–115 kg, and no serious medical conditions — read the limits before you set your heart on it.

From $331 / person

3 hours · Free cancellation

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How it works

Your Glacier Day, Step by Step

1

Pick your tour

Fly, hike or walk — compare the options and book a free-cancellation slot for early in your stay.

2

Check in early

Helicopter check-in closes 30 minutes before departure and is strictly enforced — weather is assessed there too.

3

Fly or walk the ice

Gear is supplied on the heli-hike and the guided walk; pilots and guides handle the rest.

4

Weathered out? Rebook free

Grounded flights are moved or refunded in full — and the valley walk runs rain or shine.

See the top tours
The glacier

About Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier — Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere — is a 12-kilometre river of ice pouring from a névé above 2,500 metres down to just 300 metres above sea level, one of the only glaciers on Earth that descends into rainforest. Named for an emperor in 1865 and, far earlier, for a legend of frozen tears, it is among the fastest-moving glaciers in New Zealand. We'll take you through how to reach it, when to go, and the forces that built the valley — start with the guides below.

History & Legend

Surveyed and named by Julius von Haast in 1865 for Emperor Franz Joseph I, the glacier carries an older Ngāi Tahu name — the tears of Hine Hukatere, a climber whose grief froze into ice. The dual name was made official in 1998, and guides still tell the story on the glacier today.

Planning Your Visit

The village sits on State Highway 6 with tour bases on Main Road and Cron Street. Book flights for your first morning — weather cancellations are routine, and an early slot leaves buffer days to try again. Two nights is the comfortable stay.

Geology & Glaciology

Heavy Tasman Sea snowfall loads a 20-square-kilometre névé, driving ice down a steep valley fast enough to measure in metres per day. The same maritime weather carved Lake Mapourika and grows rainforest almost to the ice — and grounds the helicopters that serve it.

Visitors on the valley track below Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter climbing over the Franz Josef icefalls The terminal face and the Waiho River below the ice
Plan your visit

Franz Josef Glacier Trip Planner

The questions that stall most bookings, answered in one panel.

Getting to the glacier

Franz Josef village sits on State Highway 6 on the West Coast — most visitors drive or coach in, and the tour bases are a short walk apart on Main Road and Cron Street. The kayak and cruise tours transfer you to Lake Mapourika; everything else departs the village. Parking is easy at the bases and the public valley car park.

Full visiting guide →

When to go

Tours run year-round. Summer brings the longest days and biggest crowds; winter serves the clearest mornings between fronts but more cancellations; autumn is the quiet sweet spot. The habit that beats the calendar: book your glacier day for early in your stay, so a weathered-out flight still has days to fly.

Best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier →

What it costs

The guided valley walk starts at $66, snow-landing scenic flights from $238, and the heli-hike from about $556 — with private charters priced per group. Most tours cancel free up to 24 hours ahead, and weather-cancelled flights are rebooked or refunded in full, so booking early costs nothing extra.

Pricing and booking FAQs →

Limits worth knowing

The heli-hike is moderately challenging — about two hours on uneven ice. Helicopters require a Comfort Seat at 120 kg and over; the skydive has a 35 kg minimum and an assessment band at 100–115 kg. The guided walk suits most ages and fitness levels, and it's the reliable no-fly option.

Full safety & access guide →

Decide in one look

Which Franz Josef Glacier Tour Is Right for You?

Every tour, side by side — sorted by popularity. Pick on what matters: time, budget, and how close to the ice you want to get.

TourDurationBest forPriceRating 
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike4 hoursWalking on the ice — the full glacier experienceFrom $555★ 4.6Book
Pilot's Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min1 hour 20 minutesA longer flight flown to the day's conditionsFrom $285★ 4.8Book
Franz Josef Off- Road Adventure Quad Bike Tour (Single Quad)2 hoursA rainy-day adventure that always runsFrom $146★ 4.9Book
Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing25 minutesStanding on the glacier without hikingFrom $238★ 4.9Book
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing25 minutesValue alpine flying when glacier landings sell outFrom $238★ 4.8Book
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing35 minutesTwin-glacier flying with a veteran operatorFrom $299★ 4.6Book
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight35 minutesSeeing both glaciers on a mid-length flightFrom $299★ 4.8Book
Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise2 hoursGentle sightseeing and birdlife, every ageFrom $73★ 4.8Book
Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika3 hoursActive travellers who want the lake up closeFrom $87★ 4.9Book
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min45 minutesThe widest Southern Alps panoramaFrom $419★ 4.8Book
Franz Josef Nature Tour3 hoursNo-fly visitors, families, tight budgetsFrom $66★ 4.9Book
Franz Josef: Kayak & Walking Tour to Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary4 hoursNature lovers chasing rainforest and rowi countryFrom $99★ 4.9Book
Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight40 minutesThe premium shared alpine flightFrom $405★ 5.0Book
Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef3 hoursAdrenaline with the best view in WestlandFrom $331★ 5.0Book
25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing1 hour 15 minutesA private glacier landing without the long charterFrom $901 / group★ 4.8Book
Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins1 hour 30 minutesPrivate groups marking an occasionFrom $1235 / group★ 5.0Book
Traveller voices

Franz Josef Glacier Tours Reviews

★★★★★ Travellers rate these tours 4.6–5.0 across their booking listings — here's what they say, in their own words.

★★★★★

“The heli-hike was the highlight of our whole New Zealand trip. The guides carved steps into the Franz Josef Glacier ice as we went and explained everything — worth the price, even with the stop-start pace while they cut the route.”

Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike
James P. · United Kingdom · couple · 2025

★★★★★

“Landing on Franz Josef Glacier itself, not just flying over it, was the whole point — and it delivered. Rebooked once for weather, then flown on a perfect afternoon.”

25-minute snow-landing flight
Sandra W. · United States · solo · 2026

★★★★★

“A relaxed, informative Franz Josef Glacier tour on foot. We didn't want to fly, and this still got us close to the ice with a guide who clearly loved the valley.”

Guided nature walk
Helen R. · United Kingdom · couple · 2026

★★★★★

“The lake was mirror-still and the skipper's knowledge of the birdlife made the two hours fly. A gentle counterpoint to the glacier flights, and our older parents loved it.”

Lake Mapourika cruise
Robert F. · United Kingdom · family · 2026

★★★★★

“Beautiful reflections even under cloud. The gear kept us dry and the sandflies off, and paddling water the Franz Josef Glacier carved thousands of years ago is a story in itself.”

Kayak on Lake Mapourika
Anita M. · Netherlands · couple · 2026

★★★★★

“Gorgeous rainforest and an easy paddle-walk combo. Be realistic — we saw a rowi nest, not a kiwi — but the guides were upfront about that and full of local detail.”

Okarito kayak & walk
Claire D. · Australia · group · 2026

★★★★★

“Two glaciers plus a snow landing, and the pilot's commentary added a lot. Our first attempt was cancelled for cloud, which was frustrating on a short stay, but the rebooked flight was worth the shuffle.”

Pilot's Choice flight
Marcus T. · Germany · solo · 2026

★★★★★

“Thrilling from the first step of the briefing to the landing. The team was meticulous and reassuring — buy the photo package, since you can't take your own camera.”

Tandem skydive
Tyler B. · United States · first-timer · 2026

★★★★★

“Flown on a crystal winter morning with fresh snow on the tops — the grandest view of the Southern Alps we had all trip. Landing in the high snow was unforgettable.”

Mountain Scenic flight
Louise K. · New Zealand · couple · 2025

★★★★★

“Muddy, fun and well-run — the perfect backup on the day every Franz Josef Glacier flight was grounded. Kids rated it the best two hours of the holiday.”

Quad-bike tour
Priya N. · Australia · family · 2025

Read all reviews →
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk onto Franz Josef Glacier?
Not from the valley floor. A 2012 collapse of the terminal face ended ground access to the ice. The only way onto the glacier now is a guided heli-hike, which flies you to a landing high on the ice. The valley walk reaches a viewpoint about a kilometre short of the present terminal face.
What's the difference between a scenic flight and a heli-hike?
A scenic flight stays airborne with a short snow landing for photos. A heli-hike lands you on the ice for a guided walk — about two and a quarter hours on the glacier on the most-booked tour — with crampons and gear supplied.
What happens if my flight is cancelled for weather?
Helicopter weather is very changeable and flights are rescheduled regularly. You're offered an alternative time or date, or a full refund. Booking your first available day gives the most flexibility.
How much do Franz Josef Glacier tours cost?
From $66 for the guided nature walk, from $238 for a scenic flight with snow landing, and from about $556 for the heli-hike. Two private helicopter flights are priced per group rather than per person.
How fit do I need to be, and are there age or weight limits?
The nature walk suits most fitness levels; the heli-hike is moderately challenging. Helicopters require a Comfort Seat for passengers 120 kg and over, and the skydive has a 35 kg minimum with an assessment band at 100–115 kg. Children's participation is assessed individually.
Do I have to fly to see the glacier?
No. The guided nature and valley walk reaches a glacier viewpoint without flying, which also makes it the fallback when flights are grounded.
How early do I need to arrive?
Helicopter operators close check-in 30 minutes before departure and enforce it strictly. Arriving late can forfeit your booking.
Does the 25-minute flight actually land on Franz Josef Glacier?
Yes. Note that a similarly priced flight makes an alpine landing that may be bare rock in summer rather than a glacier landing, so check which one you're booking.
Is there a no-fly, ground-only glacier option?
The guided nature walk is the ground-only option, and independent walkers can also reach the public valley viewpoint on foot.
How long is the heli-hike in total?
About four hours door to door, with roughly two and a quarter hours of that spent on the ice.
Do Franz Josef Glacier tours run year-round?
Yes, weather permitting. Winter can bring clearer days but also more cancellations.
Do I need to book Franz Josef Glacier tours in advance?
Strongly recommended. The flights and the heli-hike regularly sell out, especially in summer.
Where do the tours depart from?
Mostly Franz Josef township, from bases on Main Road and Cron Street. The kayak and cruise tours transfer you out to Lake Mapourika.
What's the cancellation policy?
Most tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Some also cancel if a minimum group size isn't met, with a refund or reschedule.
Is it worth the money?
The heli-hike and flights are premium-priced, and reviewers consistently rate them among the highlights of their New Zealand trip, weather permitting.
See all FAQs →
Guides & tips

Franz Josef Glacier Guides & Tips

Heli-Hike vs Scenic Flight: Which Franz Josef Glacier Tour Is Right for You?
Guide

Heli-Hike vs Scenic Flight: Which Franz Josef Glacier Tour Is Right for You?

The core decision every visitor faces, mapped to budget, fitness and time on the ice.

Read the Franz Josef Glacier guide →
Can You Still Walk on Franz Josef Glacier?
Guide

Can You Still Walk on Franz Josef Glacier?

What the 2012 access change means, and the one way that still reaches the ice.

Read the Franz Josef Glacier guide →
The Best Time to Visit Franz Josef Glacier
Guide

The Best Time to Visit Franz Josef Glacier

Seasons, cancellation odds, and the booking habit that beats the calendar.

Read the Franz Josef Glacier guide →
Franz Josef Glacier With Kids, Age & Mobility in Mind
Guide

Franz Josef Glacier With Kids, Age & Mobility in Mind

Weight and age limits, which tours suit which travellers, and the no-fly option.

Read the Franz Josef Glacier guide →
The Legend Behind Franz Josef Glacier's Māori Name
Guide

The Legend Behind Franz Josef Glacier's Māori Name

Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere — the story of frozen tears, told with respect.

Read the Franz Josef Glacier guide →
Read all guides →
Find us

Getting to Franz Josef Glacier

Location

Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, West Coast, New Zealand

Tour departures

Operator bases on Main Road (SH6) and Cron Street, Franz Josef village. Lake tours include transfers to Lake Mapourika.

Getting here

By road on State Highway 6 — about 2 h from Hokitika, 5 h from Christchurch via Arthur's Pass. The glacier valley car park is 10 minutes south of the village.

Full directions & travel guide →

Book Your Franz Josef Glacier Tour

Free cancellation on most departures. Reserve now, pay later — and give the weather your first morning, not your last.

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