Franz Josef Glacier Tours — Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on flying versus walking, weather, fitness, getting there and cost — everything worth knowing before you book Franz Josef Glacier tours.
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.
Can I see a kiwi on the Okarito tours?
Rowi kiwi are nocturnal and elusive. The sanctuary visit usually shows a nest site rather than a live bird, and no sighting is guaranteed.
Are the lake tours related to the glacier?
Yes. Lake Mapourika is a kettle lake the Franz Josef Glacier carved and left behind as it retreated around 14,000 years ago.
What should I wear?
Warm layers and secure footwear. Avoid jeans on the walks and kayaks. Sandflies are common on the West Coast, so bring cover and repellent.
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.
Are the flights suitable for children?
Most operators carry children with weight-based conditions, and infants may sit on laps on some flights. Check the specific tour.
What's included in the heli-hike price?
Round-trip helicopter flights, all hiking equipment — jacket, over-trousers, boots, crampons, hat and gloves — and expert guiding on the ice.
Can I get to Franz Josef as a day trip from Queenstown?
There is a fixed-wing day-trip heli-hike from Queenstown run by a specialist operator. It's a long day of around six hours. It isn't currently bookable through this site.
Is Franz Josef or Fox Glacier better?
They're neighbours with similar experiences. Franz Josef has the steeper, faster ice and the larger visitor base, and several flights take in both.
What does “Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere” mean?
“The tears of Hine Hukatere,” from the Māori legend of the avalanche maiden whose tears froze into the glacier.
How fast does the glacier move?
Unusually fast for a glacier. Historically it has surged several metres in a single day, far quicker than a typical valley glacier.
Is the glacier really shrinking?
Yes. It has retreated substantially since 2008, which is why guided heli-access replaced the old valley-floor ice walks.
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.
Is there parking?
Yes, at the operator bases and at the public glacier-valley car park.
Can I bring my own camera on the skydive?
No. Personal cameras aren't permitted on the jump, but photo and video packages are available to buy.
Are meals included?
Generally no. Bring your own food and water, especially on the longer trips where there's little time to buy food.
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 the valley walk wheelchair accessible?
The public valley track is partly accessible but rough in places — contact operators for specifics. Most flights and the heli-hike are not wheelchair accessible.
How many tours do you list?
Sixteen verified tours across two booking platforms, from the $66 nature walk to private helicopter charters.
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.