Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour

Summary Description

Make your way to the heli-hiking home base, where you’ll meet a guide and be fitted with all necessary equipment, including a waterproof jacket, glacier boots, and an ice axe.

Board a helicopter for the flight over Franz Josef Glacier, a massive 7.5-mile (12 kilometer) glacier. Soar over towering peaks, deep crevasses, and winding streams of glacial melt. The pilot will guide the helicopter onto the ice, touching down high on the glacier.

Climb in and around ice caves, capturing remarkable photographs of the frozen landscape, and learn the history of Franz Josef Glacier. Following the hike, board the helicopter for the spectacular return flight, retracing your path with sweeping views across the Southern Alps.

Highlights
  • Touch down between two dramatic ice falls
  • Don provided mountaineering equipment for a guided hike
  • Great way to access extreme mountain terrain with no experience needed
Description

Heli-hike the Franz Josef Glacier on an adventurous mountaineering tour that explores the Southern Alps from the air and on the ice. Flying over Franz Josef Glacier is great for panoramic views of crevasses and ice falls, and the guided hike gets you to a fantastic vantage point high on the glacier to explore ice caves and glacial terrain up close, with all mountaineering equipment provided.

Included / Excluded
  • Helicopter ride
  • Professional guide
  • 2-hour hike on the glacier
  • Use of gear (glacier boots, talons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Duration: 3h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Additional Information

Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Minimum age is 8 years
It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures
Moderate level of fitness is required
Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather
Maximum weight limit of 120kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 30kg (subject to ice conditions)
What to bring
Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)
Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers

FAQ

How much time do I need for Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour?

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On average, this experience will take approximately 3h.

How much is Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour?

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Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour price starts from $335.96.

What is the Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour cancellation policy?

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Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Which company provides Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour?

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Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour is hosted by The Helicopter Line West Coast. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact on Tripadvisor.

Operated by:

The Helicopter Line West Coast

About operator:

Discover the magnificent phenomenon of the glaciers. Experienced helicopter pilots share their knowledge whilst overflying the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields, exposing extraordinary colours of ice flow, ice caves and pinnacles in this largely inaccessible alpine region. All flights feature a snow landing. Alternatively combine a scenic helicopter flight with an unforgettable guided helihike amongst the glacial ice formations with the professional and experienced Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 3 hours
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