Guided walks on Franz Josef Glacier are the most popular activity at Franz Josef, however since 2012 all glacier walks require a helicopter flight past the unstable terminal face. Franz Josef Glacier Guides run two tours on the glacier: a glacier heli hike and the more advanced heli ice climb.
The half-day glacier heli hike involves a helicopter flight that lands on the glacier followed by a three hour guided hike that lets you see ice formations including blue ice. The tours include gear such as crampons, boots and ice picks and gives you plenty of photo opportunities.
The heli ice climb is a more advanced alternative to the heli hike, which introduces you to the techniques involved in ice climbing. This is a five-hour excursion that gives you four hours on the ice.
Both trips also include entry to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools to relax after your hike.