Hiking and ice climbing on Franz Josef Glacier

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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.

Our address

Address:
63 Cron Street, Franz Josef
Telephone (03) 752 0763
Website www.franzjosefglacier.com

    There are 11 comments from Foursquare

  • Catherine, 01 Jan 2018


    Go across for a nice kayak tour if the helicopters aren’t flying on that day.

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  • Kah-Mun, 25 Feb 2016


    They lend everything you need for the trip! Lovely informative guides. They don't have lockers and give you a tiny hiking bag (so you can fit in the helicopter) so don't bring too much!

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  • Keefer, 19 Dec 2015


    The valley walk hike doesn't go anywhere special - even the guide admitted there wasn't anything stopping the general public from going the same places.

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  • TK, 25 Dec 2014


    Arrive 15 minutes early for your tour and expect confusion if it's a gorgeous sunny day. That said, our Ice Explorer tour was amazing, our guides were terrific--cautious, friendly, kind, competent.

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  • Stephanie, 26 Feb 2014


    Beware because the weather can change in a minute. We had our trip cancelled right when we were about to leave on the helicopter. They did a great job making a new trip the next day! Loved it!

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  • Hery, 24 Jun 2012


    If you are happen in NZ, this is a MUST.

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  • Wei Way, 20 May 2012


    The ice explorer hike is cancelled cos the glacier is melting off :( u can spend 250 to take d heli to another further location or pay only 109 to take d fox glacier ice explorer instead

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  • Franz Josef Glacier Guides, 10 Oct 2011


    Book online direct and get free hot pools with every heli hike if booked before the end of Ocotber! www.franzjosefglacier.com

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  • Emma, 05 Feb 2011


    If you have the time go for the full day! So worth it! Plus you get an entry to the hot pools!

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  • Franz Josef Glacier Guides, 20 Dec 2010


    From 1 December - all new bookings for a half and full day hike includes Glacier Hot Pool entry! Yah! Walk then soak!

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  • Franz Josef Glacier Guides, 14 Sep 2010


    The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers. Make sure you book for a full day hike as you get much further up on the ice and into the most

      Liked 1 times.