Everything to sort out before you go: whether you can walk on the glacier, the free valley and Fox Glacier walks, Franz Josef or Fox for a heli hike, what happens in bad weather, and what to wear on the ice.
Can You Walk on Franz Josef Glacier? 2026 Honest AnswerWhat you can reach on foot, and what needs a helicopter.Read the guide →
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk 2026: Free Track GuideThe free track to the viewpoint, plus every walk nearby.Read the guide →
Fox Glacier Walks 2026: What's Open and How Close You GetThe South Side Walkway, Lake Matheson and what closed in 2019.Read the guide →
Franz Josef vs Fox Glacier Heli Hike 2026: Which to BookTwo glaciers, two heli hikes: time on ice, ages, price.Read the guide →
Heli Hike Weather Cancellations 2026: Odds, Refunds, Plan BHow often trips cancel, refunds and a plan for rain days.Read the guide →
What to Wear on a Heli Hike 2026: Franz Josef & Fox ListWhat they lend you, what to bring and what's banned.Read the guide →Tours
The three trips most people choose between. Every tour has its own page with how close it gets you and what guests say.
Most time on ice
★ 4.94 hoursFree cancellationA four-minute flight onto Fox Glacier, 25 km south of Franz Josef, then up to three hours exploring the ice with a guide. Cheaper, and the higher rated of the two.
On the ice
★ 4.64 hoursFree cancellationThe only guided way onto Franz Josef Glacier: a short helicopter hop to the icefall, then about two hours on crampons. Boots, jackets and crampons are supplied.
On foot
★ 4.93 hoursFree cancellationA guided nature walk up the glacier valley, half on the public track, half on trails you cannot walk alone. You see the glacier from the viewpoint, never on it.