Every page on this site
Every page on FranzJosefGlacierHike.com in one place. Most visitors start with the tours, then read the guides.
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On the glacier
Plan your trip
Tours
- All tours
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli HikeThe only guided way onto Franz Josef Glacier: a short flight up, then about two hours on crampons among seracs and ice caves.
- Fox Glacier Heli HikeUp to three hours on Fox Glacier after a four-minute flight from the village. Kids from 9, groups of 11 at most.
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley WalkA small-group nature walk up the Franz Josef valley on public and private trails, ending at the public glacier viewpoint.
- Fox Glacier Valley WalkAn afternoon guided walk on the Fox Glacier South Side, with transport from Franz Josef and tea at a viewpoint.
- Lake Mapourika Kayak and Rainforest WalkPaddle Lake Mapourika, then walk a private trail in the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, reached only by water. Tea and photos included.
- Lake Cruise and Rainforest WalkA boat across Lake Mapourika and a guided walk in never-logged rainforest. No paddling, done in 2.5 hours.
- Lake Mapourika Kayak TourA guided paddle across Lake Mapourika and up a rainforest creek, with transport and free photos. Easy for first-timers.
- 25-Minute Glacier Flight with Snow Landing25 minutes over the Franz Josef icefall with about 10 minutes on the snow. No hiking, fine for kids from 4.
- Glacier Explorer Flight and Landing25 minutes over Franz Josef Glacier with a 10-minute alpine landing. In summer the site can be rock, not snow.
- 20-Minute Glacier Flight with Snow LandingA private 20-minute flight for your group to the top of the Franz Josef icefall, with a snow landing. No hiking.
- Queenstown to Franz Josef Heli HikeFly from Queenstown over the Alps, spend about two hours on Franz Josef Glacier, and be back the same day.
Guides
- All guides
- Can you walk on it?What you can reach on foot, and what needs a helicopter.
- Valley walkThe free track to the viewpoint, plus every walk nearby.
- Fox Glacier walksThe South Side Walkway, Lake Matheson and what closed in 2019.
- Franz Josef or FoxTwo glaciers, two heli hikes: time on ice, ages, price.
- Weather & cancellationsHow often trips cancel, refunds and a plan for rain days.
- What to wearWhat they lend you, what to bring and what's banned.
Blog
- All posts
- Walks open in summer 2026-27Every valley track, its length and its status this summer.
- Heli hike prices 2026-27Direct NZD vs Viator USD, what is included, the extras.
- Glacier parking fees 2026What the glacier car park costs, how to pay, how to skip it.
About this site
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Quick answers
- Can you walk on Franz Josef Glacier?
- Can you walk to Franz Josef Glacier without a helicopter?
- How much does the Franz Josef heli hike cost?
- Is Franz Josef or Fox Glacier better for a heli hike?
- Can you still see Fox Glacier?
- What happens if the heli hike is cancelled because of the weather?
- What should I wear on a heli hike?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- Is the heli hike hard?
- Heli hike or snow-landing flight?
- When is the best time to visit Franz Josef?