On the iceFranz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
The only guided way onto Franz Josef Glacier: a short flight up, then about two hours on crampons among seracs and ice caves.
On the ice? Yes, about 2 h 15 min
Eleven trips around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, sorted by how close they get you: on the ice, at the viewpoint, on the lake, or above it all. Each has its own page with the day, the limits and what guests say.
Heli hikes: a short flight, then two to three hours on crampons with a guide. The only way onto either glacier.
On the iceThe only guided way onto Franz Josef Glacier: a short flight up, then about two hours on crampons among seracs and ice caves.
On the ice? Yes, about 2 h 15 min
Most time on iceUp to three hours on Fox Glacier after a four-minute flight from the village. Kids from 9, groups of 11 at most.
On the ice? Yes, up to 3 hours
From QueenstownFly from Queenstown over the Alps, spend about two hours on Franz Josef Glacier, and be back the same day.
On the ice? Yes, about 2 hours
Guided valley walks to the public viewpoints, with off-track trails and the story. You look at the ice, you do not touch it.
On footA small-group nature walk up the Franz Josef valley on public and private trails, ending at the public glacier viewpoint.
On the ice? No: public viewpoint, about 3 km from the ice
On footAn afternoon guided walk on the Fox Glacier South Side, with transport from Franz Josef and tea at a viewpoint.
On the ice? No: distant viewpoints, not the ice
Lake Mapourika by kayak or boat, with rainforest walks. Good in most weather.
Most reviewedA guided paddle across Lake Mapourika and up a rainforest creek, with transport and free photos. Easy for first-timers.
On the ice? No: mountain views across the lake
Kayak + walkPaddle Lake Mapourika, then walk a private trail in the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, reached only by water. Tea and photos included.
On the ice? No: a lake and rainforest trip
Easy paceA boat across Lake Mapourika and a guided walk in never-logged rainforest. No paddling, done in 2.5 hours.
On the ice? No: a lake and rainforest trip
Scenic flights with about 10 minutes on the snow. Fine for young kids and anyone who would rather not hike.
Snow landing25 minutes over the Franz Josef icefall with about 10 minutes on the snow. No hiking, fine for kids from 4.
On the ice? About 10 min on the snow, no hiking
Snow landing25 minutes over Franz Josef Glacier with a 10-minute alpine landing. In summer the site can be rock, not snow.
On the ice? About 10 min landing, no hiking
Private flightA private 20-minute flight for your group to the top of the Franz Josef icefall, with a snow landing. No hiking.
On the ice? Short snow landing, no hiking