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Is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike Worth it? – My Review!

Is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike Worth it? – My Review!

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Thinking about doing the iconic Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike?

I’m not surprised – it’s one of the most famous things to do in Franz Josef. Having done it myself, I can promise you it is an epic experience, but it’s not exactly cheap. So is it worth the hefty price tag, or should you save your money?

This Franz Josef heli-hike tour is one of the best things I’ve ever done in New Zealand. And I’ve lived here since 2018, so that’s really saying something! But I do understand why you might be hesitant, so I’ve written an honest and in-depth view to help you make up your mind. 

Why Book on Viator

While reading this blog, you may wonder why the links to the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike go to the tour website Viator. I’ve been using Viator to book tours for YEARS and actually wrangled a special discount code for you guys if you book the heli-hike right here.

Here are some of the reasons I personally booked this tour with Viator and recommend the same for you:

  1. Exclusive discount code – I have an exclusive discount code for you that will save you 5% by booking through this link or any of the links in this blog. The code is automatically applied and the discount shows up just before you pay in the price breakdown.
  2. Free cancellation – This is a bucket list tour that you MUST reserve in advance to guarantee a spot, but I get it, plans can change. As long you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts, you won’t be charged.
  3. Reserve now and pay later – This tour is incredible, but it is pricey! Along with the discount code, you can also access buy now and pay later, when you book online here. It’s helpful for budgeting for the heli-hike so you don’t have to come up with the cash months in advance!
  4. Pay in whatever currency you want – Visiting New Zealand from Australia, the US, Canada, or another country? No problem! Pay in whatever your local currency is and you’ll avoid expensive international transaction fees.

What is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike?

A tour group walk through a thin path within the Franz Josef Glacier
It’s an adventure lover’s dream experience!
  • Price: $713 NZD – $816 NZD
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Starts from: Franz Josef town
  • Rating: 5 stars (Check 250+ reviews here!)

In my opinion, this heli-hike tour is the best way to explore the Franz Josef Glacier. While you can walk up to its edge from the town, nothing beats the chance to actually go hiking on its surface. And to do this, you’ll need a helicopter! 

So basically, the tour starts with a scenic helicopter ride, and then you land on the glacier where you get to hike on its surface. Talk about the best of both worlds!

The helicopter ride is pretty quick, but it lasts long enough to blow you away with the glacier views. Then, once you land on the surface, it’s time to hike. Walking on the glacier’s surface is crazy! Exploring all of the crevasses and pinnaces made me feel like I’d gone through a portal into a fantasy world.

Obviously, this is a pretty extreme activity but there’s no need to worry because you’ll have an expert guide to lead the way. My guide made me feel really safe and taught us tons about the glacier itself.

Probably the most important thing to know about the Franz Josef heli-hike is that it needs to be booked in advance. Unsurprisingly, it’s an incredibly popular thing to do. During the winter, it usually books up weeks in advance, but during the summer, we’re talking months! So my advice would be to book it as far in advance as you can so that you don’t miss out. 

My Experience on the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike 

A helicopter fly's towards the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
On our way to the Franz Josef Glacier

I did this Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike in January, which is the peak tourist season in New Zealand! For that reason, I booked it well in advance so that I managed to grab a coveted spot. And let me tell you, I was beyond excited. 

Those who are staying in Franz Josef town itself (check out my picks for hotels in Franz Josef here!) can actually just walk to the heli base. But I was staying in the Top 10 Holiday Park which is a few minutes outside of town, so I drove instead.

Once I arrived, my group received our briefing, watched a safety video, and geared up for the glacier hike. I didn’t have to buy or hire any extra equipment to do the heli-hike, which was nice! 

Then, the real fun began when we jumped in our helicopter and took to the sky. The ride to the glacier was short, but surreal. The views of the Franz Josef Valley and glacier took my breath away. I felt like I was dreaming! 

A tour group board a helicopter after a Franz Josef Heli hike tour
The glacier trekking tours take you to explore the more exposed part of the glacier!

When we landed, we hopped out of the helicopter and waited on the glacier’s surface for the whole group to be ready. Once everyone was good to go, we headed off across the ice with our guide, Aiden. We began to explore the streams, ice caves, and pinnacles as we trekked across the ice. One thing that surprised me was how warm I got during the hike, given that I was standing on a glacier.

I absolutely loved learning about the glacier, and Aiden really knew his stuff. One detail that really blew me away was the blue ice. I thought that only existed in movies, but it turns out that it happens because glacier ice is super dense – not like the ice in your freezer! 

All in all, we must have spent around 2 hours exploring the surface of the glacier. I was having such a blast that the time just flew by. I didn’t want the tour to end, although the blow was definitely softened by another scenic ride back to Franz Josef. 

Honestly, I thought this experience was worth every penny and I am so glad that I did it. It was a half-day well spent and I would 100% consider it a must-do in New Zealand. 

Pros of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike 

A guide leads tourists on the Franz Josef glacier in New Zealand
Walking on a glacier was a surreal experience!

Exploring the glacier

You can only explore the Franz Josef Glacier with a tour, so the heli-hike offers such a unique opportunity to explore its surface. Walking on a glacier is an experience like no other, and I was blown away. Plus, this is one of the most famous glaciers in the world, so I love being able to say that I’ve walked on it!

Two scenic helicopter rides

As if exploring the glacier wasn’t enough, you also get to enjoy two scenic helicopter rides – not bad! I loved the views as we flew over the valley and the glacier. The heli-hike tour means that you get to see the glacier from every angle possible! 

Fantastic guides

I have to give a shout-out to the heli-hike guides, who are just wonderful and really do go above and beyond. They gave super clear instructions and were very well-organized. My guide on the glacier, Aiden, knew his stuff about the glacier and taught me a ton, and he was so positive and encouraging to everyone in our group. 

Ice on the Franz Josef Glacier
So much ice!

Most equipment provided (but make sure you bring sunglasses)

Before you get in the helicopter, you’ll be kitted out with everything you need, including glacier boots and ice crampons. We were also given ice axes, waterproof jackets, and warm socks. This means that you don’t need to bring any special equipment to Franz Josef or worry about hiring gear in town. Just make sure you bring a good pair of sunglasses, as it gets very bright on the glacier, but I’m sure you’ll have those with you anyway! 

Bucket list experience

Helicoptering to and hiking on a world-famous glacier? That’s definitely a bucket list experience in my book! It’s on my list of the best things to do on the South Island and after having done it myself, I can confirm that it definitely lives up to the hype. It’s an otherworldly experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life! 

Great for most fitness levels

The heli-hike is suitable for most people! You don’t need to be a gym-goer or keen hiker to do this, or have any experience with hiking on glaciers. Just a basic level of fitness will suffice. It wasn’t as physically demanding as I expected, so as long as you’re in okay shape, you’ll be able to do the glacier hike without any problems.

Related Read: Need help getting here? Check out my road trip guide for the drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef!

Cons of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Close up of Franz Josef Glacier from the air in New Zealand
Up close and personal

Expensive

The biggest downside to the Franz Josef heli-hike is the price! At $713 NZD – $816 NZD, it’s certainly not cheap, especially for an experience that only lasts a few hours. I think it’s worth saving for, but if you’re trying to do New Zealand on a budget, you might need to skip this one. 

I do have that 5% discount code if you book this tour online here (the discount will show up just before you have to pay). While it’s a small discount, every little bit helps right!

It can be a little slow on some parts of the tour

The only critique I have of the experience itself is that it’s a little stop-start. At several points, we had to wait for our guides to carve steps into the glacier, which made the walk easier but also slowed the pace. Glaciers shift all the time so it’s not something that can really be helped, but I felt we could have seen even more of the glacier if we had picked up the pace a bit! 

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Who is the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike suited to?

Franz Josef Glacier trekking tour
Most people can do this!

As I mentioned earlier, the heli hike is very doable for most fitness levels, but there are a few caveats in place. First, it’s only suitable for kids aged 10 and over, which is something for families to bear in mind. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, either, or people with heart problems.

There are also minimum and maximum weight limits. Kids who are old enough for the hike must also weigh at least 35 kg (77 lbs). There’s also an upper weight limit of 115 kg (253 lbs), and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, either. 

Would I do the Heli-Hike again?

The Franz Josef Glacier as seen from the helicopter ride to the glacier
Yes!

Yes, absolutely! In fact, I loved it so much that I plan to do it again someday. This is now one of my must-do activities in New Zealand, and it definitely lives up to the hype. It’s one of the best things I have ever done here, and an experience I will never forget.

Related Read: Another experience I would absolutely do again is a Milford Sound Nature Cruise – read my review here!

Other Things to do While in Franz Josef

Bailey at the Franz Josef valley viewpoint
The glacier viewpoint!
Glow worms in the Waitomo Glow worm cave in New Zealand
Glow worms are incredible to see up close!

Even though Franz Josef is a tiny town, there are a lot of scenic things to do while in Franz Josef. If you have more time to spend here, check out some of my top suggestions below!

  • Hiking – There are plenty of other amazing hikes that aren’t on a glacier! Of course, the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (see my photo of the viewpoint above!) is among the best hikes in New Zealand as is the hike to the nearby Fox Glacier. If you’d like a guide for that hike, this small group hiking tour in the Fox Glacier Valley comes well recommended!
  • Glow worms – See these incredible creatures is one of the best free things to do in Franz Josef! You can see them along the Terrace Walk. Under the fallen trees near the beginning is the best place to spot the shimmering glow worms.
  • Quad biking – On this 2-hour tour, you will follow your experienced guide across bright blue rivers, through stunning rainforests, and even speed over ancient glacial riverbeds. If the conditions are muddy, it just means more fun!
  • Visit hot pools – Another activity I love in Franz Josef is visiting the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. These beautiful hot pools are so relaxing, especially after a long drive or hiking adventure. There are three public pools that are all at different temperatures as well as private pools.
  • Skydiving – If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving or want to do it again but in the most scenic locations in the world. You can do it from Franz Josef and pick between a few different heights, the higher you jump from, the longer the freefall!

Where to Stay in Franz Josef

Franz Josef town, New Zealand
Franz Josef town, New Zealand

The small town of Franz Josef may be small, but it’s such a beautiful place to stay with lots of lively restaurants, bars, and other fun attractions to check out in town! There are lots of fantastic accommodation choices in Franz Josef to check out too – here are some of my favorites:

Glow Worm Accommodation – $

For budget travelers, Glow Worm Accommodation is a great choice. It’s located within walking distance of everything and offers dorm and private rooms at really affordable prices. I stayed here on my first-ever trip down the West Coast and had a social night with other travelers. The private rooms here are also really nice, and super affordable!

A bed in a dorm here starts as low as $40 NZD per night, and you can nab a private room from around $115 NZD per night. This is a popular accommodation choice though, so make sure to check out your dates in advance. You can book your stay here on Booking.com or here on Hostelworld.

Aspen Court (Franz Josef) – $$

For those with a slightly larger budget, the Aspen Court Franz Josef is a good mid-range option with outstanding reviews. The hotel is located on the outskirts of town but is only a short walk from the best restaurants and bars. They also have apartments and studios, so it’s perfect for those who like to prepare their own meals or those traveling in a group/family.

A one-night stay here at Aspen Court starts from around $297 NZD for a studio room, with all rooms coming with a kitchenette too. You can check out available dates and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat – $$$

If you’re a luxury traveler, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is pure bliss! The entire retreat is surrounded by lush forest, and you’ll be able to hear the sounds of nature right from your balcony. Rooms are also large and well decorated, and you’ll also have access to their state-of-the-art spa during your stay, offering massages, facials, and more.

Don’t forget about their incredible on-site restaurant too! The Canopy Restaurant and Bar offers “fine dining in the rainforest,” where you’ll dine among the treetops, savoring local produce and the world-famous Otago lamb!

Rooms here at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat aren’t cheap, starting from around $900 NZD per night. That said, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for the perfect place to enjoy your honeymoon, or simply want to experience one of the best hotels Franz Josef, this is the place for you! You can check your dates online here and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Bailey stands and smiles with a JUCY Campervan New Zealand
Bailey sits in a Star RV campervan in New Zealand with mountain in the background-2

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

  • Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
  • Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey poses for a photo on a trail in Franz Josef, New Zealand
Thanks for reading!

The heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier is an experience you’ll remember forever! It had a place on my bucket list the moment I found out about it and it was pretty exciting to check this off. It’s so cool to think my footsteps are on that glacier and soon yours could be too!

Whether you’re stopping in Franz Josef briefly or it’s part of a huge South Island trip, I would love to help you plan an amazing vacation. Have a look through other blogs about Franz Josef or all my blogs on the South Island for more inspiration!

13 BEST Stops on the Drive from Christchurch to Franz Josef

10 BEST Things to do in Fox Glacier, NZ

10 EPIC South Island Road Trips You’ll Love in New Zealand