Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown worth booking?
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown is a 7-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $1799 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (37)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $1799 per person
True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world, meaning the ic
What you get
- Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide
- Two helicopter transfers onto the ice
- All essential hiking gear provided
- Guaranteed window seat for everyone on the plane
- Collections and drop off to Queenstown Hotels
- Round trip scenic flights from Queenstown to Franz Josef
About this experience
True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world, meaning the ice formations are constantly changing. The flight path you take to Franz Josef crosses over the Southern Alps, home to some of the most spectacular scenery, only visible by flight.
What's included
Included
- Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide
- Two helicopter transfers onto the ice
- All essential hiking gear provided
- Guaranteed window seat for everyone on the plane
- Collections and drop off to Queenstown Hotels
- Round trip scenic flights from Queenstown to Franz Josef
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Queenstown
Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.
Pass by without stopping
Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart.
30 minutes here
Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area
Pass by without stopping
Wanaka
From Queenstown you'll head North, crossing over the Pisa mountains, with great views of Lake Wanaka from above.
Pass by without stopping
West Coast Region
After crossing the Southern Alps, you'll get some stunning views of the West Coast National Park. This includes some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Franz Josef Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.
Pass by without stopping
Franz Josef
After landing in Franz Josef, our guiding partners will drive you 10 mins to the glacier base. Here you will gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide.
60 minutes here
Franz Josef Glacier
Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Franz Josef Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base.
150 minutes here · Admission included
West Coast Region
Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane. Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.
Pass by without stopping
Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- True South Flights
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children and weight restrictions are applicable for this tour
- Existing or previous medical conditions including (but not limited to) those listed below may have an impact on your ability to participate in our Glacier Heli Hike. It's important that you advise us of the following when making your booking: Ankle or knee injuries; ACL damage; Joint replacements or dislocations; Neck or back injuries; Heart conditions and high / low blood pressure; Diabetes; Severe asthma. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate in the trip we recommend you consult your medical practitioner prior to booking. In addition to this, our lead guides may need to restrict guest participation on a Heli Hike Trip based on the specific conditions of the glacier on the day.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend!
Stunning views the whole trip and a fun adventure for our first time on a small plane. Special thanks to Belinda at the front desk and our pilot Dan for making it an enjoyable journey from booking to landing back in Queenstown.
via Tripadvisor
Trip of a lifetime
This can be classed as one of those must do trips. Spend the money and enjoy an entire day flying and hiking on a magnificent glacier. The entire process went smoothly, we had stunning weather, communication with the tour company was excellent because all this is weather dependent. If cancelled they let y out know and you lose nothing. Once at location you will be lost for words. The hike through the glacier landscape exceeded all my personal expectations. I don’t typically write reviews but this place and the experience is worth every cent. Save up and just do it and u reckon you’ll be talking about it for months . Most importantly- take lots of videos and photos
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day
Great day but we were blessed with perfect weather. From the start with our pilot Dan to our hike guide Kirk we couldn’t fault io
via Tripadvisor
The highlight of a six week stay in NZ
Aside from stunning scenery on both the fixed wing and helicopter flights, which was indeed stunning, the entire operation was very professionally run. It was on time, thorough, safe, and very friendly. It's actually a partnership between a fixed wing operator, a helicopter operator, and a glacier guiding service. However, you wouldn't really know that unless you asked, as I did (out of curiosity). It's seamless and that removes all the stress and allows you to focus on the trip and enjoy everything it has to offer.
via Tripadvisor
Life altering awesome experience
This is a once in a lifetime truly amazing experience. The team was amazing and they did all they could to make sure that we were safe. Due to bad weather, our trip was moved to the Tasman glacier. Which was spectacular safety measures were top notch, and I feel extremely confident in recommending them. What was truly outstanding was the guide from Alpine trekkers who was so knowledgeable and took us for a two hour track on the ice at the glacier.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1799 to $2149
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown cost?
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Prices start at $1799 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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