Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

Outty Ranking 62 4.9 · 38 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $1,251
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 38 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 $1,251 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 38 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 (38)
Duration
7 hours
From
$1,251 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Wanaka

      From Queenstown you'll head North, crossing over the Pisa mountains, with great views of Lake Wanaka from above.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. 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

    6. 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

    7. 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

    8. 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

    9. 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

    Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 2Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 3Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 4Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 5Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 6Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    38 verified traveler reviews for Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    37
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Simmo1098 · September 2026

    Probably the most incredible experience in New Zealand and there are many!!!!

    We did the Franz Joseph Heli Hike tour out of Queenstown with True South. Our pilots, Lily and Micheal were incredible and the flight itself was perfect and the views over the southern alps and Mt Cook were stunning beyond words. The heli hike was another level, landing on Franz Joseph was an amazing experience in itself but walking around the glacier with our guide Ruby was next level. Unfortunately we had to leave early due to impending poor weather but we were looked after and refunded appropriately and fairly for the time we had to give up. I could not recommend TSL highly enough for making a once in a lifetime experience a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dream10609631695 · August 2026

    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

    koerts936 · August 2026

    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

    M332RPlindaa · April 2026

    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

    GRJames · February 2026

    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

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,251 to $2,149
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    13
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by True South Flights, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.3.

    See everything True South Flights runs

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $1,251 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 38 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?

    +

    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; and Collections and drop off to Queenstown Hotels. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 99 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?

    +

    Across 38 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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