In short
- Scenic flights with brief snow landings cost around $320 NZD.
- Full guided heli-hikes start at over $500 NZD.
- Prices fluctuate and depend on flight duration and time on the ice.
In this article
Since 2019, foot access onto the lower glacier is permanently closed due to significant rockfalls. You must take a helicopter to physically walk on the ice. Tour operators offer different flight packages depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend on the glacier.
What is the Franz Josef Glacier heli hike price?
A guided heli-hike costs from $500 NZD to over $800 NZD.
This price covers the helicopter transfer and a guided hike through ice caves and crevasses. The entire experience takes about four hours, with two to three hours spent directly on the ice.
Prices change based on the booking platform, specific operator, and the season. Group sizes are usually limited to ensure safety among the deep cracks and towering pinnacles of ice.
How does a scenic flight compare to a heli-hike?
Scenic flights cost less and only include a short snow landing.
If you prefer a cheaper option, a scenic flight costs roughly $320 NZD. These 25-minute tours include a short 10-minute to 25-minute snow landing. You step out for photos in the high accumulation zone, but you do not hike.
Can you see Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers together?
Yes, dual-glacier flights provide broader views for a similar price.
A 35-minute flight covers both Franz Josef and a neighboring glacier. These flights include one snow landing for photos before returning to the township. The pilot chooses the specific flight path based on the day's weather conditions.
What is included in the heli hike price?
Guided heli-hikes include specialized technical gear in the ticket price.
Operators provide crampons, leather boots, woolen hats, and Gore-Tex jackets. You must bring your own warm, non-cotton base layers and sunglasses. Sunglasses are crucial for the intense UV glare reflecting off the white ice.
Do you get a refund if the flight is canceled?
Operators issue full refunds if weather grounds your flight.
The West Coast experiences frequent rain, leading to a helicopter cancellation rate of 30% to 50%. Always book early in your trip so you can reschedule. You can check current weather conditions at the Westland Tai Poutini Visitor Centre.
Can you see the glacier without paying?
The Franz Josef Glacier valley walk is completely free.
This 1.5 to 2 hour return trail leads to viewing areas near the terminal face. You cannot touch the ice, but parking at the trailhead costs nothing. The path is flat but rocky, and you must stay behind the safety barriers.
Free Walk Details
Questions travellers ask
Are helicopters the only way to get on Franz Josef Glacier?
Yes. Foot access onto the lower glacier was permanently closed in 2019 after significant rockfalls. You must book a helicopter flight to physically walk on the ice.
Do scenic flight prices include glacier hiking?
No. Standard scenic flights only include a brief 10 to 25-minute snow landing for taking photos. You need to book a specific heli-hike tour to explore the ice caves and crevasses.
What happens if my heli-hike at Franz Josef gets cancelled?
Helicopter flights are strictly dependent on weather. If your operator cancels your flight due to rain or low clouds, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule your tour.
