The 15 Tours in Franz Josef That Earn Their Price

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over glacier crevasses and ice pinnacles, with guided commentary through your headset. The flight includes a 10-minute snow landing, or an alpine landing in summer when snow is absent. Pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam have been praised for clear commentary, but weather can cancel the route.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

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2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Fly from Franz Josef village to the glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among crevasses, ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs with a small group. Guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Abby combine glacier science with Maori stories. Gear is supplied, but you need good fitness and flexible plans for weather.

“Absolutely loved this trip. From start to finish so well organised. Our tour guides Tom and Hannah were great and kept us all safe. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely do this experience again! Thank you”

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3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly by helicopter from Fox Glacier onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, then spend up to three hours walking through ice caves, crevasses, arches, and blue ice. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy lead the route and cut fresh steps as the glacier changes. Gear is supplied, but warm layers, balance, and flexible plans are essential.

“It is spectacular, we had an amazing experience. Would absolutely recommend and do it again! I normally get motion sickness, but was completely fine on the helicopter ride. I felt very safe the entire time and really enjoyed the heli ride and the hike. Make sure you dress warm and you’ll love it! They provide wet weather gear, shoes, crampons - they are very organised and the quality is excellent. The staff are all amazing, cannot recommend this experience and guiding company more highly.”

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4.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

You’ll fly with Glacier Country Helicopters over Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with live commentary from your pilot and a 10-minute snow landing. Pilots including Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Gus have been praised for calm flying and clear local insight. Routes and landings depend on weather.

“Amazing Glacier landing - don't miss out on a lifetime experience!”

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5.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $92

Spend about three hours kayaking Lake Mapourika with a local guide such as Max, Ollie, or Dani. Expect calm water, rainforest, native birds, conservation stories, and possible views of the Southern Alps. Kayaks, safety gear, transport, instruction, and digital photos are included.

“Danny was our guide, she is wonderful. The kayak was one of the best that we have done in years. We have done a few but this one was unique. It was raining that day a I thought this was not going to be good, but then the water is warmer and as we reached the mirror river, things began to clear up, and it was so calm and beautiful. Because of the rain, the chopper were not flying so it was clam, quiet and beautiful. It was memorable. Thank you Dani for this experience.”

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6.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

From Franz Josef township, fly above Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photos and mountain views. The flight lasts about 30 minutes, with 35 minutes total for check-in, flight, and landing. Weather can change the route, so keep your schedule flexible.

“the setup was excellent, the staff welcoming and knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable”

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7.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300

Fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and, conditions permitting, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the route and snow landing site, with about 10 minutes on the ice for photos. Pilots such as Gus, Mike, Mark, Aaron, and Eddy are praised for clear commentary. Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes in all.

“The company has been very proactive in informing guests of flight probabilities as impacted by impending weather. Communication was excellent and there was a high degree of flexibility in adapting flight schedules according to customers’ needs and weather.”

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8.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef town to the ice, then spend about 2.5 hours hiking across changing glacier terrain with a trained English-speaking guide. Expect crevasses, blue ice, ropes, and possible ice caves. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Abbey, and Tom add local stories and glaciology, while all key gear is provided.

“After a rain out before the day began, them a second rain out after we arrived the next day for attempt 2, the third time was the charm for us, though sadly our hike was cut short again due to weather. However the helicopter rides were smooth, the views gorgeous, and the hiking an absolute blast for all ages. Rosa, our guide, was excellent.”

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9.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly onto Fox Glacier, fit crampons, and follow a local guide through ice caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels for up to three hours. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa are praised for clear glacier explanations and steady support. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your Fox Glacier stay.

“The Heli-Hiking was the highlight of our New Zealand vacation and truly one of the best experiences in my life ! Definitely a Must Do in any trip to New Zealand. You get insights into the life of the glacier, see characteristic elements of the compression zone and have the opportunity to take marvelous pictures. Our guide Kate was awesome! She was highly motivated, enthusiastic and extremely qualified even though being quite young - made it even more impressive ! Don’t miss this experience, it’s amazing !”

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10.Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · from $105

Spend about two hours riding a quad bike, buggy, or double quad through rainforest, shallow rivers, and an old glacier riverbed near Franz Josef. Guides such as Jason, Brooklyn, Benji, and Justin teach beginners, split riders by ability, share Māori legends, and may capture free photos for you.

“It was a great afternoon. While with the money. Recommended for anyone. It's was a funny afternoon. Would do it again”

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11.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier with Glacier Country Helicopters on a scenic 25-minute trip from Franz Josef. Your pilot may include views of the rainforest, glacier, Fox Glacier, and Southern Alps before landing for about 10 minutes on an alpine peak. Snow is seasonal, and pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have earned strong praise for safe, informative flights.

“Amazing heli ride over the glacier. Would recommend. It’s such a stunning sight to behold. A must do activity.”

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12.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

From Franz Josef township, a professional pilot carries you over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and the Southern Alps before landing on a glacial snowfield. You get about 10 minutes on the snow for photos and fresh alpine air. Flights carry up to six passengers and run year-round when weather allows.

“Have a nice time, and enyou. We have a nice trip and land und the gletchere. Pilot was very good. Nice trip”

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13.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

From Franz Josef town, you’ll fly over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in a small helicopter, with live pilot commentary and a snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier. The flight lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, with roughly 10 minutes on the ice. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes matter, and weather can change the plan quickly.

“Wonderful and frankly amazing experience whilst visiting New Zealand from the UK with friends and family. Beautiful clear skies. Trip of a lifetime. All before breakfast!”

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14.Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 170 reviews · 3h 30m · from $65Best value

Spend 3.5 hours walking through Fox Glacier valley and Westland Tai Poutini National Park with a small group of up to 10. Guides such as Cliff, Mel, Bella, Sophia, and Jake point out orchids, mushrooms, moss, glacial features, and geothermal activity. You get glacier views, hot drinks, rain gear, and an easy but sometimes uneven walk.

“overall the guide was friendly and gave some interesting info. on the way back however we were a little surprised that she shot off and had quite a pace back and didn't look back to check on the stragglers at the back”

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15.Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 161 reviews · 3 hours · from $65

Walk through Franz Josef’s podocarp rainforest, beside a glacial-fed river, and toward the public glacier viewpoint with an English-speaking guide. Your guide may lead a short off-track section, depending on group ability and conditions. Transport, rain gear, boots, poles, tea, and coffee are included. The 10-person maximum keeps the outing personal.

“Definitely not the 'easy walking track' advertised and expected. Amazing experience and superb guide. Cliff was so knowledgeable and helpful.”

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