Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown
Overview
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
- 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
- Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide
- Lunch You are required to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef.
Meeting and Pickup
We pick-up from Queenstown Central accommodation. Pick up starts 50 minutes prior to departure.
Building 8 Suite 1B/12 Hawthorne Drive
Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Queenstown (pass by)
True South Flights
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Queenstown Airport (pass by)
Wanaka (pass by)
West Coast Region (pass by)
Franz Josef
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Franz Josef Glacier
2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
West Coast Region (pass by)
True South Flights (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-171544P8
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 37 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 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.
- Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide.
- Lunch. You are required to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 10. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 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
- Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide
- LunchYou are required to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
