Heli Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast is a top attraction—but is it really worth the money?
Heli Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, nestled on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, is more than just a tick on your adventure bucket list—it’s an immersion into a world where icy grandeur meets adrenaline. But let’s be real, it’s f**king expensive. So, is it really worth it?
I went on a helicopter adventure with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, and this is my honest review of my experience and whether this frosty fantasy is worth the cost.
Let’s break it down.
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My Experience: Heli Hiking The Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast
Picture this: You’re strapped into a helicopter, blades spinning above, ready to slice through the crisp air like a knife. Below, the West Coast of New Zealand stretches out in wild, jagged waves of green and gray. It’s the kind of landscape that feels mythic, a place the ancient Māori gods must’ve carved from stone and ice. The Franz Josef Glacier sprawls beneath you like some icy colossus, a frozen river running through a valley that time forgot. Otherworldly doesn’t begin to describe it. It’s like landing on the surface of another planet—cold, stark, and impossibly beautiful.
The Reality Check
Heli Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier is one of those bucket list moments you dream about but don’t always get to realize. And I almost didn’t. Why? The West Coast weather, infamous for its mood swings, throws down 4,000 millimeters of rain a year—enough to drown your adventure before it even begins.
The morning of my first booking, I step out of my hostel, ready to tick off one of the greatest adventures in New Zealand. But then, I hear the ding of my phone. “Sorry, we’ve cancelled your booking due to the weather.” I look up at the sky—blue, clear, and decidedly not raining—but I’m no meteorologist. I’m sure they had their reasons, but still, it’s a punch to the gut.
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Pivoting to Plan B
I’m not the kind of traveler to sulk in my room over bad luck. So, I pivot. The Roberts Point Track it is, offering a distant but awe-inspiring view of the glacier. Sure, it’s beautiful from afar, but you don’t come all the way to the West Coast for afar. You come to stand on that ice, to feel the crunch of a 7,000-year-old glacier beneath your boots.
I reschedule for three days later. In the meantime, I take on another West Coast classic—the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut, where hot springs bubble at the foot of a glacier-touched wilderness. It’s the kind of hike that restores your faith in adventure.
But my heart was still set on that glacier. Finally, the day came again. I called the company, paranoid about another cancellation, but they had a spot on an earlier flight. I pounced.
Touchdown on The Glacier
The helicopter ride was short—too short, really, when you’re flying over this kind of landscape. You don’t want it to end. The glacier rises to meet us like a frozen wave frozen mid-crash, full of jagged ice formations that glitter in the light. Seracs stand tall like crystal skyscrapers, deep blue crevasses whisper of something ancient and untamed, and ice caves shimmer like the set of some sci-fi epic. You don’t just land on a glacier—you land in another realm.
Crampons strapped on, we step into the labyrinth of ice, our guide—a guy from Taiwan who knows more about glaciers than I thought possible—leading the way. He shares stories and insights, the kind that turn a simple hike into something profound, something unforgettable. Every step is a reminder of the fragility and power of nature.
A Close Call with the Weather
Then, the radio crackles. We’re the last group of the day. Weather’s closing in again. We’ll have to cut the trek short. If I hadn’t grabbed that earlier flight, I would’ve missed it altogether. The glacier was slipping through my fingers again, but not before I managed to get a few last photos, touch the ice walls, and savor the moment.
The helicopter returned to scoop us up, and we were back on solid ground before the skies opened up. It’s true—heli-hiking isn’t cheap. But as someone who travels on a shoestring budget, I’ll tell you this: there are some things in life you don’t put a price on. This was one of them. Because in the end, travel isn’t about saving money—it’s about experiences you can’t forget. And who knows if I’ll ever be back on the West Coast again?
But if I do, I’ll be chasing that glacier once more.
What You Need to Know Before Heli Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier
Heli hiking the Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable experiences, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make the most of your adventure. From weather unpredictability to what gear you’ll need, here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
- The Weather Will Decide Your Fate
- The West Coast of New Zealand is notorious for its unpredictable weather. With over 4,000 millimeters of rain falling annually, heavy downpours and sudden changes in conditions are common. While your heli hike might be scheduled under clear skies, conditions can change quickly, and cancellations happen more often than you’d expect. Don’t be surprised if you wake up to a sunny day and still get an email saying your trip has been called off due to weather at the glacier.
- The West Coast of New Zealand is notorious for its unpredictable weather. With over 4,000 millimeters of rain falling annually, heavy downpours and sudden changes in conditions are common. While your heli hike might be scheduled under clear skies, conditions can change quickly, and cancellations happen more often than you’d expect. Don’t be surprised if you wake up to a sunny day and still get an email saying your trip has been called off due to weather at the glacier.
- Book Extra Days—Just in Case
- Given the West Coast’s volatile weather, there’s a good chance your original booking might get canceled. To avoid disappointment, plan to stay in Franz Josef for at least a couple of extra days. Most heli hike companies will let you reschedule, but you’ll need the flexibility to make it happen. If you’re only in town for a day or two, you might leave without ever setting foot on the glacier.
- Given the West Coast’s volatile weather, there’s a good chance your original booking might get canceled. To avoid disappointment, plan to stay in Franz Josef for at least a couple of extra days. Most heli hike companies will let you reschedule, but you’ll need the flexibility to make it happen. If you’re only in town for a day or two, you might leave without ever setting foot on the glacier.
- Call to Confirm Your Booking
- Even if the weather looks decent, always call the tour company the morning of your hike to confirm your booking is still on. If there are earlier openings, seize the opportunity! Conditions can change fast, and jumping on an earlier trip might be your only shot at experiencing the glacier before bad weather rolls in.
- Even if the weather looks decent, always call the tour company the morning of your hike to confirm your booking is still on. If there are earlier openings, seize the opportunity! Conditions can change fast, and jumping on an earlier trip might be your only shot at experiencing the glacier before bad weather rolls in.
- Dress for the Elements
- Heli hiking isn’t your average walk in the park. You’ll be stepping into a world of ice and cold, so make sure to wear warm, moisture-wicking layers. The tour company will typically provide boots and crampons, but having a solid thermal base layer, waterproof jacket, and gloves will ensure you’re comfortable on the glacier. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must—sunlight reflecting off the ice can be blinding and cause sunburn.
- Heli hiking isn’t your average walk in the park. You’ll be stepping into a world of ice and cold, so make sure to wear warm, moisture-wicking layers. The tour company will typically provide boots and crampons, but having a solid thermal base layer, waterproof jacket, and gloves will ensure you’re comfortable on the glacier. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must—sunlight reflecting off the ice can be blinding and cause sunburn.
- Physical Fitness Matters
- While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, heli hiking involves navigating uneven, icy terrain. Be prepared to climb over and through ice formations, sometimes squeezing through narrow crevasses. A moderate level of fitness will help you fully enjoy the experience without feeling exhausted halfway through.
- While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, heli hiking involves navigating uneven, icy terrain. Be prepared to climb over and through ice formations, sometimes squeezing through narrow crevasses. A moderate level of fitness will help you fully enjoy the experience without feeling exhausted halfway through.
- Don’t Forget the Camera
- The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever visit, and you’ll want to capture the magic. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged before heading out—you won’t find outlets on the glacier! A waterproof case for your gear is a good idea too, as moisture from the ice and mist can damage electronics.
- The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever visit, and you’ll want to capture the magic. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged before heading out—you won’t find outlets on the glacier! A waterproof case for your gear is a good idea too, as moisture from the ice and mist can damage electronics.
- Safety Comes First
- Your guide knows the glacier better than anyone, and safety is their top priority. Always listen to their instructions, especially when navigating crevasses and unstable ice. While the landscape is mesmerizing, it’s also unpredictable—so follow the rules and respect the environment.
- Your guide knows the glacier better than anyone, and safety is their top priority. Always listen to their instructions, especially when navigating crevasses and unstable ice. While the landscape is mesmerizing, it’s also unpredictable—so follow the rules and respect the environment.
- The Cost
- Heli hiking isn’t cheap. Prices can range from $350 to $550 NZD per person, but it’s one of those experiences that truly feels worth every penny. If you’re on a tight budget, consider cutting back elsewhere on your trip—this is an experience that’s hard to pass up.
What to Expect When Heli Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier
Heli hiking the Franz Josef Glacier isn’t your everyday adventure. From the moment you take off in the helicopter to stepping foot on the glacier, the entire experience feels surreal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during this epic journey:
- A Thrilling Helicopter Ride
- Your adventure begins the moment you board the helicopter. It’s a short ride—usually about 5-10 minutes—but it’s packed with breathtaking views. As you soar above lush rainforest and jagged cliffs, the glacier slowly reveals itself, an icy behemoth sprawling out below you. The feeling of hovering over a glacier, with the helicopter’s blades whirring and the landscape spreading out beneath, is nothing short of exhilarating.
- Your adventure begins the moment you board the helicopter. It’s a short ride—usually about 5-10 minutes—but it’s packed with breathtaking views. As you soar above lush rainforest and jagged cliffs, the glacier slowly reveals itself, an icy behemoth sprawling out below you. The feeling of hovering over a glacier, with the helicopter’s blades whirring and the landscape spreading out beneath, is nothing short of exhilarating.
- A Safety Briefing
- Before you set foot on the glacier proper, your guide will give you a safety briefing. This includes how to use your crampons (the spiked footwear you’ll be wearing for traction) and what to do to stay safe on the ice. Pay attention to these instructions—glacier hiking can be unpredictable, and safety is key.
- Before you set foot on the glacier proper, your guide will give you a safety briefing. This includes how to use your crampons (the spiked footwear you’ll be wearing for traction) and what to do to stay safe on the ice. Pay attention to these instructions—glacier hiking can be unpredictable, and safety is key.
- Stepping into Another World
- When the helicopter touches down on the glacier, it’s like stepping into another realm. The crisp alpine air hits you first, followed by the stunning sight of towering ice formations, deep blue crevasses, and glistening caves. The surreal landscape will have you in awe from the start. The feeling of being somewhere so remote and untouched is hard to describe—you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a frozen planet far from civilization.
- When the helicopter touches down on the glacier, it’s like stepping into another realm. The crisp alpine air hits you first, followed by the stunning sight of towering ice formations, deep blue crevasses, and glistening caves. The surreal landscape will have you in awe from the start. The feeling of being somewhere so remote and untouched is hard to describe—you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a frozen planet far from civilization.
- Crampons and Gear
- After you’ve landed on the glacier, it’s time to strap on your crampons. Walking on ice requires a bit of adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more secure and ready to explore. Most tour companies provide the necessary gear, including boots and crampons, so all you need to do is show up with warm layers and a sense of adventure.
- After you’ve landed on the glacier, it’s time to strap on your crampons. Walking on ice requires a bit of adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more secure and ready to explore. Most tour companies provide the necessary gear, including boots and crampons, so all you need to do is show up with warm layers and a sense of adventure.
- Ice Caves, Seracs, and Crevasses
- Once you start hiking, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking ice formations. Seracs (towers of ice) rise like skyscrapers, deep crevasses beckon with their striking blue hues, and ice caves seem to glow from within. Your guide will take you through this frozen labyrinth, offering insights about the glacier’s formation, the changing landscape, and the history of the area. There are plenty of photo ops, so be sure to have your camera ready!
- Once you start hiking, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking ice formations. Seracs (towers of ice) rise like skyscrapers, deep crevasses beckon with their striking blue hues, and ice caves seem to glow from within. Your guide will take you through this frozen labyrinth, offering insights about the glacier’s formation, the changing landscape, and the history of the area. There are plenty of photo ops, so be sure to have your camera ready!
- A Moderate Physical Challenge
- Heli hiking isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s also not Mount Everest. The terrain can be uneven and slippery, and you’ll need to navigate narrow ice passages and climb small inclines. It’s a moderate challenge, but as long as you’re reasonably fit, you’ll handle it just fine. Your guide will pace the hike to suit the group, so there’s no need to rush.
- Heli hiking isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s also not Mount Everest. The terrain can be uneven and slippery, and you’ll need to navigate narrow ice passages and climb small inclines. It’s a moderate challenge, but as long as you’re reasonably fit, you’ll handle it just fine. Your guide will pace the hike to suit the group, so there’s no need to rush.
- Changing Weather Conditions
- While the glacier is an icy wonderland, the weather on the West Coast is unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if conditions change quickly while you’re on the ice. It might be sunny one minute and cloudy the next, with temperatures dropping fast. This ever-changing weather adds to the drama and beauty of the experience, but it’s also why warm, waterproof layers are a must.
- While the glacier is an icy wonderland, the weather on the West Coast is unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if conditions change quickly while you’re on the ice. It might be sunny one minute and cloudy the next, with temperatures dropping fast. This ever-changing weather adds to the drama and beauty of the experience, but it’s also why warm, waterproof layers are a must.
- A Short but Memorable Experience
- The entire heli hiking experience typically lasts around 2-3 hours, including the helicopter ride, gearing up, and the hike itself. While the time on the glacier may seem short, the intensity of the landscape and the experience makes every minute unforgettable. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been part of something truly special.
- The entire heli hiking experience typically lasts around 2-3 hours, including the helicopter ride, gearing up, and the hike itself. While the time on the glacier may seem short, the intensity of the landscape and the experience makes every minute unforgettable. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been part of something truly special.
- The Return Journey
- When your time on the glacier comes to an end, the helicopter will return to whisk you back to town. The ride back offers one last chance to soak in the wild beauty of the West Coast, as you leave the ice behind and return to the lush rainforest below. It’s the perfect way to cap off an epic adventure.
- When your time on the glacier comes to an end, the helicopter will return to whisk you back to town. The ride back offers one last chance to soak in the wild beauty of the West Coast, as you leave the ice behind and return to the lush rainforest below. It’s the perfect way to cap off an epic adventure.
- A Story You’ll Tell for Years
Heli hiking the Franz Josef Glacier isn’t just a trip—it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. The thrill of flying over a glacier, the surreal beauty of the ice, and the adventure of hiking through a frozen landscape will stick with you long after your boots hit solid ground again.
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Where To Stay Near Franz Josef Glacier
After a day of exploring the icy wilderness of Franz Josef Glacier, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Luckily, the Franz Josef area offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy lodges to luxurious retreats, all just a stone’s throw from the glacier.
Budget-Friendly
- Alpine Glacier Motel
- Why stay here? Affordable option with glacier views.
- Highlights: Central location, spacious rooms, budget-friendly.
- Glow Worm Accommodation
- Why stay here? Backpacker vibe with free soup and breakfast.
- Highlights: Shared kitchen, cozy lounge, hot tub.
- Chateau Backpackers & Motel Franz Josef
- Why stay here? Ideal for budget travelers wanting a social, hostel environment.
- Highlights: Communal kitchen, games room, central location.
- Haka House Franz Josef
- Why stay here? Modern backpacker hostel with a great atmosphere.
- Highlights: Free parking, shared kitchen, social lounge.
Hotels
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
- Why stay here? Easy access to the glacier with modern amenities.
- Highlights: Outdoor hot tubs, on-site dining, mountain views.
- Rainforest Retreat
- Why stay here? Eco-friendly cabins and tree huts in lush surroundings.
- Highlights: Outdoor hot tubs, spa, restaurant.
- Franz Josef Oasis
- Why stay here? Peaceful boutique hotel just outside town.
- Highlights: In-room fireplace, panoramic views, quiet location.
Luxury Stays
- Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Why stay here? 5-star luxury in the rainforest with impeccable service.
- Highlights: Gourmet dining, sustainable design, elegant rooms.
- Glenfern Villas
- Why stay here? Spacious, self-contained villas perfect for families or long stays.
- Highlights: Full kitchen, family-friendly, peaceful setting.
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