New Zealand · FRANZ JOSEF TOURS

The 15 Best Franz Josef Glacier Tours

68 tours  ·  from $25

The terminal face is no longer safe to walk up to, so every ice trip now starts in a helicopter. The 15 below cover the heli-hikes, the scenic flights with a snow landing and the valley walks, priced with their weather odds.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - What happens at the Franz Josef meeting point
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Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

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

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, then land for 10 minutes on snow or alpine terrain when conditions allow. You will see ice pinnacles, crevasses, and Southern Alps peaks from a helicopter, with pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Aaron providing commentary. Weather can change the route or cancel the landing.

“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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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The helicopter flight over the Southern Alps
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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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

Fly by helicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among blue ice, crevasses, pinnacles, and caves. Your guide handles the route and glacier safety while you use supplied boots, crampons, warm layers, and an ice axe. Groups are limited to 11, with guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Hannah leading recent trips.

“We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend”

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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - The first views: rainforest, rivers, and Franz Josef Glacier
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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

3.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

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

You’ll fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in view. Your English-speaking pilot, such as Poppy, Mike, Mark, or Gus, provides commentary before landing on a high snowfield for 10 minutes. Expect a small group, changing routes, and weather-dependent departures.

“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”

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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier - The two-and-a-half-hour paddle across Lake Mapourika
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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

4.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

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

Kayak Lake Mapourika for about three hours with a local guide such as Ollie, Max, or Dani. Paddle calm, dark waters toward a protected kiwi area and untouched rainforest, with views toward the Southern Alps on clear days. Gear, transport, instruction, and digital photos are included.

“It was a nice lake kayaking activity, but we could not see the glacier from where we were on the lake.. The Staff were friendly, nice, and informative as well as passionate about the local wildlife and the protection plan to save the Kiwi. It was a rare good weather day.”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Check-in at the Franz Josef helicopter base
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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

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

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

Fly above Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photographs and mountain views. The 35-minute trip includes about 30 minutes in the air. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your stay and allow time for a change.

“great day with a great guide. You couldn't expect more in this tour.”

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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min - Franz Josef Glacier from above
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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

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

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

From Franz Josef, take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and, depending on weather, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the safest and most scenic route, then lands on snow for about 10 minutes of photos. Pilots including Gus, Mark, Mike, Aaron, Eddy, and Steve have been praised for calm flying and clear commentary.

“Fantastic thing to do as a family, the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Would highly recommend to do it.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From Glacier Base to the helipad
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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

7.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Fly from Franz Josef town onto the glacier, then spend 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring crevasses, ice caves, ropes, and changing blue ice. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby are praised for clear safety help and lively stories. Allow at least four hours, and build in extra days for weather.

“Well planned, the entire trip took 4 hours + including preparation, debriefing etc before heading out to the helipad and glaciers. The glaciers presented a moderate challenge, as we meandered through deep crevasses, engaging in some exhilarating climbing with the aid of sturdy ropes. From a physical standpoint, the demands were manageable, and the staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring that everyone received the necessary assistance to navigate the terrain. The views were absolutely breathtaking, offering a visual feast that was undeniably worth every penny spent. The helicopter ride, in particular, served as an exhilarating aerial tour, showcasing the region's stunning landscapes from...”

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Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef - Choosing a single quad, double quad, or buggy
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Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

8.Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

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

Ride a quad bike through rainforest, shallow rivers, and an ancient glacier riverbed near Franz Josef. Guides such as Benji, Justin, Will, Amy, and Jason teach beginners, split riders by ability, and provide wet-weather gear, boots, helmets, and photos. Choose a solo or double quad, or a three-seat buggy for two adults and one child.

“Good fun experience. The guide gave some interesting information about the area. We were a group of 6. Bikes were easy to handle.”

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - The 25-minute flight and alpine landing
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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

9.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

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

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your flight includes an alpine landing of about 10 minutes, though snow is seasonal. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm, informative flying. Weather may change the route or landing site.

“Fantastic experience. Safe and comfortable helicopter ride with a very informative pilot/ guide. Great feeling walking on the glacier.”

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Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear - The rainforest tracks: green, wet, and wonderfully rough
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Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear

10.Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 205 reviews · from $146

Drive your own automatic 450cc Can-Am Outlander through Jurassic rainforest, creeks, rough tracks and glacier riverbed near Franz Josef. Your English-speaking guide provides a helmet, gumboots, wet-weather gear, safety practice, and free photos. Single-quad drivers must be at least 16.

“Was amazing! We had Rosie as our instructor and she was brilliant we had a group of six and we’re able to grasp the full power of the quads driving through rivers, forests and streams in a rocky terrain whilst maintaining a high level of safety extremely happy with the activity and I would recommend anyone going through the area the check it out! It was a blast - Kid Kobe”

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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - What you see above Franz Josef Glacier
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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

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

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

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, and snowfields, then land on the glacier for about 10 minutes. Pilots such as Richard, Simon, James, and Steve have been praised for calm, clear guidance. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and a camera.

“Straight forward and professional service. Went with my wife and we were lucky to get a beautiful day. The experience was fantastic. I would definitely recommend.”

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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - The flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

12.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

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

From Franz Josef town, fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with pilot commentary, then land on snow for about 10 minutes. You may see Mount Cook, blue icefalls, crevasses, seracs, and deep valleys. The helicopter holds up to six people, and warm clothing plus sturdy shoes are essential.

“There was cloud coverage coming in so we spent more time on the glacier than I believe is normal. Our pilot wasn't the most informative but that was ok.”

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Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk - From Main Street to the glacier valley
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Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

13.Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

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

Walk through podocarp rainforest, beside a glacial river and toward the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint with guides such as Sophia, Tyler, Cliff or Mel. Expect a small group of up to 10, about three hours, a 20 minute return drive, and optional private-track sections chosen for your group. Gear, transport and hot drinks are included.

“Transportation was provided. The guide took us off the main trail on to a private trail to explain all about the birds and the flora that we were walking thru. The guide talked almost continually pointing out various things. When we got to the view point to look at the glacier she told us things about the glacier and its history. If you didn't have a guide you would just walk up to the view point spend 5 minutes looking at a few signs, the glacier and leave. There is more to the area than that. The 3 hours we spent on the tour did not seem long.”

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Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass - The Nocturnal House and Its Elusive Kiwi
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Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

14.Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · from $40

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see Rowi kiwi in a nocturnal house, live tuatara, glacier displays, and New Zealand conservation films. Add the guided Backstage Pass for closer access to kiwi care, eggs, equipment, and tuatara. Guides such as Steve and Devon explain the work with warmth and clear detail.

“While we learned about the kiwi hatching facility, when we were there they had no kiwi eggs or hatchlings on site. I felt misled as we weren’t told this when purchasing the VIP tickets. The tuatara display behind the scenes was interesting, bRead more”

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Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing - Check-in on Main Road and the short transfer
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Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

15.Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 45 min · from $388

From Franz Josef Town, you’ll fly over three major glaciers, spot Mount Cook, and land on a high snowfield for 15 minutes. Your pilot provides live commentary through a headset, with pilots such as Poppy, Mark, and Edine praised for calm, clear guidance. Weather can change the route, so keep your plans flexible.

“We took the 45 minute ride and not a minute was dull. They day was overcast but the ground staff kept us updated every 15 minutes and were supportive. Kudos to them. The flight was exhilarating. Breathtaking views and the flight was so smooth. Our pilot was great, guiding us throughout the flight. The surprise was the photograph she took with the helicopter in background. A souvenir to keep. A young couple flying with us got engaged on the glacier. Another happy moment. Will certainly recommend this flight and company for everyone. Take as many photos and videos. Experience of a life-time.”

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