Heli Hike From Queenstown

Franz Josef Heli Hike From Queenstown

from NZ$1,799 operator price, per person

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Duration: About 6 hours from the Queenstown departure
Group: 1 guide to 6 guests (operator page); minimum 4 passengers
Meeting point: True South Flights, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Frankton
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Overview

The heli hike is run by Franz Josef Glacier Guides, while True South Flights operates the fixed-wing Queenstown to Franz Josef leg, starting with hotel collection in Queenstown and a check in at its Frankton office in the Remarkables Park Town Centre near Queenstown Airport. Everyone on the plane gets a window seat, so nobody is stuck fighting for a view.

Once at Franz Josef, the group transfers by helicopter onto the glacier itself. All the essential hiking gear is provided, and an experienced guide leads two hours of walking on the ice. Reviewers describe the experience as once in a lifetime, with one whose trip was shifted to a different glacier due to weather still praising the safety measures on the day.

It suits people with moderate fitness. The cap is 11 travellers, and there are weight and medical restrictions, so it is worth reading the conditions before booking. Bring your own lunch and snacks, since there is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef.

DurationAbout 6 hours from the Queenstown departure

What's Included

Included

Collections and drop off to Queenstown Hotels
Round trip scenic flights from Queenstown to Franz Josef
Guaranteed window seat for everyone on the plane
All essential hiking gear provided
Two helicopter transfers onto the ice
Two hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide

Not Included

Lunch (You are required to bring your own lunch and snacks)

Run byFranz Josef Glacier Guides

Itinerary

Hotel collectionThe operator collects travellers from Queenstown hotels, then the day finishes with drop off back at the same point.
Check in at FranktonArrive at the True South Flights office at Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, 30 minutes before the 08:30 departure. Free all day parking is available near the New World supermarket.
Scenic flight to Franz JosefA round trip scenic flight connects Queenstown with Franz Josef, with a guaranteed window seat for every passenger.
Helicopter onto the iceTwo helicopter transfers take the group onto the glacier itself.
Guided glacier hikeTwo hours hiking on the glacier with an experienced guide, using the essential hiking gear provided.
Return flights and drop offHelicopter off the ice, scenic flight back to Queenstown, then transfer back to the hotels. The whole experience runs about 6 hours from the Queenstown departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from what to pack to how the weather can change the plan.

Crampons, boots, ice axe and lunch pack laid out on glacier ice

Bring your own food. Lunch is not included and the listing warns there is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef. Pack lunch and snacks before you leave Queenstown.
Fitness and health. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level. Ankle, knee, back or neck injuries, joint replacements, heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, diabetes and severe asthma all need to be declared at booking, and guides can restrict participation based on glacier conditions on the day.
Weather flexibility. The listing states the experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can mean a different date or a full refund. One reviewer described the team rearranging flights and logistics to move the group to Franz Josef when the planned location became unworkable, rather than simply cancelling.
Group size limits. The tour runs with a maximum of 11 travellers. Weight limits apply per passenger, set at 115 kg total, and child and weight restrictions are listed for the tour.

Gear is sorted. All essential hiking gear is provided, so the core equipment is covered by the operator. The listing does not specify clothing or a packing list beyond food, so check the booking page before departure for anything else you should bring.

Timing the day. Departure is at 08:30 with check in 30 minutes beforehand, and the whole trip takes about 6 hours from the Queenstown departure. The listing notes the experience requires good weather, so conditions on the day can affect the plan.

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Common issues. Weather is the biggest variable, and the listing states the experience requires good weather, with poor conditions leading to a different date or a full refund. One reviewer had their planned location changed entirely, though the operator substituted another glacier hike instead of cancelling. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers, and requires moderate fitness with a 115 kg per passenger weight limit. Confirmation can also take up to 48 hours after booking, subject to availability.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel collection and drop off in Queenstown, round trip scenic flights to Franz Josef with a guaranteed window seat, two helicopter transfers onto the ice, all essential hiking gear, and two hours of guided hiking on the glacier. Lunch is not included.

Do I Need To Bring Food?

Yes. The listing asks travellers to bring their own lunch and snacks, because there is usually no time to buy food in Franz Josef during the trip.

Where Does The Tour Start?

After hotel collection, check in is at the True South Flights office in the Remarkables Park Town Centre at Frankton, near Queenstown Airport. Arrive 30 minutes before the 08:30 departure. Free all day parking is available near the New World supermarket.

Is It Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Children and weight restrictions apply, with a total weight limit of 115 kg per passenger. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, and various medical conditions must be declared at booking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. Weather cancellations and minimum numbers not being met come with an offer of a different date or a full refund.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

About 6 hours from the Queenstown departure.