A Franz Josef Heli Hike in winter is one of the most awe-inspiring adventures New Zealand has to offer. Nestled in the untamed beauty of the West Coast of the South Island, Franz Josef Glacier is a place where alpine drama, ancient ice, and wilderness solitude converge. Add a fixed-wing scenic plane ride and a helicopter flight into the mix, and you have an experience that transcends ordinary travel. A truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature in its purest, most cinematic form.
For those planning a winter heli hike on the glacier, knowing what to expect can elevate both your confidence and your anticipation. This guide will walk you through the entire experience from take-off to touch-down, including what to wear, how to prepare, and why winter is arguably the best time to take to the ice.
Getting to the Glacier
True South Flights delivers you across the majestic Southern Alps to rendezvous with our trusted partners at Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Take in panoramic views on this one-hour flight, with every passenger on our fixed-wing flights enjoying a window seat. Choosing to fly from Queenstown ensures you maximise your time on the glacier and avoid the sometimes treacherous roads. We deliver you safely in the morning and pick you up to arrive back in Queenstown in time to enjoy a relaxing evening.
What Makes Franz Josef Glacier So Special?
Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) is a remarkable natural feature, tumbling down from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can view ancient ice and lush greenery within the same panorama.
The glacier’s dramatic descent and accessibility make it a favourite for heli hikes, a combination of helicopter transfer and guided trekking across the glacier’s crevassed, frozen landscape. In winter, Franz Josef becomes even more enchanting: the air is crisp and clear, the ice is more stable, and the visitor numbers are lower, giving you a more peaceful, immersive experience.
Why Winter is Ideal for a Glacier Heli Hike
- Firmer, More Stable Ice
Colder winter temperatures mean the glacier is at its most solid and sculpted. Crevasses are more defined, and there is less melting, which makes hiking conditions more predictable and safer. - Unforgettable Scenery
In winter, the surrounding peaks are blanketed in snow, creating a striking contrast against the glacier’s icy blue formations. The alpine landscape feels wilder, quieter, and even more otherworldly. - Smaller Crowds
Winter brings fewer visitors, meaning your group is likely to be smaller and your time on the ice more serene. It’s the perfect environment for photography, reflection, or simply absorbing the grandeur of your surroundings. - Dramatic Lighting
The low winter sun casts long shadows and enhances the crystalline texture of the glacier, creating extraordinary lighting conditions that are both ideal for photography and personal memory-making.
The Helicopter Ride: A Spectacle in Itself
Before your boots even hit the ice, the helicopter ride sets the tone for something truly unforgettable. You’ll lift off from Franz Josef village and soar over rugged terrain, rivers, and dense rainforest before skimming the glacier itself.
The aerial view offers a rare glimpse into the scale of the ice field and the surrounding mountains. It’s not just a means of transport; it’s a highlight of the experience, truly thrilling, beautiful, and undeniably majestic.
Landing spots are carefully selected by experienced pilots who are in constant communication with the guides on the ground.
On the Ice: What to Expect
Once you’ve landed on the glacier, the real adventure begins. You’ll be guided across a frozen landscape that is constantly shifting, shaped by natural forces over thousands of years.
What is the Terrain Like?
Expect a mix of terrain with everything from gently sloping ice to towering seracs (ice pillars) and deep blue crevasses. Your guide will choose a route based on the day’s conditions and your group’s ability level. No two hikes are ever the same.
How Difficult is the Heli Hike?
Franz Josef Heli Hikes are suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. The pace is steady with plenty of stops to admire the scenery, take photos, and receive information from your guide about glacier formation, geology, and safety.
No prior hiking or mountaineering experience is required. Your guide will outfit you with all the necessary equipment, including crampons, boots, socks, and ice axes, and show you how to walk confidently on ice.
How long does the Franz Josef Heli Hike Last?
Your heli-hike tour will last approximately 4 hours, including flight time and 2 hours on the ice. This is ample time to explore ice caves, ridges, and the glacier’s ever-changing formations.
What to Wear & Bring
Dressing appropriately for a winter heli hike is essential for both comfort and safety. Luckily, our Franz Josef Heli Hike partners provide essential gear, but here’s what you should wear and pack:
Provided by Operator:
- Crampons, boots, socks and ice axes will be provided
You Should Bring:
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or down mid-layer
- Sunglasses (the glare off the ice can be intense)
- Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
- Water bottle
- Camera or smartphone (ideally with a lanyard or strap)
Pro tip: Bring a small, secure backpack for personal items, and keep valuables to a minimum. If you’re carrying a camera, ensure it’s weather-protected and easily accessible for quick shots, so you don’t miss a moment!
Safety & Expertise
Heli Hikes on Franz Josef Glacier are conducted under the highest safety standards. All operators are regulated by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department of Conservation (DOC), and the guides are specially trained in glacier navigation, safety protocols, and first aid.
Before each flight, you’ll receive a full safety briefing. The pilots are experts in alpine flying, and guides are intimately familiar with the glacier’s seasonal changes, ensuring your hike is both exhilarating and secure.
Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
Given the glacier’s rapid retreat due to climate change, experiencing it firsthand is not only a thrill but also a moment of reflection. Many operators are committed to sustainable tourism, with minimal-impact landings and education components woven into every tour.
As a visitor, you can help by sticking to marked paths, following your guide’s instructions, and respecting the fragile environment.
Final Thoughts: A Rare & Riveting Adventure
A Franz Josef heli hike in winter is more than just an activity; it’s an immersion into some of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural beauty, experienced in one of the most intimate and thrilling ways possible. From the roar of the helicopter blades to the silence of deep glacier crevasses, the journey offers a stark contrast, a unique perspective, and a profound connection to the raw power of nature.
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or simply seeking a remarkable travel memory, a winter heli hike on Franz Josef Glacier promises to be a highlight of your time in Aotearoa.
Book with True South Flights Now
Ready to explore Franz Josef Glacier from above and within? Book your Franz Josef Heli Hike with True South Flights now and experience the serenity, the scale, and the splendour of ice in winter’s most extraordinary playground.
