Heli Hike Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier
Price: N673
Min age: 9
Rating 4.87 / 5 [460 ratings]
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Along with nearby Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is the main tourism draw card on the wild and pristine West Coast.
These wonders of nature mesmerize from afar with their sheer size and beauty, and delight close up with magical ice caves and tunnels, filled with spectacular ice formations. A magnet, then, for our door enthusiasts.
Due to the combination of the temperate zone and high rainfall, the two glaciers are unique in the world in existing at low altitudes – making them easier to access.
Twelve-kilometre-long Franz Josef Glacier, the steeper and more dramatic of the two, descends from over 3,000m into the lush rainforest of the Westland’s National Park. Using a fleet of helicopters, visitors can take scenic flights from the nearby township, or be dropped onto the ice for exhilarating hikes, which also include exploring ice caves and other natural formations.
One of the best places in the world to get up close to a glacier, all with a constant backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Unmissable.
Franz Josef is a five-hour drive from Queenstown, and two hours from Greymouth. There are coach services, but self-drive is best.
The only way to hike on the glacier is by taking a guided helicopter excursion; trips last around four hours, which includes around 2.5 hours on the ice. Moderate fitness is required, and a minimum age of 10. All equipment is provided.
Helicopter flights are available by Helicopter Line, New Zealand’s leading helicopter company. You can opt for flying over just Franz Josef (20 mins), or both glaciers in one flight (30 mins).
Guided hikes are only available through local specialist Franz Josef Glacier. The price includes the helicopter flight with Helicopter Line.
While Franz Josef is a year-round destination, the weather is notoriously changeable. Helicopter tours and hiking on the glacier are weather dependent, and access roads may be impassable in winter.
Hiking tours run several times a day during summer months. Helicopter flights operate throughout the day.
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