Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere) is one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand, descending from its origins high in the Southern Alps deep into the lush native rainforest of Westland's National Park. It also moves faster than your average glacier at around 50cm per day. This creates some truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves, tunnels, seracs and crevasses; all of which are constantly changing and evolving so no two days are ever the same.

Glacier Heli Hike

• Time on ice - Approx. 3 Hours.
• Level - Moderate Walking.
• Helicopter transportation and equipment included.
• Available for children aged 8 and over.

Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where you get kitted out with the essential gear and are given a pre-trip briefing.

From here, your guide will lead you a on a short walk through native forest to the heli pad and get you ready to board your helicopter. 

Your pilot will land you high up on the glacier itself, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.

The guides are highly skilled in the art of step cutting, which means you get the safest and most spectacular route available on the glacier. Because the glacier is so fast moving, its features are constantly changing - you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you're seeing the glacier in a unique state and no two trips are ever quite the same.

During your hike your guide will share with you the story of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight on why Franz Josef is so unique. You'll come away from your trip not only with a sense of awe at this majestic beauty, but a whole new understanding of why this precious landmark is so special.

Equipment Provided:

Crampons
Suitable walking boots and socks
Trekking poles
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof over-pants
A small waist pack to carry your crampons and essentials
A warm hat and gloves

Please bring:

Warm, breathable base layers such as merino or polypropylene
Suitable long pants for walking in (jeans are not suitable, tracksuits and leggings are fine)
Sunglasses (these are essential - if you don't have any with you we have a selection available for purchase at our front desk)
Sunblock
Your own warm hat and gloves if you prefer
Your camera or phone
A small water bottle and snack if you need one

Heli Ice Climb

• Time on ice - Approx. 4 Hours.
• Level - Difficult.
• Helicopter transportation, full training, instruction and equipment included.

If you're up for a challenge this trip is for you!

Glacier climbing in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is considered by many to be among the best in the world. This is a day packed with excitement and adventure and see what all the fuss is about.

Your day begins with a full briefing at the glacier guiding base. Your guide will then get you kitted up and ready for your scenic helicopter transfer up onto the glacier; a great chance to take in the full panoramic majesty of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

Once on the ice, your guide will lead you on a short hike to the best available climbing spot and your ice climb begins.

With a small ratio of one highly experienced guide to four guests, you can be sure that you will receive expert tuition and maximum support throughout your climb.

All the technical equipment and climbing gear you need is provided, as is instruction to suit your pace and ability - teaching you the skills and techniques required to carefully and comfortably scale the glacier. 

Test yourself with a new challenge and be rewarded with unique views and a sense of accomplishment.

Your guide will tailor the day to suit novices and experts alike, so regardless of your experience or ability level you can be assured of an epic day on the ice.

Equipment Provided:

All climbing gear including helmets, harness, ropes, ice axes and crampons
Suitable boots and socks
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof over-pants
A rucksack to carry your crampons and essentials
A warm hat and gloves

Please bring:

Warm, breathable base layers such as merino or polypropylene
Suitable long pants for climbing in (jeans are not suitable, tracksuits and leggings are fine)
Sunglasses (these are essential if you don't have any with you we have a selection available for purchase at our front desk)
Sunblock
Your own warm hat and gloves if you prefer
Your camera or phone
A small water bottle and snack if you need one

Map