Heli Hike Above the Clouds

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

4h

Group size

1-11 tourists,
over 10 y.o.

Above the emerald forests and silver rivers of New Zealand’s West Coast lies a frozen world sculpted by time. Your adventure begins at the Glacier Base, where you’ll gear up before taking off on a thrilling helicopter flight over the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier.

Touch down on the shimmering icefall and set out on a 2.5-hour guided hike across deep crevasses, blue ice caves, and towering crystal walls — a landscape in constant motion. Every step reveals new corner and story, new color and shape, and a new wonder carved by centuries of snow and wind. You might find yourself sliding through narrow crevasses, navigating between staggering ice towers, squeezing through ice caves or if you are lucky, all three!

It’s a rare chance to stand on living ice, to feel its pulse beneath your feet, and to take home memories that will last long after the glacier’s echo fades. We are the only ones who can get you on to the Glacier for this once in a lifetime experience. Join us on this adventure and walk where few ever do!

Steven T. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English

Kia ora, and welcome to the heart of glacier adventure! We are a team of passionate professionals deeply connected to Aotearoa’s wild landscapes. Our staff come from diverse backgrounds — many with years of outdoor and adventure tourism experience — bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm for guiding guests through this extraordinary environment. Before leading their first group, every new guide completes an intensive multi-week training program and an apprenticeship alongside senior mentors. Continuous learning, regular reviews, and safety assessments are part of our culture — no matter how long someone has been on the team. All guides are certified in first aid and carry safety equipment on every journey. Each of our glacier guides holds, or is working toward, the internationally recognized Hard Ice Guiding (HIG) qualification, certified by the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) — a program our company helped develop in collaboration with other glacier guiding pioneers. Every day before tours begin, our guides inspect the glacier, carving new step-lines and walking paths. As you move through the stunning ice formations and shifting terrain, their expert eyes ensure your experience is both awe-inspiring and completely safe.

View Steven`s tours

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Abbey

Born and raised in Franz Josef Glacier, Abbey comes from our local iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tahu. Proud of her roots and actively involved in the local community, Abbey is an excellent guide and a strong representative of our local wharekura (school). You can expect the highest level of care when on Abbey's trips, and a depth of knowledge about our local history and culture.

Amy

From wielding an axe to handling a chainsaw, few can match Amy’s work ethic. Taking great pride in everything she does, Amy has rapidly progressed through her Glacier Guiding career. Life outdoors has always been second nature to her — from mustering cattle on horseback to volunteering on Kapiti Island, studying the native Hi Hi (Stitchbird). Some would say Amy's quick wit almost outweighs her knowledge when it comes to having fun on the ice with her manuhiri.

Cale

You’ll often spot Cale kayaking along a West Coast river or skiing high up on the glacier’s neve. His heart truly belongs to the West Coast bush, and he’s always the first to point out the region’s distinctive plants and wildlife. What he enjoys most about glacier guiding is meeting people from all over the world and finding shared connections with them. If you are lucky enough to have him as your guide, you will learn about the history of the Franz Josef area and how the pioneering guides have led us to the path we follow today.

Drew

Originally from North Carolina, Drew discovered his love for the outdoors early on and later headed west to Alaska, where he found his passion for glacier guiding. A big Lord of the Rings fan, he travelled to New Zealand to see the legendary mountains that brought Mordor to life. During his road trip, he stumbled upon Franz Josef Glacier — and decided to make it his new home! Fun fact: he plays the violin! Some also say he looks like Brad Pitt…

Jule

Jule is your friendly local nerd and an aspiring adventure therapist. A geographer and social scientist by training, she quickly realised that the best lessons happen outside the lecture hall! Jule has collaborated with communities addressing the impacts of climate change and loves sharing the uniqueness of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere with people from all walks of life.

Maya

Originally from the local hapū, Mahaki, Maya knows Tai Poutini like the back of her hand. Having grown up by the coast in Hunts Beach, she feels a deep connection to her home region. With three years of experience at the Department of Conservation, she has gained extensive knowledge of native plants and wildlife and a keen interest in traditional natural remedies. After welcoming many visitors to her Marae, Maya discovered a new passion for guiding and fell in love with the glacier-filled Franz Josef valley. Maya loves sharing a story or two, which generally leaves her guests in fits of laughter.

Michael (Rookie)

Rookie made the move from Motueka to the Coast and began guiding in 2010. What started as a fun seasonal job quickly turned into a lifelong career — he’s now one of our most experienced guides. He immediately fell in love with the wild beauty of the West Coast and met his wife, Brooke, while guiding on the glacier. Her father founded Franz Josef Glacier Guides back in 1990. Michael is an avid climber who feels most at home among the peaks at the back of the glacier. He proudly calls himself a bit of a nerd — when the climbing conditions aren’t ideal, you’ll find him creating art, watching Star Wars, or playing video games.

Sarah

Famous for never letting her axe-swinging get in the way of a good chat, Sarah hails from sunny Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) and is your go-to walker and talker for everything related to Franz Josef Glacier! After falling in love with Aotearoa’s rich ecology, especially that of Tai Poutini, she transitioned from the climbing industry to guiding hikes in Te Rua-o-te-moko (Fiordland) along the Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks. Never missing a chance to share her remarkable knowledge of the West Coast and Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, you will leave wondering how learning so much could be so entertaining.

Tom

Originally from Australia, Tom came to Aotearoa in 2022 in search of higher peaks and fresh adventures. With experience in rock climbing, biking, and even data science, he brings both enthusiasm and skill to the team. He’s currently working toward his Hard Ice Guide qualification and graduated top of his class in advanced avalanche training. When he’s not guiding or training, Tom spends his time planning mountaineering trips across the Southern Alps, bike-packing, climbing, and hanging out with his closest friends.

Tour highlights

Soar Above the Glacier

Take an unforgettable helicopter flight over the dramatic ice valleys and snowy peaks

Walk on Ancient Ice

Spend 2.5 hours hiking through surreal ice caves, crevasses, and blue tunnels

Views Beyond Imagination

Capture breathtaking shots of ever-changing glacier formations and pure alpine beauty

Route details

Your journey begins and ends at the Glacier Base. Upon arrival, our welcoming team will get you checked in, equipped, and briefed for your icy adventure ahead.
After a short stroll to the helipad, your pilot will lift you above the rainforest and valleys for a panoramic flight over Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere — the Franz Josef Glacier.
You’ll land high on the glacier’s icefall, where your guide will ensure you’re fully prepared before setting off to explore the magnificent frozen terrain.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

A moderate hike exploring the glacier with your knowledgeable guide.

It's important to know

Address for check in: Glacier Base
Check-in time: 15 minutes prior to trip departure
Check in 7:15am for 7:30am trip
Check in 9:45am for 10:00am trip
Check in 12:15pm for 12:30pm trip
It is important that you arrive at Glacier Base at your scheduled check in time.

Available dates

Select date

Number of individuals

1-11 tourists, over 10 y.o.

1 tourist

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

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