The 7 Best Glacier Hikes in New Zealand

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506Our pick

Fly from Franz Josef village to the glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among ice caves, pinnacles, and crevasses. Your guide supplies crampons, boots, and warm layers. Small groups, guides such as Sarah and Angus, and Māori stories add depth, but good fitness and flexible plans are essential.

“We were meant to do a heli hike but weather meant we only did a short encounter. Totally ok and understand you can’t control the weather and we were given an option to delay to the next day. We were a little cramped in the helicopter and Read more”

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2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly from Fox Glacier village onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, walk up to three hours through changing ice caves, crevasses, arches, and blue ice, then return by helicopter. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy are praised for clear instruction, good pacing, and creative photo stops.

“Extremely well run organization that clearly takes safety as very important. Communication is very good and as long as you read what they send you, things will go smoothly. We did our tour in the summer (December 31st) and we didn’t neeRead more”

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3.Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Take a short helicopter flight from Franz Josef over rainforest and rugged peaks, then spend 2.5 hours on the glacier with an English-speaking guide. Expect crampons, ice caves, crevasses, ropes, and changing routes. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for clear explanations and calm support.

“We enjoyed the trip and guide very much. Incredible scenery and experience.”

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4.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448Best value

Fly into Fox Glacier, strap on crampons, and spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa explain the glacier as you go. Weather controls the schedule, so flexibility matters.

“Super recommend, nice walking is the glacier.friendly staff”

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5.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through blue ice, moulins, caves, and changing formations with a guide such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori. Your gear is supplied, and a second helicopter flight returns you beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook.

“Brilliant tour. Couldn't be better. Torri our guide was wonderful, the guy who did an internet safety etc was passionate about his job, would do it again. Completely recommend it to anyone.”

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6.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the Tasman Glacier, and spend two hours exploring ice formations with a small group of up to 10. Your guide fits glacier boots and crampons, explains safe movement on the ice, and may lead you to caves or seracs when conditions allow.

“Scott the guide was amazing, ton of knowledge and fun, he also was a professional guide and photographer at the same time. The crew was also excellent fast check-in and provided very clear instruction Very worth of money”

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7.From Queenstown: Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 6h 30m · from $1,015

You’ll fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps, take a helicopter to the Franz Josef Icefall, and hike for two hours in crampons with an English-speaking guide. Lily pilots the plane, and Sarah has guided guests on the glacier. Weather may shift your trip to the Tasman Glacier.

“A dream come to true to tick off my bucket list as a solo traveller! I met friends and shared the experience. Beautiful majestic scenery displayed and interpreted well. Friendly staff and knowledgeable on safety who took a respectful interest. Safe flights in plane and helicopter. I loved it and would recommend it it to people who are injury free and with a good fitness level. Especially those who like day or afternoon hikes already.”

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