Heli-Hiking on Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: A Campervan Traveller’s Guide

Quick summary: On a campervan trip to the West Coast, a heli-hike is the way to walk on the glaciers. A helicopter flies you from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier township onto the ice, where a guide leads a walk among crevasses, ice caves and blue ice formations. For campervan and motorhome travellers, the experience fits neatly into a stay at either township: park at the holiday park, walk to the operator’s base, and allow a spare morning in case the weather keeps the helicopters on the ground.

At a glance
Where	Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, flying from each township
Time	Around half a day, including briefing and flights
On the ice	Around 2–3 hours of guided walking
Fitness	Moderate; you need to walk on uneven ice in crampons
Equipment	Boots, crampons and jackets usually provided
Tours	Heli-hike tours

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Why is a heli-hike the way onto the glaciers?

Because the lower parts of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have retreated and become unstable, so the guided walks that once started from the valley floor no longer reach the ice. Helicopters now land guides and walkers higher up the glacier, where the ice is more stable and the formations are spectacular. It’s the only way most visitors can stand on the ice.

What happens on a heli-hike?

1. Check in at the operator’s base in the township, where you’re kitted out with boots, crampons, waterproof jacket and other gear.
2. Fly onto the glacier on a short helicopter flight up the valley.
3. Walk on the ice with a guide, who cuts steps and leads the group through ice tunnels, crevasses and pinnacles, depending on conditions.
4. Fly back to the township.

How fit do you need to be?

Reasonably fit. You’ll walk for a couple of hours on uneven ice wearing crampons, stepping up and down carved steps and through narrow gaps. You don’t need climbing experience, but you should be comfortable walking on rough ground. Operators set minimum ages and health requirements, so check when booking.

What should you wear?

Operators usually provide boots, crampons, a waterproof jacket and gloves. Bring warm layers, such as a fleece or thermal top, comfortable trousers (not jeans), a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the glare off the ice is intense. See our guide to packing for the West Coast.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Heli-hikes need clear enough weather for the helicopters to fly, and on the West Coast that can’t be guaranteed. If a trip is cancelled, operators normally offer to rebook or refund. Book for your first morning at the glaciers and keep the next morning free as a back-up. See our guide to weather and spare days.

How does a heli-hike fit around an RV stay?

Easily. The operators’ bases are on the main streets of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, within walking distance of the holiday parks, so you can leave the vehicle parked. Plan two or three nights at one of the townships, with the heli-hike on the first morning and a spare day after it.

Franz Josef or Fox: which is better for a heli-hike?

Both offer heli-hikes with spectacular ice, and the experience is similar. Choose the township that suits your route and where you’re staying. See Franz Josef by campervan and Fox Glacier by campervan.

What if a heli-hike isn’t for you?

A scenic flight with a snow landing gives a view of the glaciers from above with little walking, and the valley walks offer free views from the ground. See helicopter flights and snow landings.

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Frequently Asked Questions