Duration: 3 hours

Description

After meeting your guide and being fitted for all of your provided equipment, your Franz Josef Glacier adventure starts with a thrilling helicopter ride from the helicopter base in town up to the ice. With its ability to hover over stunning landscapes and provide access to remote areas, a helicopter flight is the ultimate way to see the 7.5-mile-long (12 km) glacier at the top of New Zealand's Southern Alps.

Soar right by towering peaks, over deep crevasses and past sparkling waterways. Admire the pristine blue color of the ice, and land high up on the glacier between two icefalls, where your 2-hour guided hike begins. Follow your experienced guide into the spectacular icefall terrain, usually seen only by skilled mountaineers.

Climb in and around ice caves, see dramatic pinnacles and seracs, and learn about the history and current conditions of the Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy amazing photo ops of this unique landscape, and then re-board the helicopter for the ride back to town.

Safety and helicopters:

The local tour operator has an excellent safety record, practices rigid assessments and uses exclusive high-quality equipment. Your safety and enjoyment come first.

Aircraft:

The fleet of modern Airbus helicopters specifically configured for flying in New Zealand's outstanding National Parks, glaciers, lakes, mountains and valleys. The Helicopter Line has the highest levels of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations, this involves regular monitoring and audit of all aspects of the operations.

Itinerary

departure

Helicopter operator's local base (address provided on your booking voucher)

Returns to original departure point

Inclusions:

• Helicopter ride

• Professional guide

• 2-hour hike on the glacier

• Use of gear (glacier boots, talons, socks, ice axe, waterproof jacket)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities

• Food and drinks

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Information :

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

• Not wheelchair accessible

• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

• Minimum age is 8 years

• It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers due to cold temperatures

• Moderate level of fitness is required

• Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

• Please note: A guided walk among ice caves is usually part of the tour but all tour activities are dependent on the weather

• Maximum weight limit of 120kg per person including gear / Minimum child weight 30kg (subject to ice conditions)

• What to bring

• Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers)

• Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable

• Sunglasses and sunscreen

• Waterproof jacket (provided if you don't have one)

• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund