Review Glacier Helihike and Flight Experiences in New Zealand

It can only be said that we were very lucky. When we arrived in the afternoon the day before, the weather was still cloudy. The weather forecast said it would be sunny the next day. After we left, the weather turned cloudy again because we heard that too many people were complaining about the bad weather. Good and canceled. Fortunately, it was a rare trip for us and we didn’t come back with regrets. The time booked on the platform was 11:30. We found that it might be troublesome to arrange the time, because the drive back to Wanaka took longer than expected, so as soon as we arrived in the town of Fox Gracier the day before, we went to the counter to ask if it was possible. Adjust departure time. There was a young lady from Quanzhou at the counter who was very helpful and confirmed that the time could be changed to 7:30. We also completed the relevant procedures first. I arrived at 7 a.m. the next morning and attended the pre-departure briefing. The content was very clear and I also received socks, shoes, and rain pants. Since we were all wearing Gore-Tex jackets, we didn’t receive the tops after confirmation from the tour guide. Taking this minibus to the helicopter base, boarding the plane was very orderly. The whole process was carefully planned, taking into account our mood of taking photos, and providing sufficient reminders. After flying to the glacier very quickly, the guides were already in place. After helping everyone put on crampons, they led the group to set off in batches. The guides will pay attention to everyone's safety. When climbing, they will also use shovels to knock out stairs to make it easier for everyone to climb. There are no omissions where ropes should be prepared. Everyone completes the glacier hiking safely. This trip is highly recommended. You can see the magnificence of nature and the traces of glaciers receding due to global warming. It is a rare trip to New Zealand to experience.

If you’re reading this, this is a sign for you to book this heli-hike experience, super worth it! You’ll immediately forget that it costs you that much to see the glacier. Had a fantastic time with the guide Cale who made sure that everyone was safe and very informative. My face glows every time I recall the time there and share this stories to my friends😍 my trip was in early August–so lucky with the weather that weekend, felt like I was on a different planet💓

It was a really satisfying experience. Luckily, our team was the only one on the course we chose that day, so when we checked in on the day, the staff upgraded us to level 2, so we were able to enjoy the glacier and the scenery to our heart's content! It was even better when the helicopter briefly landed on the summit and the pilots took a lot of commemorative photos~~ I highly recommend this as a South Island activity.

What an incredible experience. Scott is such a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and cheerful. The hike was around 1.5 hour with lots of time stopping for pictures, so it was not as physically demanding as expected. The glacier is truly mesmerising, it is one of the best memories I have made in NZ!

Another unforgettable highlight of my trip to New Zealand! Hannah, our guide, was incredible—she helped carve out safe paths for us to follow. I’ve always been a bit nervous on steep terrain, so she placed me right behind her in the lineup. That way, I could follow her exact foot placements and navigate each section safely.

The four-hour hike at Fox Glacier is an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you can admire the magnificent glacier, valleys, and natural scenery up close. The air is fresh, and while the trail is somewhat challenging, the pace is just right. Walking through the glacier terrain, you feel the awe-inspiring power of nature and your own smallness. It's definitely worth planning.

It is our first time to do a heli glacier ride and it was 10/10! James, our captain, was so skilful and reassuring. The ride itself was so comfortable. It never felt like a rush during our time in the glacier landing. It was just so perfect for a fun acitivity while in Franz Josef town.

Totally worth it. You start with about a ten-minute helicopter ride to the glacier, then hike for about two hours. The company provides hiking boots, wool socks, waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, crampons, and hiking poles. Anyone who is normally mobile can participate.

Highly recommend this experience, even though weather can affect whether it goes ahead. You get to ride in a helicopter and hike on New Zealand's largest glacier. The guides are very professional, making it an unforgettable memory!

it was cancelled due to weather for first day. but it is great for the second day morning! with sun and with excellent lead