Best Glacier Hikes in New Zealand: Our Top 6

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The gear makes a difficult walk manageable

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

Fly from Franz Josef village to the glacier, land on the ice, and spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among caves, crevasses, pinnacles, and seracs. Your guide supplies crampons, boots, and warm layers, then explains glaciology and Maori stories. Groups are capped at 11, with guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Henry leading the ice walk.

“The staff members I interacted with were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They were very clear about what to expect on the glacier. The helicopter ride provided a beautiful view of the glacier. The group I was in was guided by Kurt. Read more”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Best guided

Take two short helicopter flights to Te Moeka o Tuawe, or Fox Glacier, and spend up to three hours walking its blue ice, caves, arches, and crevasses. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy cut steps and lead you safely across the changing ice. Boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied.

“Amazing!! The staffs are very kindly, and glacier is the most beautiful experience I’ve ever met!😍😍”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

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

Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest, cliffs, and waterfalls before landing on the glacier for a guided 2.5-hour hike. Your guide supplies boots, crampons, warm gear, and glacier stories. Expect changing ice routes, tight passages, ropes, and a moderate physical challenge. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for their care and clear explanations.

“Great experience. I wish we were given time to take photos while we were walking . It felt like we were in a rush, the only time we stopped walking was when we were waiting for the helicopter.”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448Cheapest way up

Fly into a remote part of Fox Glacier, fit up with boots, crampons, poles, and weather gear, then spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and rivers. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa explain how the glacier changes. The return flight offers another fine view.

“The whole experience was amazing. The company are very organised and take safety very seriously. We had plenty of time on the glacier. Overall a wonderful experience 👍👍👍👍👍🚁❄️”

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

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

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

Fly from Mount Cook Airport onto Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through changing ice formations with a guide such as Hunter, Tori, Anna, or Rich. Boots, crampons, socks, and waterproof layers are supplied. Two helicopter flights frame the hike, weather permitting.

“AMAZING! Loved it! Worth every cent! Tory our guide was 10/10 so knowledgeable, kind and friendly. She really went above and beyond making our day special. Information and introduction at the beginning was presented well and clear. Jackets and pants included were good quality. Helicopter ride breathtaking.”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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

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

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend about two hours walking on the ice with a guide such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, or Jess. You get glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket if needed, plus close views of Aoraki, Mount Tasman, and the Hochstetter Icefall. Weather can change the plan.

“Magnificent views with breathtaking experience, a professional glacier hiking guidance of Kerry, a great pilot with smooth helicopter ride. A 7 stars journey.”

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Other ways to spend the day on foot

Mountain & Summit Hikes129 Volcano Hikes97 Waterfall Hikes60 Guided Day Hikes93 Glacier Hikes51 National Park Hikes42

Best Glacier Hikes in New Zealand: Our Top 6

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

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

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

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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

Pick a kind of walking day

Above the treeline

Water and rock

How you walk it

Trees and trails