Where to Walk: the 4 Best Helicopter Tours Worldwide

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

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · from $3,000Best guided

Walk from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, with acclimatization hikes at Everest View Point and Nangkartshang Peak. After Kala Patthar, a scenic 20-minute helicopter flight takes you from Gorakshep to Lukla. Ace the Himalaya provides guides, porters, meals, permits, and trekking gear.

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