Franz Josef Glacier Guides

We had an amazing time with A Healthy Height of Friends – Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Our guides, Sara and Rosa, were so lovely — friendly, encouraging, and made everyone feel safe while still keeping things fun and adventurous. They guided us as we rappelled down a steep section and took us to explore new ice caves, which was such a unique and unforgettable experience. Everything felt well organised and relaxed, and the guides’ passion really came through. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for an incredible glacier adventure with an awesome team!

We did the glacier tour today, we had our hike cut very short due to changing weather conditions. I thought they handled it very well, we were warned at check-in, our guide kept us up to date as we proceeded through the process. In our case we made it to the glacier and mostly waited around but did a short little loop and went through an ice hole. Our guide, Thomas, was excellent. Knowledgeable, safe, enthusiastic, and kept us up to date. He even gave us some plant facts at the end of the tour as we walked back through the rainforest which was a great touch. The reception desk processed a generous partial refund for us quickly. All the equipment and facilities were of a very high standard. Pilot was great. It was obviously disappointing we didn’t get to do the hike, but appreciate its weather dependent and they make calls based on safety and it was handled the best they could have done. I’d definitely recommend this operator to friends or go with them again.

What an amazing experience. Our guide Teagan was exceptional on our helihike and made sure everyone visited the glacier and returned safely. The ground staff was also exceptional. Everything was very well organized and all precautions taken. The views speak for themselves and the quick helicopter ride also provides a nice vantage point.

FAN-TAS-TIC experience! The only tour in Franz Josef that lands on the actual glacier itself and gives you the unique oppurtunity of WALKING ON A GLACIER. We've had an absolutely beautiful trip and our guide Zoe told a beautiful story about the Mãori history. Helicopter flight was well organized and safe. I wouldn't book any other flight than this one! Really a top experience!!! The flights are expensive everywhere, but really worth it an especially this one. Truly one of the highlights of our tour through New Zealand (and our lives!). #franzjosefglacierguides

The Franz Josef Glacier guided walk was fantastic! The views were stunning, and our guide, Karsyn, was exceptional very knowledgeable and engaging. She made the experience even more memorable with her insights about the glacier. A must-do activity if you are in Franz Josef and would definitely recommend it!

Outstanding experience - heli hike on Franz Josef glacier! Our terrific guide Jule led us through everything start to finish - from donning gear and safety briefings to leading us out onto the glacier for an amazing hike. The helicopter ride - my very first - gave us a beautiful introduction to the glacier. It had snowed the night before so the area was blanketed in white. The skies were cobalt. Jule explained how the weather can change quickly and how the guides monitor it to ensure safety. She also conveyed safety practices for our hike. We had the best time ever, tromping through the snow and taking in the stunning beauty of it all. We were so impressed with the enthusiasm, safety consciousness, and knowledge of all the staff. This was the experience of a lifetime for me!

My husband and I were fortunate to have a perfect-weather morning for our heli-hike, and from start to finish the experience was absolutely incredible. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and prepared for everything. Landing on the glacier was breathtaking — crisp white views and knee-deep snow all around. The hike itself was steady and well-paced, with our guide making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Partway through, we were told a cloud was moving in and we’d need to leave the glacier. Even then, the team remained calm, professional, and reassuring while getting us safely helicoptered off the ice. An unforgettable adventure — highly recommend!

This was - by far - one of the most exciting and magical things I’ve ever done. Have to admit that I was a bit scared at first (knowing you’re going to walk on an actual glacier), but ended up feeling completely safe while being up there knowing I was in very professional hands (thanks Jula). An experience I’m truly never going to forget! 🏔️🚁🥾

We did the Heli-Hike and highly recommend FJ Glacier guides for your next adventure! They were very organized and punctual. Our guide Jule was amazing. The helicopter ride to the glacier was so much fun! The glacier hike itself was probably about 1-1.5 miles over 2 hours interspersed with stories about glaciers, ice and lots of pictures. We got to eat some ice, drink fresh glacier water, explore the beauty of the glacier surrounded by rocky mountains, and get some steps in. The helicopter ride back was also awesome! It was pretty reasonably priced for everything they provided. I would recommend this to anyone that plans to go to Franz Josef!

We accidentally went to the glacier trail and had to make our way back to the office in order to fill out paperwork and meet our guide. At the center, we were greeted by a very friendly staff and our guide who took us to get suited up. They have boots and rain jackets as well as hiking poles and pants. Our entire group used their boots and jackets and many used their poles. (Note: the jackets are kinda gross smelling so bring your own. They said they get washed once a month. Eww.) We were then shuttle down to the glacier and had a tour by Jara, a young guy who's been out in the area about two years. He was very knowledgeable about the glacier and the botanicals, showing us some plant edibles and other science-y facts. Unfortunately the glacier was shrouded in clouds and we really couldn't see much. To be honest, I was pretty unimpressed and did not have the time available to do a helicopter tour or glacier hike. Because it cleared up the next day and I had pretty good views of the glacier from the hotel, it probably would've been really amazing if the weather had cooperated. That was not the company's fault but just be aware. After a six hour drive to get there I was pretty annoyed that our two hour walk yielded a disappointing experience. I also did not get to use their hot pools but that sounded cool.

If you want to visit the Franz Josef Glacier, this is definitely where you want to book your tour! My boyfriend and I booked a heli-hike tour and we absolutely loved every second of it! My recommendation is to definitely book ahead of time. Although our first reservation didn't go through due to a mismatch of booking availabilities between Trip Advisor and the Guides, the FJG Guides were very helpful with trying to find a time that fit our schedule. Also, note that since many places in New Zealand do not have service, I would highly recommend booking before you arrive in New Zealand. The tour itself was amazing! We had a really funny and knowledgeable guide (I think his name is Luke, sorry if I remembered incorrectly) and he definitely made the experience even more memorable! The company provides everything you need, from jackets to snow pants to crampons to a small fanny-pack-like bag to store any snacks and cameras! The only things I recommend bringing are sunglasses and gloves. The guide also helps you take pictures as you go on the path through the glacier, so you can get amazing pictures of you and the glacier! This is one thing you don't want to miss out on if you're in the South Island of New Zealand!

This review is only for the private pool. We loved it! We got 45 min in a newly filled pool. At the end of that time it automatically drained and we got 15 min in our own private area to shower and change (towels included). If you don't book a private pool, the public pool has 3 options: 40, 38 and 36 degrees C There isn't a cold dip. For the public pool bring: your own towels, flip flops Otherwise you can rent towels for a fee. Maybe also bring a plastic water bottle. I didn't see any water to drink anywhere.

The Franz Josef Glacier hike is one of the best things I've done in NZ - and while everything I've done here has been amazing, this is at the top of the list. The company that leads the tour is very professional and fun. My group has Alex - a serial badass from the Upper Hat north of Wellington. The guides are very knowledgable of the glacier and will take you around to the best things to see and the safest routes. Not only was the glacier awesome, but the helicopter ride was amazing. You have great aerial views of the glacier and the surrounding Franz Josef landscape - absolutely stunning. I recommend this trip, there are not many places in the world with something like this and it is worth every penny.

I enjoyed hiking on the Franz Josef glacier. The company made sure we were equipped with the basics before heading out onto the glacier. The guide, Josh, had only been guiding for 2 months, but knew where to go and let us take as many photos as we wanted. Well worth it.

Really fun hike if you're ever on the South Island of New Zealand. You have to be in relatively good shape to get far up. I was exhausted by the time we made it back down. Make sure to research tour company that takes you up. You need spikes for the bottom of your shoes and would strongly recommend wearing shoes you don't care that much about. Guides most often have you traversing some pretty big drop offs in the glacier so not good if you don't like heights. Great experience overall.

While our heli-hike was unfortunately called off due to weather, we instead chose to do the glacier valley hike with (large) refund for the difference in price. We're glad we did. The hike itself was a fairly large group with a few guides, but the guides handled it well. They were very knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. The hike out and back to the glacier totaled a few hours, plus a 10-15 minute bus ride each way, so plan on quite a bit of time. You get fairly close to the face of the glacier, but it was still disappointing when you had your hopes set on actually hiking the glacier itself. But so be it. In our case, the weather was still awful - cold, rainy, miserable. I highly recommend taking advantage of their gear unless you have really good, quality hiking gear that is made for the elements. Without it, we would have been even more miserable, because the weather really, truly was nasty. BUT, afterwards, you can head over to the hot pools...and I recommend that. We did the private pool for 45 minutes, and it was amazing. Especially with a cold rain still coming down, being able to plunge in to a hot, partially covered pool, tucked away in the trees with nobody else in site...just about the best part of our big New Zealand vacation. We could have spent hours there. And, you get a private cabana for your use during that time too.

We went on a half day glacier hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guide. We arrived at the tour office early in the morning for registration. After that, we were equipped with a rain jacket, waterproof trousers, boots and a small waist bag all provided the tour company. A bus will then take us to the foot of the glacier where we'll have to track through the rainforest, along the glacier valley. We walked on a ice, climbing through crevices and moving up the glacier. It was very slippery, a member of our tour group fell and had some serious injury. The guide had to call an emergency helicopter for rescue. The view was spectacular, seeing the blue ice and mountain covered with ice. Overall, we had an awesome experience.

Boring Trek, just standing in line for ages :( I felt like I was in line at Disneyland, but with no payoff of excitement. We weren't allowed to run on the ice at all and there were no crevasses. I had to wait standing still for the group to go ahead 30 meters just so I could run a little and then get yelled at. We had to wait for the guide to pick axe out pointless steps for slight inclines that were perfectly easy to just run or walk up with your crampers on. This was the biggest waste of my money and time in all of New Zealand, Australia, and SE Asia!

I have certainly not forgotten to review this one for so long because it was bad or boring, quite the opposite! Must do when on the South Island of NZ. Was one of the best days/tours I've been on ever. You can pick from a variety of tour types, we did the one that was only a few hours, and they kit you out and prepare you very well. You get boots with spikes! Crampons are the actual term, but very cool to get to try out. You start of getting all bundled up and educated. We had a small group of about 6 of us who were all pretty fit, so it was perfect for a fun tour and getting to see a good amount. I think there was a tour coming after us that was bigger. We took the first morning tour. Then you get a gorgeous scenic helicopter ride to the top. The glacier and mountains are so pretty from the air. Once you land a guide gives you an ice pick, which is also cool and awesome to get to try out, and away you go. The guide takes you all over the top of the glacier where you can see the various colors of blue, rivers of icy water, and deep crevasses that make up the glacier. For the record, the kiwis pronounce it glass-ier. You even get to go through an ice tunnel, as the guides deem safe, which was pretty exciting and amazing. The guides are very knowledgeable telling you all about the glacier as you go and always safe and professional while being fun. Highly recommend and would definitely do again! We went at the end of fall/early winter.