Best Heli-Hikes Worldwide: Our Top 3

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 and rugged mountain country, land on the glacier, and spend 2.5 hours exploring ice caves, crevasses, and changing formations with a guide such as Ryan, Sarah, or Drew. Franz Josef Glacier Guides provide boots, crampons, warm gear, and the helicopter return. Expect a moderate, weather-dependent adventure.

“We had an amazing time! It was our first time in a heli and what an awesome place to ride the heli. Sarah was an amazing guide and could tell us a lot about the glacier. It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448Best value

Fly onto Fox Glacier, fit crampons, and follow your guide through ice caves, arches, crevasses, and frozen rivers for up to three hours. Guides such as Billy, Kate, Keeley, and Jakey explain how the glacier changes. The tour includes boots, socks, jackets, overtrousers, poles, transport, and a return helicopter flight.

“I got engaged on the tour it was such a special place to visit and mark as a memory”

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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 to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking, crawling through ice features, and viewing blue caves with a guide such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori. Boots, crampons, wool socks, and waterproof gear are supplied.

“An awesome day out on Tasman Glacier. Anna was a great guide, extremely knowledgable. The helicopter rides were brilliant, very competent pilots with amazing views both ways. Pauley did a great job at putting the boots away at the end of the tour 😆 Highly recommend.”

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