Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pick up a copy of DOC's excellent
Glacier Region Walks
booklet ($2) which provides
maps and illuminating background reading.
Guided Walks & Helihikes
Small group walks with experienced guides (boots, jackets and equipment supplied) are
0800 484 337;
www.franzjosefglacier.com
;
6 Main Rd)
. Both standard tours require helicopter
transfers to and from the ice: the 'Ice Explorer' ($325) is bookended by a four-minute
flight, with around three hours on the ice; the easier 'Heli Hike' ($429) explores higher
reaches of the glacier, requiring a 10-minute flight with around two hours on the ice.
Taking around three hours, the 'Glacier Valley Walk' ($75) follows the Waiho River up
to the moraine, offering a chance to get beyond the public barriers for close up views of
the ice. All trips are $10-30 cheaper for children.
Aerial Sightseeing
Forget sandflies and mozzies. The buzzing you're hearing is a swarm of aircraft in the
skies around the glaciers and just beyond in the realm of Aoraki/Mt Cook. A common
heliflight ($200-230) is 20 minutes long, and goes to the head of Franz Glacier with a
snow landing up top. A 'twin glacier' flight - taking in Fox as well as Franz in around 30
minutes - costs in the region of $300, with a full-monty 40-minute trip (swooping around
Aoraki/Mt Cook) from $400. Fares for children under 15 are between 60% and 70% of
the adult price. Shop around: most operators are situated on the main road in Franz Josef.
Air Safaris
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 03-752 0716, 0800 723 274;
www.airsafaris.co.nz
)
Franz' only fixed-wing flyer offers a
30-minute 'twin glacier' ($250) and 50-minute 'grand traverse' ($340).
Fox & Franz Josef
Heliservices
SCENIC FLIGHTS
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
03-752 0793, 0800 800 793;
www.scenic-flights.co.nz
)
Glacier Helicopters
SCENIC FLIGHTS
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
03-752 0755, 0800 800 732;
www.glacierhelicopters.co.nz
)
Helicopter Line
SCENIC FLIGHTS
