Heli-Hiking: The World’s 15 Best Fly-In Walks

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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

Meet your guide in Franz Josef, gear up in warm layers and crampons, then fly about 10 minutes over the Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier. Spend roughly 2 hours 15 minutes on the ice with a small group of up to 11, learning about glaciology and Maori stories before flying back.

“It was an amazing experience. My husband and I traveled with our two sons who are in their early 20’s. Alex, our guide, was incredible, very knowledgeable and friendly. Absolutely recommend this experience but you must be in good shape. We went through very very narrow ice walls and if you have a large stomach you will have a tough time climbing or getting through. In some areas you must go sideways to pass through the crevices. Again, an unforgettable and awesome experience for those who seek adventure!”

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2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Take a short helicopter flight onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, or Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking its changing ice terrain. Fox Glacier Guiding supplies boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy are known for patient instruction, photo help, and fun glacier discoveries.

“Our guide was excellent, explaining everything enthusiastically. I loved the hike—it wasn't too difficult and was truly a great experience. My friend which 63 years old also made it throughout the journey. When flying in the helicopter and looking down at the people waiting at the starting point, we humans appeared as small as peanuts compared to the glacier. Other guides were present to create and maintain our walking path, as the previous day's rain could cause the trail to change periodically. Shoes, socks, jacket, pants, glove and bags is provided. Recommend not to bring too much things with you. We were busy enjoying the views and taking pictures.”

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

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

From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the glacier, and spend two hours walking among ice formations with a professional guide such as Scott, Kerry, or Maddie. Glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket are supplied. Expect a small group of up to 10, strong mountain views, and weather-dependent scheduling.

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

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

You trek from Lukla through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, with acclimatization hikes at Namche and Nangkartshang Peak. A shared helicopter carries you from Gorakshep to Lukla, saving the long return walk. Guides such as Raj, Ram, and Madan have led past departures.

“I just returned from my EBC trek with Ace the Himalaya. My best friend and I did the EBC trek with helicopter return December 8-15. We were beyond happy with the Ace the Himalaya to take us on this once in a lifetime experience. They Read more”

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5.The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $572

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Aoraki/Mount Cook to a remote Tasman Glacier landing site. With boots, outerwear, crampons or snowshoes, and a guide such as Flav, Hunter, or Richard, you’ll explore ice caves, blue holes, snow fields, and unusual formations before flying back.

“This is our first time to took a helicopter, heli hiking, the driving skills are very good, the Tasman Glacier is beautiful, we all enjoyed the trip”

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6.Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $1,178

Travel from Queenstown to Mt Cook by fixed-wing plane, then take a helicopter onto Tasman Glacier for about two hours on the ice. Your guide supplies boots, crampons, and safety gear, leading you through changing ice formations and caves. The group is limited to 11, with guides such as Scott, Sam, and Emma depending on the departure.

“An Amazing experience! Jason, our pilot, was outstanding and very skilled! They picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel. We highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience. Matt, our hiking guide was amazing too”

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7.Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $750

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook in a small guided group, then take two helicopter flights to the Tasman Glacier for a guided ice hike. Expect warm gear, crampons, snacks, and expert local commentary from guides such as Tedd, Xavier, Collin, or Ryan. The day runs about 12 hours and depends heavily on weather.

“I would not recommend continuing on this tour is the weather is bad. Unfortunately the helihike portion was cancelled due to rain/wind which was understandable. The only options was to do a hike in the cold rain or wait in the hotel/visitor Read more”

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8.Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $307

Take an 8-minute helicopter flight over Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, then walk a well-kept 7km 4x4 track through Glentanner High Country. Guide Brian shares stories about glaciers, wildlife, history, and culture. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, poles, sunscreen, and insect repellent are included.

“We booked the morning tour but the weather was not too good. Our guide Brian suggested us postpone it to the afternoon that the weather was so nice to have our hiking. Brian was very good and shared a lot of interesting information with us. We had a wonderful afternoon with him and the experience was so amazing. Really appreciated!!”

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9.Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 12 hours · from $723

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook by guided minivan, with scenic stops at Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, and Omarama. Then fly onto the Tasman Glacier for a guided ice hike with two helicopter flights. Guide Mati is known for patient, passionate guidance. Bring layers, gloves, and lunch.

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10.Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla – 10 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $799

This 10-day Everest Base Camp trek pairs tough high-altitude walking with a helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla. You’ll hike through Sherpa villages, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, then visit Base Camp and Kala Patthar. A licensed English-speaking guide, permits, guesthouses, gear, and Kathmandu transfers are included.

“The Trek was amazing and our guide Ram was great and flexible. Everything fantastic! I recommend the trek from Lukla to Everest base Camp without Any doubt.”

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11.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $601

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Tasman Glacier Lake, land at about 1,200 meters, and spend two hours hiking the ice with a guide. Boots, crampons, poles, wool socks, and waterproof clothing are supplied. The return flight may include views of Hochstetter Icefall and, weather permitting, an ice-cave walk.

“Hiking on the glacier was a one-in-a- lifetime experience. Connor Bensen was our guide and he was great - very communicative, considerate, and accommodating. He knew so much about the glaciers. It takes concentration as you walk on the glacier as it is not flat, but Connor made it very doable.”

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12.Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $474

Join a local guide from Trips & Tramps for a 7-hour Kepler Track outing from Te Anau. Fly by helicopter to Luxmore Hut, walk through alpine tussock and native beech forest, then cross Lake Te Anau by water taxi. The small group has up to 12 people, with poles, safety gear, and rain jackets available.

“It was great to see a DOC hut, and the hike down to the lake was easy and beautiful! A good way to see the landscape without having to hike up the mountain!”

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13.Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $286Best value

Fly 25 minutes from Te Anau over Lake Te Anau, the Hidden Lakes, Main Divide, and Kepler Mountains. Land near Luxmore Hut, hike the Kepler Great Walk toward Luxmore Summit and Lake Te Anau, then return by a 10-minute water taxi. The small group has a maximum of nine people.

“Great communication, great pilot, great views and a lot of fun. Highly recommended. I can't say enough great things about how well the company is run and how much we enjoyed the day.”

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14.Alaska Heli Hiking – ANCHORAGE AREA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $816

Fly from Alaska Glacier Lodge near Palmer to high alpine meadows above timberline, then hike with a guide at your own pace. The small private group can choose a gentle walk or a more strenuous ridge outing. Guides including Tom and Corey have helped shape flexible trips, while pilots may point out bears, moose, and glaciers from the air.

“The tour is wonderful. Took a lot of satisfied photos and videos. The glacier is beautiful and memorable!”

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15.Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return -11 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $3,500

You’ll fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, walk through Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Gorakshep, then climb Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters. A shared helicopter brings you back to Kathmandu. Guides may include Prakash Adhikari or Dikpal, with porters provided at one for every two clients.

“This hiking trip was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Words can’t fully capture the feelings and personal growth I experienced, but I’d like to focus on the outfitter who made it all possible. If I could give them 10 stars, I Read more”

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