Two Glaciers Flight, 35 Minutes

Franz Josef: 35-Minute Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★ 4.9 545 reviews

from $274 per person

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Duration: 35 minutes
Meeting point: 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Country Helicopters

Overview

The helicopter lifts off from Franz Josef and heads straight into the Southern Alps, tracking over the Franz Josef Glacier and then either the Fox or Tasman Glacier. The route also passes Mount Cook before the pilot, weather permitting, sets the machine down at an elevated landing site. You step out on foot for around ten minutes, with time for photos before the short flight back.

The flight runs to 35 minutes, which several reviewers say passes quickly once you are airborne. Headsets are provided so the pilot can point out the ice pinnacles, crevasses and peaks as you fly, and the experience begins with check in and a safety briefing at the operator's base on Main Road in Franz Josef. Pilots on this route have earned repeated praise for being friendly, informative and happy to take photos for passengers at the landing site.

Reviewers include first-time helicopter riders who described the experience as one that could not have been better, and one who is afraid of heights still rated it highly. Another described the snow landing as the standout moment. It is not a hiking trip, the only walking is at the landing site. Weather decides everything here, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

From$274 per person

Duration35 minutes

Rating4.9 from 545 reviews

What's Included

Included

Safety briefing
Helicopter flight
Headsets
Live commentary
Pilot

Not Included

Comfort seats

Run byGlacier Country Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz JosefArrive at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, for check in and a safety briefing.
Transfer to the hangarAfter the briefing you are transferred to the activity provider's hangar, where you meet the pilot and guide and board the helicopter.
Scenic flight over the glaciersFly amongst the Southern Alps past the Franz Josef Glacier and either the Fox or Tasman Glacier, with views of Mount Cook and live commentary through headsets.
Snow landingLand at an elevated snow site and explore on foot for 10 minutes, with time for photos.
Return flightA short flight brings you back to land, with one reviewer describing it as around 5 minutes.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day go smoothly, from what to wear to how the weather can reshape the plan.

A ski-equipped plane and a helicopter parked on a small alpine airfield apron, a windsock and snow-streaked mountain wall behind.

What to bring. Sunglasses, a camera, a jacket and closed-toe shoes are requested. Leave large bags behind, as luggage is not allowed on board.
Weather rules the day. Flights are weather dependent and routes can change or be cancelled at short notice. One honeymooning reviewer only got airborne on their last morning after rain scrubbed two earlier days.
Seating and views. One reviewer felt middle-seat passengers did not get equal views on the quick return leg. Another mentioned the chance of a front seat. Where you end up sitting varies.
Nervous flyers. Multiple reviewers describe the flight as smooth, including one who was petrified of heights and still loved it. Pilots are repeatedly called reassuring and professional. If nerves are holding you back, the reviews suggest it feels safer than it looks.
Photos at the landing. Pilots on this route have offered to take photos for passengers at the snow landing, and one reviewer had a picture taken and printed on the spot. A camera is on the list of things to bring. Selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
Timing and pace. The 35 minutes go fast, as more than one reviewer warned. There is no walking involved beyond the landing site stop. It is a sightseeing flight, not a hike.

From$274 per person

Rating4.9 from 545 reviews

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Common issues. Weather is the big variable: flights can be rerouted or cancelled at short notice, and one reviewer could not land on the glacier itself due to cloud and landed on a nearby mountain instead. A minimum number of passengers is required for a flight to depart, so low numbers can also trigger cancellation. Passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check in must buy a comfort seat at half the retail price of the flight, an extra cost not covered by the standard ticket. One reviewer felt the middle seats offered weaker views on the return leg than promised.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The ticket covers the safety briefing, the helicopter flight, headsets, live commentary and the pilot. The 10-minute snow landing stop is part of the flight. Comfort seats are the listed exclusion, and they are required for passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check in.

Where Does The Tour Start?

Check in takes place at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand. After the briefing you are transferred to the operator's hangar to board. Hotel pickup is not part of this product.

How Long Is The Flight?

The flight runs 35 minutes in total, including about 10 minutes on the ground at an elevated snow landing site. Several reviewers note the time passes quickly. There is no hiking component.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

Routes can change or be cancelled at short notice because the activity is weather dependent. If your flight is cancelled due to weather, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund. The same applies if minimum passenger numbers are not met.

Can I Cancel My Booking?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Given how often weather moves flights, keeping flexibility in your schedule is wise.

Is It Suitable For Nervous Flyers Or People With Limited Mobility?

Reviews repeatedly describe the flight as smooth, including from one traveller who is afraid of heights. The only walking is the short stop at the snow landing site. Note that crutches and walking sticks are on the not-allowed list.