Mount Cook Spectacular Ex Franz Josef

Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

15 reviews

from $404.88 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 40 minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef lifts off from the Glacier Helicopters base on Main Road and heads for the big one: Aoraki Mount Cook, inside the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. The route passes over or near Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on the way, so the flight strings together the West Coast's most famous ice with the Southern Alps' centrepiece. A professional pilot is included with the flight.

The experience is built around sightseeing from the air rather than walking. Most travellers can participate. The booking page does not say whether a landing happens, so check before you fly; the views of the peak and the glaciers from the air are the whole point. Flights run all year, weather permitting, with a half day of operation on Christmas.

Reviewers regularly describe pilots who are both friendly and informative, and several describe the scenery over the glaciers and snow capped mountains as a highlight. Families can come too, with children accompanied by an adult and infants sitting on laps. Anyone wanting glacier views plus Mount Cook in a single, compact flight from Franz Josef will find this tour matches that brief.

From$404.88 per person

Duration40 minutes

Reviews15 reviews

What's Included

Included

Professional Pilot

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz JosefArrive at Glacier Helicopters, 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau. Check in 30 minutes before the chosen departure time.
Franz Josef Glacier
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe helicopter passes by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park within the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. A landing is not mentioned on the booking page.
Fox GlacierFox Glacier is another pass by on the route, viewed from the air before the aircraft turns back.
Return to baseThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Main Road. Total flight time is 40 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details shape how this flight goes, from what to wear to how weather can change the plan.

Where this tour sits among 9 tours (8 shown) in Fox And Franz Josef To Mount Cook listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Franz Josef to Tasman, 30 Minutes$243.67
Snow Landing, 30-Minute Flight$267.98
Two Glaciers Flight, 35 Minutes$274
Fox Glacier Flight, Snow Landing$288.37
Fox Glacier Return Flight, 35 Minutes$288.37
3 Glaciers, Snow Landing, 45 Minutes$394.75
Mount Cook Spectacular ex Franz Josef (this tour)$404.88
Mount Cook Spectacular ex Fox Glacier$404.88

What to wear. The operator recommends warm clothes, sunglasses and sturdy footwear. A camera is worth bringing. Leave bags behind, since bags of any description are not allowed on board.
Weather matters. Flights run all year but only weather permitting. One reviewer described a strong wind situation over Mount Cook that led to a changed route over the two glaciers instead, and the operator offers a different date or a full refund when weather cancels a flight.
Pilot commentary. Several reviewers praise the pilots, calling them friendly and professional, and one described a pilot who even helped passengers capture a few photos. Another mentioned knowledgeable commentary during the flight.
No bags on board. For safety reasons the operator bans selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads and tablets, and bags of any kind on flights. Plan to carry only what fits in pockets, such as a phone or small camera.
Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 12 travellers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants sit on laps, with infant seats available.
Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, so travellers make their own way to the base on Main Road. It sits near public transportation. Aim to check in 30 minutes before departure.

From$404.88 per person

Reviews15 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main risk is weather: this experience requires good conditions, and if the operator cancels for poor weather, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer reported having their route changed to a shorter glacier flight due to strong winds over Mount Cook, though they still found it worthwhile. The tour also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and low uptake can mean a cancelled departure. It is not wheelchair accessible, hotel transfers are excluded, and there is a total weight limit of 150 kg per passenger. Food and drinks are not included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Mount Cook Spectacular Flight?

The 40 minute helicopter flight and a professional pilot are included. Food, drinks and hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

It departs from the Glacier Helicopters base at 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand. Check in 30 minutes before the chosen departure time. The flight ends back at the same point, and there is no hotel transfer.

Can Children Join This Helicopter Flight?

Yes, children can fly but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available. The flight carries a maximum of 12 travellers.

Is The Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

No, the experience is not wheelchair accessible. That said, most travellers can participate, and the itinerary is flown rather than walked. The base is near public transportation.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the departure time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut off times follow local time. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring On The Flight?

Warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear and a camera are recommended. Bags of any kind are banned on board, along with selfie sticks, drones, lighters, flammable liquids, iPads and tablets. Total weight per passenger is capped at 150 kg.