4 Glaciers, 2 Snow Landings

Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

★ 4.7 49 reviews

from $508.35 per person

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Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Country Helicopters

Overview

This hour-long flight with Glacier Country Helicopters covers four glaciers and touches down twice on snow. From the base at 10 Main Road, the helicopter tracks past Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, crosses into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park over the Tasman Glacier, then returns through Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where a stop of about 10 minutes is. The two snow landings are the part travellers talk about most, with several reviewers describing them as a highlight of the flight.

The route spans four glaciers.

It suits most travellers: infants can sit on laps, the group is capped at 12, and no special fitness is needed since the main demands are boarding two high ladder-style steps and being weighed at check-in. Weather is the big variable. The operator requires good conditions, and flights are regularly rescheduled, shortened or swapped for an alternative route when cloud closes in, with refunds or alternate dates offered when that happens.

From$508.35 per person

Duration1 hour

Rating4.7 from 49 reviews

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
All fees and taxes

Not Included

Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg & over)
Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade Request

Run byGlacier Country Helicopters

Itinerary

Check-in at Franz Josef officeArrive at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before the flight time to check in.
Franz Josef Glacier flyoverThe helicopter passes by or makes a short stop at Franz Josef Glacier.
Fox Glacier flyoverThe route continues past or briefly stops at Fox Glacier.
Tasman Glacier flyoverThe flight passes by or makes a short stop at the Tasman Glacier.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe route crosses Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), passing by or making short stops along the way.
Westland Tai Poutini National ParkAbout 10 minutes.
Return to baseThe flight ends back at the same meeting point at 10 Main Road.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes, from weight rules to West Coast weather.

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$404.88
4 Glaciers, 2 Snow Landings (this tour)$508.35

Weather rules everything. The flight requires good weather, and many reviewers had their trip rescheduled, shortened or rerouted when cloud built up over the mountains. The office tends to contact passengers early to find a workable window, sometimes flying a day ahead of the booked date. Build slack into your plans around Franz Josef.
Weight and seating. Total weight per passenger is capped at 120 kg, and anyone at or over that weight when weighed at check-in must buy a Comfort Seat at an extra charge. Seats are 40 cm wide, and an empty seat can be reserved next to you for more room.
What to bring. The operator recommends sunglasses, a jacket, a camera, and shoes you don't mind getting wet. You may be standing on snow at the landings, weather permitting, so warm layers matter even on a fine day.
Boarding the helicopter. There are two high ladder-style steps into the aircraft. Tell the operator in advance about limited mobility, injuries, arthritis or recent surgery, since this can affect which helicopter is used.
Commentary and photos. Bring a camera, as the landing stops give you time on the snow.
Group size and pace. The trip runs with a maximum of 12 travellers. Most travellers can participate, and no special fitness is required.

From$508.35 per person

Rating4.7 from 49 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main downside: several reviewers had landings cancelled or the flight shortened, though most reported proactive communication, alternative routes, or partial refunds when this happened. One reviewer reported receiving a shorter flight than booked and an unresolved refund through the booking platform, a reminder to keep confirmation details handy. The comfort seat requirement for passengers 120 kg and over is a compulsory extra cost at half the flight's price. The aircraft is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And When Should I Arrive?

Check-in is at the operator's office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau. Arrive 30 minutes before your flight time. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need transport to the base.

What Is Included In The Price?

All fees and taxes are included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle. Not included are the compulsory Comfort Seat for passengers 120 kg and over, and the front seat or executive helicopter upgrade, which is an optional extra.

Is This Suitable For Children And Infants?

Infants must sit on laps, and most travellers can participate. The main physical demand is climbing two high ladder-style steps into the helicopter and standing on snow during the landings.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. In practice the operator often contacts passengers early to reschedule or fly an alternative route, and several reviewers reported partial refunds when flights were shortened.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow the local experience time. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you will be offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring On The Flight?

The operator recommends sunglasses, a jacket, a camera, and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Warm layers are wise for the snow landings. Note the 120 kg per-passenger weight limit, since exceeding it at check-in means buying a Comfort Seat.