3 Glaciers, Snow Landing, 45 Minutes

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing: 45min

★ 4.8 136 reviews

from $394.75 per person

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Duration: 45 minutes
Meeting point: 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Country Helicopters

Overview

This 45-minute helicopter flight out of Franz Josef takes in three glaciers, Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman, with a landing on the snow included. It is run by Glacier Country Helicopters, and the route also passes Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu). The pilot provides commentary over the headset as you fly.

The flow is simple. You check in at the operator's office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef, half an hour before your flight time, get a safety briefing, then board for the scenic flight and the snow landing. The trip finishes back at the same office. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you make your own way there. Food and drinks are not included.

It suits most travellers, including families with infants on laps. The one physical demand is getting in and out: there are two high ladder-style steps into the helicopter. Groups run to a maximum of 12 travellers, and passengers weighing 120kg or more must buy a Comfort Seat when weighed at check-in.

From$394.75 per person

Duration45 minutes

Rating4.8 from 136 reviews

What's Included

Included

45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Experienced and professional pilot
Safety briefing
All fees, GST, and taxes

Not Included

Comfort Seat
Front Seat Upgrade
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks

Run byGlacier Country Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz Josef officeArrive at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before your flight time for check-in and a safety briefing.
Board the helicopterAfter the briefing you board the aircraft, using two high ladder-style steps.
Franz Josef Glacier flyoverThe flight passes by the Franz Josef Glacier with a short stop as part of the route.
Fox Glacier flyoverThe helicopter continues past Fox Glacier, again passing by with a short stop.
Tasman Glacier flyoverThe third glacier on the route is the Tasman Glacier, passed by with a short stop.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe route passes Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu).
Snow landing and returnThe flight includes a landing on the snow, then returns to the same meeting point at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes, from seating width to the weather calls the operator makes on the day.

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 (this tour)$394.75
Mount Cook Spectacular ex Franz Josef$404.88
Mount Cook Spectacular ex Fox Glacier$404.88

What to bring. Sunglasses, a light jacket, a camera, and shoes you do not mind getting wet are recommended for the snow landing.
Seating and space. Seats are 40cm wide. An empty seat can be reserved next to you if you prefer extra space, and passengers weighing 120kg or over are required to purchase a Comfort Seat when weighed at check-in. You can also request a front seat upgrade at least 24 hours ahead, subject to confirmation at check-in.
Weather flexibility. Weather drives everything here. Many reviewers describe shortened flights, rerouted routes, rescheduled departures or cancelled landings when cloud closed in, while praising how the operator handled each change. Stay reachable and be ready to shift plans if a window opens.
Photos. One reviewer mentioned landing on the glacier made for great photographic memories.
Pilot commentary. Multiple reviewers praised the pilots' commentary on the landscape and landmarks. One reviewer added that you should check your headset is plugged in so you hear it.
Stay informed on the day. Staying close to the office and reachable means you catch these updates about your departure.

From$394.75 per person

Rating4.8 from 136 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main risk: reviewers frequently report shortened flights, missed snow landings or full reschedules when cloud or rain set in, and the operator refunds or rebooks accordingly, though one reviewer was still waiting for a refund to be processed. Passengers weighing 120kg or over must buy a Comfort Seat at check-in, which adds cost. The helicopter is not wheelchair accessible and requires climbing two high ladder-style steps. There is also a minimum traveller number for the flight to run, and the snow landing itself depends on conditions on the day.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 45-minute scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing, an experienced pilot, a safety briefing, and all fees, GST and taxes. Not included are food and drinks, hotel transfers, and optional extras such as a Comfort Seat or a front seat upgrade.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You check in at the operator's office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before your flight time, and the tour ends back at the same point.

Can Children Join The Flight?

Yes, most travellers can participate, and infants must sit on laps. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, you are asked to tell the operator in advance, since boarding involves two high ladder-style steps and this may affect which helicopter is used.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The flight requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Reviewers often describe shortened or rerouted flights when cloud rolled in, with refunds handled in some cases, so keep your schedule flexible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the flight's start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. There is also a minimum number of travellers; if it is not met, you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Sunglasses, a light jacket, a camera, and shoes you do not mind getting wet are recommended. Confirmation normally arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.