Helicopter tours in Franz Josef, New Zealand
View all Franz Josef tours on Viator →Franz Josef and its neighboring Fox Glacier are two of the most accessible glaciers on earth, dropping from the Southern Alps almost to sea level through dense rainforest. A helicopter is the only practical way to actually land on the ice, since the glaciers have retreated too far for a walk-up ice approach.
25 helicopter tours in Franz Josef, hand-picked and bookable in minutes.
Rated 4.7 from 2499 traveler reviews across our listed tours.
Most reliable flying weather
December to March
Tours operate, weather permitting
Year-round
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 25-minute helicopter flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. The flight includes a snow landing, an excellent oppo
25 min
From $229.29 USD
Likely to sell outFranz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight
Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter snow landing on Franz Josef Glac
40 min
From $403.44 USD
Likely to sell outFranz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above the icefalls of the glacier and experience the magnitude of th
35 min
From $287.34 USD
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Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
Take in magnificent views while flying over the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding Southern Alps mountains on this scenic flight. We are locally owned by husband-and-wife team Gus and Poppy started our West Coast comp
25 min
From $223.56 USD
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll general
45 min
From $393.35 USD
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
Take to the skies above the Fox Glacier Township before heading towards the Fox Glacier and exploring the dynamic icefalls on this 25-minute helicopter flight. A snow landing above the glacier allows you to set foot on a
25 min
From $229.29 USD
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Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight
Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 35-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing along the way. Discover up close their neve and unu
35 min
From $287.34 USD
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min
Fly from Franz Josef to see two of the biggest glaciers in New Zealand before a snow landing with our family owned and operated helicopter company. We are locally owned by husband-and-wife team Gus and Poppy started ou
35 min
From $280.16 USD
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Franz Josef. This flight tours covers it all including glacial icefalls and crevasses and neves. You will have views f
40 min
From $403.44 USD
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Likely to sell outFranz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vast size of the glaciers. Top it off with a sno
35 min
From $287.34 USD
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing
On our private Glacier Explorer flight, you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time: approx. 25 minutes. Please
1.3 hrs
From $846.13 USD
Likely to sell outFranz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panor
1 hr
From $405.76 USD
Browse all 25 Franz Josef helicopter tours on Viator.
See all 25 toursWays to see Franz Josef by helicopter
Scenic flight with snow landing
The shortest, most affordable option -- a flight over the glacier with a landing on the snowfield above it, typically 20 to 25 minutes.
Multi-glacier flight
Longer flights linking Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, and often Aoraki/Mount Cook in one trip, with options sold as shared or fully private.
Heli-hike
A helicopter drops you on the glacier for a guided ice walk of a couple of hours, with all crampons and equipment provided -- the only way to actually walk on the ice itself.
Getting there: Tours depart from either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier township, about 25 minutes apart by road, and operators generally fly whichever glaciers suit the day's conditions rather than being fixed to one town.
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See all toursFrequently asked questions
What's the best time to fly in Franz Josef?
Tours run year-round, but this is New Zealand's West Coast, one of the wettest regions in the country, and cloud cover is the main thing that grounds flights rather than cold. Summer (December to March) has the most reliable weather, though even then a meaningful share of flights get rescheduled on short notice. Morning slots tend to be more stable before afternoon cloud builds up, and it's worth keeping an extra unplanned day in your Franz Josef itinerary in case your first booking gets weathered out.
What should I bring?
A proper waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast, since this coastline sees rain even in summer, plus warm layers for the glacier itself, it's noticeably colder at altitude on the ice than in town. Heli-hike operators supply crampons and ice equipment, so you don't need your own.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Like most operators, tours in Franz Josef have standard weight and balance limits (you may be asked your weight when booking or checking in), and pilots will delay or reschedule rather than fly in unsafe wind, low visibility, or storms. Booking a tour with free cancellation means a weather delay won't cost you anything.
How often do Franz Josef helicopter flights get cancelled for weather?
More often than most destinations on this site. The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is one of the wettest parts of the country, and operators here report roughly 60 to 70 percent of summer days as flyable, with a lower share in winter. Cancellations are usually called just 1 to 4 hours before departure once the day's cloud cover is clearer, so booking a tour with free cancellation and building a spare day into your trip are both worth doing.
How much do helicopter tours in Franz Josef cost?
Prices vary by route, duration, and whether the tour includes a landing, but tours in Franz Josef currently start from around $223.56. Longer routes, private charters, and landing tours cost more.
Can I cancel or reschedule if my plans change?
Many tours listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, shown as a badge on each listing. Weather-related delays and cancellations are handled directly by the operator through Viator's booking system, and a tour booked with free cancellation won't cost you anything if it needs to be rescheduled.
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