Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
About this tour
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 company in 2014. They are both commercial pilots and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Glacier Explorer flight, you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 25 minutes. If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
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Highlights
- ✓Professional, experienced pilot
- ✓All taxes, fees, and charges
- ✓Snow landing (approx. 10 minutes)
- ✓Scenic 25-minute helicopter flight
Itinerary
Stop 1
The Glacier Explorer flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Included
- ✓ Professional, experienced pilot
- ✓ All taxes, fees, and charges
- ✓ Snow landing (approx. 10 minutes)
- ✓ Scenic 25-minute helicopter flight
Not included
- ✕ Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120kg / 265lbs+)
- ✕ Front seat upgrade requests (subject to availability)
From
$223.56 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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Read more reviews on Viator →Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Helicopter tours in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
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.
When's the best time to fly?
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 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.
Compare tours in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Landing | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with LandingThis tour | Duration varies | 4.8 (229) | Yes | From $223.56 | |
| Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 25 min | 4.9 (248) | Yes | From $229.29 | View → |
| Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight | 40 min | 5.0 (38) | Yes | From $403.44 | View → |
| Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 35 min | 4.9 (50) | Yes | From $287.34 | View → |
From
$223.56 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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From
$223.56 USD