Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

Top rated
4.841584 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.841584 out of 5 stars
505 reviews
Activity provider:Glacier Country Helicopters
Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing
Top rated
4.841584 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.841584 out of 5 stars
505 reviews

Enjoy a 25-minute helicopter flight above the incredible Franz Josef Glacier. Take in its ice pinnacles, crevasses, then fly into the Southern Alps and take stunning photos on the alpine landing site.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 25 minutes
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
Mandy – New Zealand

It was amazing, spectacular views, chance in a lifetime

M
Mark – New Zealand

This is Must Do flight. It was truly sensational and great value for money.

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Highlights

  • Fly over the Franz Josef Glacier in a helicopter
  • See some of New Zealand's highest mountains
  • Admire the ice pinnacles, and crevasses
  • The included 10-minute *snow or alpine landing allows for great photos

Full description

Take in some of New Zealand’s most impressive mountains during a helicopter ride. Land among them for even more spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities.


Meet at the local partner’s office to check in and attend a safety briefing. Then, following a van transfer to the hangar, you will meet your pilot and board the helicopter for takeoff. Put your headset on to enjoy your pilot's guided commentary.

Fly over the terminal moraine of the ancient Franz Josef Glacier and up the valley over the Franz Josef Glacier. Take in the ice pinnacles and crevasses before flying onwards amongst the impressive Southern Alps.


Land on an elevated snow landing site to enjoy stunning views of some of New Zealand’s highest mountains. Have 10-minutes to take incredible photos before returning to the hangar.


*In the summer this snow landing may become an alpine landing if no snow is available. This 25minute flight also has the highest rate of cancellation as it only has one flight route & landing site with so no back up options if its route is weather affected unlike the longer flights which have multiple options*

Includes

  • Safety briefing
  • Helicopter tour
  • Experienced pilot
  • Guided commentary
  • Headset
  • Comfort Seats (passengers 120KG and over when weighed at check-in will be required to purchase a Comfort Seat — these are half the RRP of your flight).
  • Front Seat Request (Requests must be made 24hrs in advance & are confirmed at check in)

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Please check in at our local supplier's office 30 minutes prior to your flight.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Jacket
  • Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

  • High-heeled shoes
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Drones
  • Selfie sticks
  • Walking sticks
  • Loose clothing
  • Bags

Know before you go

  • ☼ Comfort Seats (passengers 120KG & over when weighed at check in will be required to purchase a Comfort Seat - these are half the RRP of your flight).
  • ☼ This activity is weather-dependent, so flight routes are subject to change and cancellation at short notice.
  • ☼ Minimum numbers are required for flights to depart; there is a possibility of cancellation if there are not enough passengers. In this case, you will be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 505 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+41
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M
Mandy – New ZealandMay 12, 2025 – Verified booking
It was amazing, spectacular views, chance in a lifetime
M
Mark – New ZealandApril 27, 2025 – Verified booking
This is Must Do flight. It was truly sensational and great value for money.
J
Jane – United KingdomMarch 26, 2025 – Verified booking
Fantastic trip that made our holiday. Be prepared for weather cancellations, luckily we factored in 3 days in Franz Josef which worked well for us, the trip was book for day 1 but poor weather on day 1 and 2 resulted in it being cancelled both days but boy was it worth the wait on day 3. The communication from the team about cancellations and your alternative options was really good and timely. The flight itself was fantastic as was our pilot, and the transport from booking office to helipad was good clean and comfortable.

Product ID: 398555

Activity provider:Glacier Country Helicopters

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