Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand
- 25 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 25 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.
- Franz Josef helicopter tour
- See the glacier from the air
- Panoramic views of the ice
- Land in a glacial snowfield
- Choice of several departures throughout the day
What's Included
- Professional Guide
- Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier
- Photo opportunities throughout the experience
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Glacier Helicopters Franz Josef Glacier30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New Zealand
Please check in 30 minutes prior to your chosen departure time. Departure Point: Main Street of Town Address: Located in the townships of Franz Josef Glacier on the Main Street though town - Main South Road, SH6
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your way to a central location in Franz Josef township, where you check in for the flight; helicopter departures are available throughout the day, and can be arranged after booking.
Lift off above the Franz Josef Glacier, which stretches through Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with thick forest that creeps to the edge of the ice. Mid-way through the flight, the pilot touches down on part of the glacier snowfield, in a location that could otherwise be reached only with specialized equipment and mountaineering guides. After time to snap some photos and enjoy the view, return to the helicopter for the flight back to Franz Josef township, where this tour concludes at the original departure point.
Lift off above the Franz Josef Glacier, which stretches through Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with thick forest that creeps to the edge of the ice. Mid-way through the flight, the pilot touches down on part of the glacier snowfield, in a location that could otherwise be reached only with specialized equipment and mountaineering guides. After time to snap some photos and enjoy the view, return to the helicopter for the flight back to Franz Josef township, where this tour concludes at the original departure point.
1
Franz Josef Glacier
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Franz Josef Glacier
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 331 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We recommend you bring along warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera and a sense of adventure!
- For safety reasons, we do not allow selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads/ tablets and bags of any description on any of our flights.
- We fly all year round, weather permitting. Please note: On Christmas, we only operate for half the day (9 am - 12 pm).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Anne_H
This helicopter tour was fantastic! James is a very experienced pilot and he took us close to the mountains and the glacier and then landed on the glacier beautifully. We got tons of pics and videos of the spectacular views. This was a must see!
Reviews
4.9
based on 232 reviews
Hannah_E, Apr 2026
Unfortunately the weather meant we couldn’t do the planned trip so did an alternate one instead. An enjoyable trip but very quick so I’m not sure it is totally worth the money, great as a one off.
Debra_B, Mar 2026
Fantastic, pilot was the nicest guy and all staff were very professional and very friendly, well done
merrymsmouse, Mar 2026
It's fabulous! Take your time up on the glacier to take in the sights! Great pilot! Definitely a must
Anne_H, Mar 2026
This helicopter tour was fantastic! James is a very experienced pilot and he took us close to the mountains and the glacier and then landed on the glacier beautifully. We got tons of pics and videos of the spectacular views. This was a must see!
Simon_B, Mar 2026
Original booking cancelled due to cloud cover. Rearranged for next morning. This flight cut short with no landing due to poor conditions. The 12 minutes we did get were excellent.
AnthonyPatrick_F, Feb 2026
We were lucky with the weather and had a snow landing. Great experience and delightful staff all through the trip.
Anthea_T, Feb 2026
We enjoyed this and recommend it to others. Great views and you get to land on the glacier too..............
Stuart_M, Feb 2026
Outstanding views, incredible experience, well organised trip, the weather was perfect. Ensure a helicopter trip is included in your travel plans!
Christopher_T, Feb 2026
Absolutely fantastic . It's an experience not to be missed. I was even told to sit in the front. Our pilot Simon was so friendly.
Cherith_A, Feb 2026
Unbelievable experience! So surreal to fly over a glacier, would definitely recommend! Our pilot Tim was so good and explained things as we flew. The company went through safety measures beforehand - all very professional and felt safe throughout.
Anthony_B, Jan 2026
Very nice experience, very professional.
We think that it doesn't matter which operator you use in this town.
Candra_P, Jan 2026
This was a highlight of our time in New Zealand! I am afraid of flying, but wanted to experience this. The pilot was very accommodating and understanding. This was a fantastic experience that we highly recommend!
Joseph_S, Jan 2026
I couldn’t not recommend this trip anymore.
Our pilot Richard was so friendly, helpful and informative.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Kia ora Joseph,
Thank you for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear you had a wonderful flight and Richard made your experience so enjoyable.
Ngā mihi nui,
Glacier Helicopters
Cristina_M, Nov 2025
Awesome! The company is very clear about conditions. You need luck beacouse the weather is the boss.
Sharon, Nov 2025
Our 2pm flight was canceled due to cloud cover but the staff were able to put us on an 8am the next day. We had blue skies and wonderful conditions. It’s only a very short amount of time out of the helicopter, just enough time to get some pics and head back down. The flight itself was amazing, flying low over the glacier and up close to the waterfall.
Jillian_T, Nov 2025
As conditions did not allow a glacier landing, landing close to the base of the glacier on a high, otherwise inaccessible spot, was just as awesome, to appreciate the majesty of the glacier.
Akshay_K, Nov 2025
The Helicopter Line is a well-run, professional organization that does its job well. The entire staff was very helpful, they gave us a safety briefing beforehand, and then our pilot James was really adept at flying. This was our first time in a helicopter and it could not have been smoother. To land on and then exit the helicopter onto a glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I recommend everyone should do this!
Jan_G, Mar 2025
Short but exciting ride to the top of the glacier and back after landing for some pictures -- exactly as described. Had views of the ice underneath and the mountain. Would definitely recommend for those looking to get up to the top without delay.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Kia ora Jan,
Thank you for your fantastic review. We’re thrilled you enjoyed your flight —nothing beats those breathtaking views of the glaier and mountains. So glad it lived up to expectations, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Mark_S, Mar 2025
It was awesome and well worth every penny. The only issue was we were one booking away from being cancelled on a tight travel schedule. We happened to be the last flight that day as cloud cover was coming in fast. we would have been extremely disappointed if this happened (not sure if this was in the small print?). We understand that the safety of everyone comes first but were a little surprised at this.
Emma_H, Mar 2025
The helicopter flight was an incredible experience! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the pilot was professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe the entire time. The whole process, from booking to landing, was smooth and well-organized. It was definitely a highlight of our trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Kia ora Emma,
Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We're glad you enjoyed our flight and experience with our team. We appreciate your recommendation. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Lars_K, Feb 2025
Have a nice time, and enyou.
We have a nice trip and land und the gletchere. Pilot was very good.
Nice trip
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Kia ora Lars,
Thank you for your great feedback. We will pass your compliments onto the pilot. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Ngaire_W, Jan 2025
This absolutely exceeded my expectations, the pilot was fabulous, the views unbelievable and the snow landing wonderful! Totally recommend to anyone considering it, well worth the money!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review and for sharing your experience. We are pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your flight and time with our team. We appreciate your recommendation. Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Glacier Helicopters
Karen_O, Jan 2025
This was one of the highlights of our NZ trip … definitely a special memory made … still smiling thinking about it!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Kia ora Karen,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re thrilled to have been a part of such a memorable moment during your trip. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Patti_B, Jan 2025
This trip was cancelled due to weather ...by the company. I need a refund but no one at viator is getting back to me. Please refund my money. Thanks.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Kia ora Patti,
We’re sorry to hear your flight was cancelled due to weather. Unfortunately, we cannot process refunds directly for bookings made through Viator. If you have not done so already, please contact their customer support team directly. If you have any issues, please email us at franz@glacierhelicopters.co.nz.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Bev_F, Dec 2024
Amazing experience with stunning views up to the glacier. Wish it was longer though. We only just got into a good snow fight and we had to leave!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Kia ora Bev,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and 5-star review. The views from above are spectacular. We're so glad you enjoyed your time with our team. We hope you enjoy all future snowball fights, with or without us.
Best wishes,
Glacier Helicopters
wendy_A, Nov 2024
What an experience
Clear crisp day
Excellent visibility
First time it was absolutely awesome
Crew were fantastic
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Kia ora Wendy,
Thank you for your amazing 5-star review. We're thrilled you had such an awesome experience on a perfect day. We’ll let the crew know how much you appreciate them. Thank you for choosing to fly with us.
Best regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Vyshnavi_S, Oct 2024
We had a great time in this tour. Our pilot Simon was a great host. He took photo for us. The landing on glacier was an unforgettable experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Kia ora,
Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review. We will be sure to pass along your wonderful feedback to Simon. A glacier landing is our favourite landing. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Joanne_P, Oct 2024
Amazing views. Great Pilot and crew. First ride in a helicopter and now it will not be my last. Crew made you feel relaxed, amazing how smooth a helicopter ride is.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Kia ora Joanne,
Thank you for sharing your 5-star review. We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with our team. We'll be sure to pass along your feedback. Thank you for joining us.
Best wishes,
Glacier Helicopters
Liz_B, Sep 2024
What an amazing experience, highly recommend. Staff were friendly and very professional. Would easily do this flight again with the same company
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Kia ora Liz,
Thank you for taking the time to share your review and feedback. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. They will be happy to hear you had a great time on your flight. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
David_B, Mar 2024
Fabulous experience, well run operation, Pilot was very informative. Landed on Glacier was there for about 10-15 minutes, took some great photos.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi David,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're very pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your flight and landing. Thank you for joining us.
Best wishes,
Glacier Helicopters
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From $235.84
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
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