Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand
- 40 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.
- 40-minute helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier
- See views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from the summit
- Soar over the Southern Alps and the Murchison Glacier valley
- Listen to fascinating commentary from the pilot
What's Included
- Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes)
- Live commentary on board
- Pilot guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Items of a personal nature
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Helicopter Line Franz Josef GlacierMain South Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New Zealand
Weather check – due to very changeable weather conditions your weather is at same time as check-in. Check-In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Board your twin-engine helicopter for a premier 40-minute flight including a remote snow landing above the eponymous glacier. Within the open-plan helicopter cabin that seats up to six passengers, look down upon two of New Zealand's finest national parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps.
From your vantage point in the air, discover the vast expanse of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You’ll get up close to towering peaks and crevasses, and learn about the alpine wonderland of the Murchison Glacier valley, as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route.
Then descend onto a snowfield with a helicopter landing at around 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), and walk along the main divide, which offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier.
Back in the air, continue down toward the coastal rainforests bordering the Tasman Sea before returning to the tour base.
From your vantage point in the air, discover the vast expanse of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You’ll get up close to towering peaks and crevasses, and learn about the alpine wonderland of the Murchison Glacier valley, as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route.
Then descend onto a snowfield with a helicopter landing at around 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), and walk along the main divide, which offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier.
Back in the air, continue down toward the coastal rainforests bordering the Tasman Sea before returning to the tour base.
1
Franz Josef Glacier
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Southern Alps (Pass By)
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)
Fox Glacier (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 364 lbs
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult, Children weighing less than 15kgs are required to sit on a parents lap.
- It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures. Moderate fitness is required
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Laura_M
This was a truly spectacular way to see the glaciers up close and worth every penny! We had scheduled the 40 min tour that went closer to Aoraki/Mt. Cook, but due to weather we had to be rescheduled to another day on a shorter 30 min tour. It was an incredible experience to see the mountains from the sky and land on the glacier. Our pilot, Richard, was wonderful and all the staff were professional and courteous. Would highly recommend.
Reviews
5.0
based on 38 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Steadysgirl, Mar 2025
Timing is everything. There were clouds in the area, so all the morning flights had been cancelled. We were lucky. so Thankful, it was amazing.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Kia ora,
We thank you for your 5-star review. We are sorry to hear your flight was rescheduled due to weather. We appreciate your flexibility with your booking and are glad the clouds cleared for you to enjoy your scenic flight. Thank you for joining us.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Laura_M, Jan 2023
This was a truly spectacular way to see the glaciers up close and worth every penny! We had scheduled the 40 min tour that went closer to Aoraki/Mt. Cook, but due to weather we had to be rescheduled to another day on a shorter 30 min tour. It was an incredible experience to see the mountains from the sky and land on the glacier. Our pilot, Richard, was wonderful and all the staff were professional and courteous. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Kia Ora Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and share your experience. We are glad the weather permitted you to be on a flight with us. The views really are spectacular. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time with our team. Thank you for your recommendation. We appreciate your support.
Ken_R, Sep 2020
Expected it to be cancelled due to inclement weather however we were in for a treat, while I didn't get the full flight I booked it was non-the-less a fantastic experience and one I will do again. The team were friendly and outgoing. The pilot was pins on paper professional.
pughstephen9, Feb 2020
This trip was absolutely awesome - I can not praise it enough. The organisation of the trip was superb - the staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. The actual flight was very punctual and we were helped into the helicopter very safely and efficiently - flying up to the glacier was stunning and then we landed, got out and went for a walk - amazing - something I will remember for the rest of my life!
SANDRA B, Mar 2017
Five stars are not enough for this trip! What an experience! We had to wait a little while for the weather to clear but so glad we did as the views were amazing from the helicopter! Landing on the glacier was awesome! Don't forget your camera!
Stuart R, Feb 2017
Awesome experience. I was initially nervous at my first flight in a helicopter yet I could hardly tell I had left the ground. That anxious moment over the rest of the trip was so amazing. The flight over the glacier was amazing with the pilot turning the helicopter to give all passengers great views. The landing on the glacier was great fun. Definitely an experience I would recommend. Thank you.
Alan R, Feb 2017
This is a truly magical experience and is well worth the ticket price. Soaring way above the galaciers and seeing how extensive and beautiful the ranges are should not be missed. The short stop on the Franz Josef glacier gives you an experience of a lifetime. Go for it!
Glenda F, Sep 2016
New Zealand is full of fabulous experiences, but this was without doubt THE BEST. Thanks!
Charles H, Mar 2016
We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, so had a fantastic flight!
Fee R, Aug 2015
Very scenic flight and pilots made me feel safe I would highly recommend this scenic flight
Raymond Phau, May 2015
Awesome view from the top, and our pilot flying so close to the mountain. Walking and playing at Mt Cook Glacier remind us of God wonderful creation everywhere. So blessed!
Sharon L, Dec 2014
Awesome experience. The only way to see the glacier.
Ian C, Oct 2010
Sadly, due to constant bad weather, the flight was taken from Glentanner Park, Mt Cook, a week later. The experience was well worth the wait. thank you for an easy and reliable booking service.
Anne C, Mar 2010
Fantastic experience, we were lucky with the weather. Brilliant pilot who shared his knowledge of the area we travelled over.
Likely to Sell Out
From $403.79
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight
38
40 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$403.79
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand
More attractions near Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand