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Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand
  • 40 minutes (approx.)
  • Flight time: 40 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Fly above Mount Cook’s glacial icefalls, crevasses, and neves on a 40-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef, and see both of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers from the air. Your route crosses the spine of the Southern Alps, circles the summit of Mount Cook, then touches down for a snow landing, with spectacular aerial views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park throughout the flight.
  • 40-minute scenic helicopter flight
  • Fly over Westland Tai Poutini National Park
  • See Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from above
  • Circle the Mount Cook summit
  • Touch down for a snow landing
  • Choice of several departures throughout the day

What's Included

  • Professional Pilot
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Glacier Helicopters Franz Josef Glacier
    30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New Zealand

    Please check in 30 minutes prior to your chosen departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Make your way to a helicopter base in the center of Franz Josef township, then check in for your helicopter tour; departures are available throughout the day, and you can request your preferred time when booking.

Climb into the helicopter and lift off above the town, flying across the two massive glaciers that creep through Westland Tai Poutini National Park. You’ll spot both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier as you cross the mountains that run parallel to New Zealand’s West Coast, then see the distinctive, jagged profile of Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak.

Three summits tower over the two glaciers on Mount Cook’s flanks, now protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the mountain up close when the pilot touches down for a snow landing—you’ll have some time to take in the high altitude views and mountain air, and snap some photos with an unforgettable backdrop. Following the snow landing, start the flight back towards the coast and Franz Josef township, where this 40-minute helicopter flight concludes.
1

Franz Josef Glacier

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)

Fox Glacier (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Total weight per passenger: 331 lbs
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • 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 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Memorable flight to Mount Cook

Atul_T, Jan 2025
The team was extremely professional. Checking in, briefing and the flight itself was conducted seamlessly. Our pilot was friendly and updated us throughout the rides. He even helped us click few memorable clicks.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Kia ora Atul, We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We're so glad you enjoyed your time with our team. Thank you very much for joining us in Franz Josef. Best wishes, Glacier Helicopters

Could not have been better

Robert_R, Nov 2023
Sensational. Pilot Andy was the best. More excited than his passengers. Greatest thrill on a spectacular day with a fantastic pilot. WOW.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Kia Ora Robert, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave jus a 5-star review. Will be sure to pass along your fantastic feedback to Andy. We're thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your flight. Thanks so much for joining us in Franz Josef.

Spectacular!

mtnwmn50, Oct 2023
This was my first time in a helicopter. We had a beautiful day for flying. The pilot was knowledgeable in his commentary. We had a booking snafu, but they made it right and got us up the mountain.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Kia Ora, Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review. We're so glad you enjoyed your flight with our team. There's nothing better than a flight on a beautiful day on the West Coast. Thank you for joining us.

It was a gorgeous sunny day but we...

Nicola_S, Feb 2018
It was a gorgeous sunny day but we didnt get to do the 40 min mt cook spectacular helicopter flight due to strong winds over mt cook so they changed it to a 30 minute flight over fox and Franz Josef glaciers with a snow landing and it was great and still well worth it! Stunning scenery and it was great up in the snow line as they had had some fresh snow overnight. Best views of the glaciers!

A once in a lifetime experience for...

Nicholas H, Jun 2017
A once in a lifetime experience for my wife and I. Brilliant flying between the snow capped mountains and spectacular walking around the top of the glacier. Great pilot!

From $393.27

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 85 days in advance.

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