Franz Josef: 30-min Flight Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers

About This Experience

INFLITE runs this 30-minute flight from Franz Josef Heliport over the Franz Josef Glacier and across the Main Divide to a landing on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest. It costs $243 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.8 from 93 GetYourGuide reviews. INFLITE says it is the only West Coast operator flying to the Tasman Glacier. The 30 minutes include the time on the glacier.

From the heliport you climb up the Franz Josef Glacier and cross the Main Divide near Centennial Hut into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. The helicopter lands on the Tasman Glacier, where you step out with Mount Tasman and Aoraki/Mt Cook in view. On the return you cross Climber Col, see the Franz Josef Glacier again from the other direction and land back at the heliport.

The landing is on the glacier itself, which INFLITE says gives a better chance of standing on snow year-round than an alpine landing. The listing does not give a set number of minutes on the ice. Weight and balance limits apply on every aircraft: the passenger limit is 116 kg, and if the combined weight of a group reaches the safety maximum your flight may be rescheduled, with a full refund if you cancel.

It suits travelers who want the Aoraki/Mt Cook side of the range from a Franz Josef base. After you book, INFLITE emails to confirm the exact date and time, which may differ from the one you picked; if you cannot make the new slot you get a full refund. Weather cancellations are fully refundable, and the one low-rated review concerned a weather cancellation that was refunded.

Highlights

• Climb the Franz Josef Glacier and cross the Main Divide near Centennial Hut
• Glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest
• Mount Tasman and Aoraki/Mt Cook from the landing site
• Return over Climber Col with a second look at the Franz Josef Glacier
• 4.8 from 93 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic flight from Franz Josef Heliport
• ✓ Alpine glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier, weather permitting
• ✓ Safety briefing
• ✓ Email from INFLITE confirming your exact flight time
• ✓ Full refund for weather cancellations

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Seat selection (INFLITE assigns seats on the day by passenger weight)

What to Bring

• Warm layers (long pants and a light sweater or jacket)
• Sunglasses for the strong snow glare
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• INFLITE emails after booking to confirm your exact date and time, which may differ from your request. If you cannot make the updated time, you get a full refund.
• Weather cancellations are 100% refundable; you can also cancel free up to 24 hours before on GetYourGuide.
• Passenger weight limit is 116 kg. If a group's combined weight reaches the aircraft's safety limit, the flight may be rescheduled, with the option to cancel for a full refund.
• Selfie sticks are not allowed on board.
• Infants can fly on a caregiver's lap, but INFLITE says a seat is still allocated and charged under Civil Aviation Authority rules.

Meeting Point

Check in at Franz Josef Heliport; INFLITE's confirmation email gives your exact time and address.