Franz Josef: 35-Minute Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

About This Experience

Glacier Country Helicopters runs this 35-minute flight from Franz Josef over two glaciers: the Franz Josef first, then either the Fox or the Tasman Glacier. It costs $280 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.9 from 535 GetYourGuide reviews. The 35 minutes include a 10-minute stop at an elevated snow site, so you fly for roughly 25 minutes. Check-in adds 30 minutes before departure.

You check in at the operator's office on Main Road and get a safety briefing, then transfer to the hangar to meet your pilot. Headsets carry the commentary. You fly up over the Franz Josef Glacier and in among the Southern Alps, past ice pinnacles, crevasses and some of New Zealand's highest mountains, before heading for the second glacier. Seats are assigned at check-in, so expect to share the cabin with other passengers.

The landing is at an elevated site where you get out and walk around for about 10 minutes of photos. Glacier Country Helicopters says its landings run around 10 to 15 minutes including loading. Which second glacier you see depends on the weather; the operator says routes may vary and its team keeps you updated on the best route, but it does not say how the choice is made.

It suits travelers who want more than one glacier and a longer flight. In low-rated reviews, a few guests saw only one glacier because of weather, and some couples were seated apart in a full six-seat helicopter. Seats are allocated at check-in by weight and balance, so not everyone gets a window. Book for early in your stay in case weather moves your flight.

Highlights

• The Franz Josef Glacier plus either the Fox or the Tasman Glacier, depending on weather
• Ice pinnacles and crevasses on the climb into the Southern Alps
• Some of New Zealand's highest mountains along the route
• Elevated snow landing with about 10 minutes on foot
• 4.9 from 535 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ Safety briefing at check-in
• ✓ Transfer to the operator's hangar
• ✓ 35-minute helicopter flight with your pilot, landing time included
• ✓ Headsets with live commentary
• ✓ 10-minute stop at an elevated snow landing site, weather permitting

Not Included

• Comfort Seat: passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check-in must buy one, at half the flight's retail price
• A guaranteed front or window seat (seats are allocated at check-in; front seats are a request confirmed on the day)

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Jacket
• Closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• The flight is weather-dependent, and routes can change or be cancelled at short notice. If weather cancels it, GetYourGuide offers a reschedule or a full refund; you can also cancel free up to 24 hours before.
• A minimum number of passengers is needed to depart (four at Glacier Country Helicopters, which pairs solo bookings). If numbers fall short you are offered a reschedule or refund.
• Check in 30 minutes before departure (45 minutes for groups over ten). A missed check-in forfeits the full fare.
• Not allowed: smoking, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, walking sticks, crutches, loose clothing, and luggage or large bags.

Meeting Point

Check in at Glacier Country Helicopters' office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef, 30 minutes before departure; you then transfer to the hangar.