Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

About This Experience

Glacier Helicopters flies this twin-glacier trip over both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from Franz Josef township, with a snow landing high above the ice. It costs $280 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.7 from 410 GetYourGuide reviews. GetYourGuide lists 35 minutes in total including the landing, while the inclusions describe a 30-minute scenic flight. Glacier Helicopters says its landings last around 6 to 8 minutes.

You check in at a central point in Franz Josef township, then strap in for a flight south along the range. Through the panoramic windows you see the ice falls of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and the wider Southern Alps, with the pilot giving commentary throughout. The two glaciers sit close to both the ocean and rainforest, which you see clearly from the air.

Midway through, the helicopter hovers over the ice and snow, then lands near the top of one of the glaciers. You step out onto the snow for photos and the view down the valley before flying back to base. The flight, the route and the landing can all change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion. Glacier Helicopters lends no clothing, so wear warm layers and sturdy shoes.

It suits travelers who want both glaciers in one flight and have a day or two of slack in their plans. Weather cancellations are the main complaint in low-rated reviews: some guests were rescheduled several times and left before they could fly, and a few waited a long time for refunds. Book several days into your stay and remember that a GetYourGuide refund comes through GetYourGuide, not the operator.

Highlights

• Both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in one flight
• Ice falls and the wider Southern Alps through panoramic windows
• Glaciers seen close to the ocean and the rainforest
• Snow landing near the top of one of the glaciers
• 4.7 from 410 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic helicopter flight (35 minutes in total with the landing)
• ✓ Snow landing, weather permitting
• ✓ Inflight commentary from your pilot
• ✓ Concession fee contributing to conservation and sustainability management
• ✓ Full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before departure

Not Included

• Hotel pickup (you make your own way to check-in in the township)
• Clothing to borrow: Glacier Helicopters lends none

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes vary with weather and the pilot's discretion. If weather cancels your flight you are offered another date or a full refund.
• Glacier Helicopters needs at least three paying passengers. If a departure falls short you can move to another time or take a full refund.
• Children 4 to 14 and anyone over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• Check in 30 minutes before departure, when the operator makes the final weather call.
• Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not permitted on board.

Meeting Point

Check in at Glacier Helicopters in central Franz Josef township, on the main road, 30 minutes before departure; the exact address is on your voucher.