Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

About This Experience

Glacier Helicopters runs this 20-minute flight from Franz Josef township up the Franz Josef Glacier, with a landing on the glacier's snowfield. It costs $223 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.9 from 57 GetYourGuide reviews, a smaller count than the busier flights in town. Flight times include the landing, and Glacier Helicopters says its landings last around 6 to 8 minutes, so expect roughly 12 to 14 minutes in the air.

You check in at a central point in Franz Josef township and lift off over Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The pilot follows the glacier upward, giving commentary as you look down on thick forest growing right to the edge of the ice and on the ice falls above. Several departure times run through the day, which helps if you are fitting the flight around other plans.

Midway through, the helicopter lands on part of the glacier's upper snowfield, an area you could otherwise reach only with mountaineering guides and equipment. You get out for photos, then fly back to the township. Foot access onto the ice ended around 2011 and 2012, so a helicopter is now the only way onto the glacier for guided trips. A valley walk still leads to a viewpoint about 3 km from the face.

It suits a short stay, a first flight, or anyone who wants to stand on the Franz Josef Glacier itself without a full heli-hike. The landing and the route depend on weather and the pilot's call. One unhappy reviewer had the flight cancelled for weather and could not get a seat the next day, which is the usual risk here. Book for your first day in the area.

Highlights

• Fly the length of the Franz Josef Glacier inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park
• Rainforest growing to the edge of the ice, seen from above
• Landing on the glacier's upper snowfield, around 6 to 8 minutes on the ground
• Several departure times through the day
• 4.9 from 57 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 20-minute scenic helicopter flight, landing time included
• ✓ Snow landing on the glacier snowfield, weather permitting
• ✓ Inflight commentary from your pilot
• ✓ Concession fee contributing to conservation and sustainability management
• ✓ Choice of departure times through the day

Not Included

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

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; you can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
• Glacier Helicopters needs at least three paying passengers to fly. 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; the operator makes the final weather call then.
• 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.