Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

About This Experience

This 30-minute HeliServices flight covers both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and includes a 10-minute snow landing. It costs $260 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews. GetYourGuide files it under Fox Glacier, but the listing says you depart from Franz Josef town. With the landing inside the 30 minutes, you fly for about 20.

Within minutes of takeoff from Franz Josef you are over the icefall of the Franz Josef Glacier, climbing among the peaks toward the landing site. Below you spread the snowfields that feed both the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, with the Southern Alps, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in view. Your pilot gives commentary throughout the flight. Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are New Zealand's highest peaks.

After about 10 minutes on the snow you reboard and fly back across the snowfields to where you started. Departures, the route and the snow landing all depend on suitable weather and the pilot's discretion. HeliServices says it can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler on the snow than in the village, so bring a warm layer even on a mild day.

It suits travelers based in Franz Josef who want both glaciers and a full 10 minutes on the snow for $20 less than the two $280 twin-glacier flights compared on this site. Check the meeting point on your voucher, because the Fox Glacier tag on GetYourGuide can send people to the wrong town. HeliServices makes its final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure, so book early in your stay.

Highlights

• Over the Franz Josef Glacier icefall within minutes of takeoff
• Snowfields feeding both the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers
• Views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman
• Departs from Franz Josef town, despite the Fox Glacier tag on GetYourGuide
• 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic helicopter flight, landing time included
• ✓ 10-minute snow landing, weather permitting
• ✓ Commentary throughout the flight
• ✓ Return flight to your departure point in Franz Josef
• ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off

What to Bring

• Comfortable, covered shoes (sneakers are fine)
• Camera
• Sunglasses for the snow glare
• A warm layer

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departures, routes and the snow landing depend on suitable weather and the pilot's discretion. If weather cancels the flight, GetYourGuide offers a reschedule or full refund.
• The flight leaves from Franz Josef town even though GetYourGuide lists it under Fox Glacier.
• HeliServices makes the final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure.
• Infants under 3 weighing less than 15 kg fly on an adult's lap; heavier infants pay the child fare.

Meeting Point

Check in at the HeliServices base in Franz Josef town 30 minutes before departure; the exact address is on your voucher.