A Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour lifts you off the West Coast and straight up the ice of Franz Josef Glacier into the Southern Alps, then sets you down for a few minutes on snow. On the longer flights you also cross Fox Glacier and the Tasman Glacier and get Aoraki / Mount Cook in the window.
All five flights on the Franz Josef Glacier hub leave from Franz Josef, run from 25 to 60 minutes, and every one includes a landing. What you are choosing is how many glaciers you see before you land, and whether you get the mountain.
Five Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tours, shortest to longest
- Franz Josef Glacier Snow Landing 25-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZD 395 per person. Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps as the circuit allows, including about 10 minutes on a snow or alpine landing for photos. Snow on this short landing is seasonal; in summer the landing spot may be rock.
- Franz Josef Pilot’s Choice 35-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZD 495 per person. Franz Josef Glacier, then either Fox Glacier or the Tasman Glacier as the day allows, and about 10 minutes on snow.
- Franz Josef Ultimate Discovery 45-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZD 695 per person. All three big glaciers, Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman, into the Southern Alps to see Aoraki / Mount Cook, then a landing of about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Franz Josef Shackleton Glacier 50-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZD 795 per person. Franz Josef, Tasman and Shackleton glaciers, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, a 15-minute snow landing, and a complimentary whiskey sample with glacial ice if you want it.
- Franz Josef Mt Cook Supreme 60-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZD 895 per person. Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers and Aoraki / Mount Cook, then two landings of about 10 minutes each: one on snow, then one on the Shackleton Glacier.
If Aoraki / Mount Cook is the reason you are going up, the 45-minute Ultimate Discovery is the shortest flight that lists it. If you are happy with the glacier you are standing under and a landing, the 25-minute flight does that for the lowest price. On the 35-minute flight, the second glacier is decided on the day.
Before you go
- Check-in: 30 minutes before, at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886. A van then takes you to the helipad. Allow about 45 extra minutes beyond the flight time for check-in, transfer, loading and the ride back. Hotel pickup is not included.
- Right town: these flights do not leave from Fox Glacier township, and a booking for the wrong town is not refunded inside 24 hours. If you are staying in Fox Glacier, look at the Fox Glacier hub instead.
- Landings: if weather stops a landing, the landing fee is refunded and the flight is shortened by the landing time.
- Weight and seats: everyone is weighed at check-in. A comfort seat is required from 120 kg / 265 lbs, or you can choose one for extra space. Front seats are an extra; request them at least 24 hours ahead, and they are confirmed at check-in.
- Who can fly: infants sit on a lap, and age limits are confirmed before payment. These flights are not listed as wheelchair accessible.
- Weather and cancellation: if the flight cannot go, you are offered another time or a refund. Cancelling is currently a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.
Not sure whether the extra glaciers are worth it for your group, or how to fit the flight into a West Coast drive? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.