Best of · FRANZ JOSEF HELICOPTER TOURS
Twenty-five minutes for a straight flight and a snow landing, longer if a guide meets you on the ice. These 15 are compared on time on the glacier, seat price and how each operator handles the days the cloud sits low.
Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, spot crevasses and ice pinnacles, then land on snow or alpine terrain for 10 minutes of photos. The route is weather-sensitive, but pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam are praised for clear commentary and calm flying.
“Amazing views! The diver was super friendly and helpful”
Fly over the Southern Alps, land on Franz Josef Glacier, and spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among crevasses, pinnacles, and ice caves. Guides such as Sarah, Maya, and Angus combine glacier safety with glaciology and Māori stories. Warm gear and crampons are provided.
“Awesome sights! Staff was amazing and knowledgeable, they are well equipped and well prepared professionals.”
Ride a helicopter onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, or Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking across changing ice with guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy. Boots, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied. Expect short flights, mountain views, and an active glacier hike.
“Serena was our AWESOME guide and was very safety oriented. She also watched her group carefully to be sure no one was in difficulty and kept an eye out for weaker members.She was always encouraging and affirming. We saw crevices, manu holes and she dug stairs for us to hike down into canyons and see tunnels (never have ice over your head). Our helicopter pilot was also amazing. It was wonderful flying between the mountains and over the glacier. She set us down so smoothly we didn’t even realize we had landed.”
Fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in view. Your pilot, such as Poppy, Mike, Mark, or Gus, provides live commentary before a 10-minute snow landing for photos and a short walk.
“Mark was amazing, he was so informative and everything was very well organised. We were told in the morning a landing would not be possible but we went regardless at a reduced rate and it was phenomenal, we flew so close to the glacier and i’ve never seen anything quite like it. Would still recommend highly even without the landing. Despite a couple of delays the team kept us informed the whole time, we would highly recommend the experience!”
Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest and rugged peaks, land on Franz Josef Glacier, then spend 2.5 hours exploring crevasses, ice caves, and changing blue ice with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for clear safety help and lively stories.
“Great experience. I wish we were given time to take photos while we were walking . It felt like we were in a rush, the only time we stopped walking was when we were waiting for the helicopter.”
Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef with Glacier Country Helicopters, including an alpine landing of about 10 minutes. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have guided flights praised for calm handling and useful commentary. Snow is seasonal, so summer landings may be rocky rather than snowy.
“Completely amazing. One of the highlights of our NZ holiday. We were lucky having perfect weather too.”
Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and Southern Alps peaks. Land for about 10 minutes on a glacier snowfield, with pilots such as Richard, James, Simon, and Steve sharing views and taking photos when conditions allow.
“Have a nice time, and enyou. We have a nice trip and land und the gletchere. Pilot was very good. Nice trip”
From Franz Josef town, fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with live pilot commentary, then make a guaranteed snow landing, usually on Franz Josef Glacier. You get about 20 to 25 minutes in the air and 10 minutes on the ice. Warm layers and sturdy shoes matter.
“A fantastic trip. Andrew the pilot was very friendly and informative. The weather was perfect and the time on Fox Glacier just below Mt Tasman was brilliant. The ground staff were all warm and informative too”
From Franz Josef Town, fly with Glacier Country Helicopters over three major glaciers, Mount Cook, ice pinnacles, and crevasses. Your pilot provides commentary by headset, followed by a 15-minute snow landing. Pilots such as Poppy, Mark, and Edine have earned strong praise for calm, clear service.
“our experience was very good from booking the trip, being advised that clouds were expected at the time of our flight. we were offered a different time, which we took up. a professional operation from admin, transfer to heliport and an absolute fantastic experience flying up to the glacier. every member of staff that we met were friendly and knowledgeable. we would recommend this company very highly.”
From Franz Josef township, fly over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with live pilot commentary, then land on a snowy mountain for photos and a short walk. Flights carry up to 12 people, though aircraft seating can feel tight. Weather may change your plans.
“Wonderful experience . A must do to experience the glaciers. Pilot very informative. Glacier landing sureal”
Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over glacier ice, crevasses, snow peaks, and rainforest. Your pilot provides commentary, points out Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, then lands on the snow for photos and a short walk. Flights depend on safe weather.
“We loved the whole experience. It was fantastic being able to land on the glacier and walk around. An unforgettable experience.”
Take a small-group helicopter flight from Fox Glacier over icefalls, frozen rivers, and alpine peaks. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing on the Fox Glacier neve for photos in pristine snow. Flights run year-round when weather allows, with guides such as Liam and Richard praised for careful safety briefings.
“It was very informative. Our guide, Charlie, worked extremely hard to dig a safe path for us to walk on the ice. We had excellent weather and enjoyed a very full three hours on the glacier. As this tour is weather-dependent, the conditions oRead more”
Take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps, with 20 to 25 minutes in the air and about 10 minutes on the snow. Your pilot provides live commentary as you view crevasses, icefalls, rainforest-ending glacier country, and Aoraki Mt. Cook from above.
“So flexible due to bad weather. Such a unique perspective and definitely worth doing even if you can't perform a landing. Breathtakingly spectacular. Very friendly and accommodating guys”
Fly from Franz Josef in a twin-engine helicopter over Franz Josef, Fox, and Murchison glaciers. Land for 5 to 10 minutes on a high snowfield, then see Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier, the Southern Alps, and rainforest near the Tasman Sea. The pilot provides live commentary throughout.
“This is a truly magical experience and is well worth the ticket price. Soaring way above the galaciers and seeing how extensive and beautiful the ranges are should not be missed. The short stop on the Franz Josef glacier gives you an experience of a lifetime. Go for it!”
Take a 40-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier with a professional pilot, live commentary, and a snow landing at about 7,000 feet. You’ll see Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman glaciers, Aoraki Mt. Cook, alpine snowfields, rainforest, and the Tasman Sea. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.
“it was fantastic one of the highlights of our trip . to see the glaciers from the air as well as the landing on them as well is something i will never forget and the photo of mt cook i took up there was something quite special .the i would like to yhank all the staff as well from the girls behind the desk ,the loader and the piolet they were all fantastic”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
