Best of · NEW ZEALAND HELICOPTER TOURS
Almost every New Zealand flight ends with the skids on snow or a hiking guide waiting on the ice. The 15 below cover Franz Josef, Fox, Mount Cook, Queenstown and Milford, with landing times, seat prices and the weather notes that matter.
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!”
You’ll fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley, past a blue glacier lake, then land in the Southern Alps for mountain views and photos. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary throughout. Snow landings happen most of the year, but summer conditions can change that.
“It was an awesome experience seeing the mountains and glaciers up close!”
Fly from Franz Josef over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, with pilot commentary and a snow landing high above the ice. Weather controls the route, so book early in your stay. Pilots such as Jay, Paul, Simon, and Tom are praised for smooth flying and helpful guidance.
“The staff and guide were so friendly and helpful and made the whole experience 10x better.”
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.”
Fly onto a remote part of Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and frozen rivers. Guides such as Billy, Kate, and Keeley explain how the glacier moves while you walk in boots and crampons. Return by helicopter when weather allows.
“Taylor our guide was excellent, finding plenty things to see on the glacier and explaining a lot about the terrain and glaciers in general.”
Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with hotel pickup, live commentary, and an alpine landing chosen by your pilot. See Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountains from above. Snow is likely in winter, while summer landings reveal rugged high-country ground.
“Great opportunity to take on! Loved our pilot pete he was very helpful.”
You’ll fly over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by ski plane and helicopter, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. The route and aircraft order may change with weather. English-speaking pilots, free parking, and flexible rescheduling are included.
“It was brilliant! The wind was picking up so was a bit hit and miss as to whether it would go ahead, but the team were great at keeping me informed (shoutout to Tina for being amazing and making sure I was able to get a slot!) Can’t recommend enough!”
Fly from Mount Cook Airport to Tasman Glacier, then follow an experienced guide across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and changing formations for up to two hours. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, Tori, and Rich are praised for safety, photos, and clear explanations. Warm gear, crampons, and two scenic flights are included.
“Flavia was an excellent and knowledgeable guide as well as being very friendly and making sure all members of the party were catered for”
From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking among crevasses and ice formations. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have earned high praise for clear safety advice and glacier knowledge. Equipment is provided, but bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
“excellent day. the helicopter ride and the glacier hike itself was amazing. both the pilot and the glacier guide as well as all the staff at the airport were amazing. would recommend this activity”
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.”
From Queenstown, fly with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters over Skippers Canyon, Rees Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park, and the Earnslaw Burn. Your pilot provides live commentary, then chooses a glacier or alpine landing based on safety and conditions. Pickup from selected hotels is available.
“From the start, everything was wonderfully arranged. Grace, a delightful lady, picked us up from our hotel, and we had a lovely chat on the way. Upon arrival at the center, we were guided every step of the way. There, we met our pilot, Will, who was very friendly. The ride was incredibly smooth, and he explained everything to us as we went along. Landing on the glacier was the highlight of our trip in Queenstown. We highly recommend this company—it was a lot of fun. After taking off again, Will showed us around and safely brought us back down. We were then accompanied by another lovely driver, Jack, who…”
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”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
