Best of · WINTER ACTIVITIES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 winter helicopter flights worth the seat price, each with what it costs, how long you are off the ground and the one thing to know before you commit.
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.”
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”
Take a small-group helicopter flight from Fox Glacier Township over icefalls and crevasses, then land on the snow for photos and alpine air. Your English-speaking pilot, including pilots such as Paul, Andy, or Jay, provides commentary throughout. Bring warm layers, sunglasses, and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
“Most incredible and awesome flight mode and the most stunning scenery Top notch”
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”
From the Glacier Helicopters base in Franz Josef, you’ll fly over ice falls, crevasses, forest, and snowfields, then land on the glacier for photos and wide Southern Alps views. Your pilot provides English commentary, while the exact departure time depends on weather and operator confirmation.
From Queenstown Airport, your pilot flies you over the Southern Lakes region to a snow-covered mountain landing. You can build a snowman, sled, enjoy a snowball fight, or simply take photos in the quiet. Pickup, commentary, and shared or private flights are available.
“Ben was a great pilot and guide! Terrific experience. Friendly, professional, top notch all around. It was truly over the top!”
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”
From Franz Josef village, a six-seat helicopter carries you over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, with pilot commentary and an 8 to 10-minute snow landing. You can step onto the glacier, take photos, and look toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Flights are weather dependent and return to the base.
“This was the highlight of our New Zealand holiday. We would highly recommend it. We loved it. The pilot was very skilled.”
From Fox Glacier village, a twin-engine helicopter carries you over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers before landing on a snowy field above Fox Glacier’s icefalls. Expect live pilot commentary, a small group of up to six, and about 10 minutes on the ice. Clear weather can reveal Aoraki Mount Cook.
“If they had said it was this good we would not have believed them. The weather forecast was not good but it turned out a lovely morning (at least when we flew). Enough safety management to give confidence but not boring. We had walked to Fox glacier the day before but it did not prepare us for this amazing flight and landing on the Glacier. Can't think of words good enough to describe the experience of helicopter flight, close views of the mountains and glaciers and a great pilot making it exciting but not frightening. Go and experience it if you think this is an exaggeration.”
Take a shared 30-minute helicopter flight from Heliworks Queenstown over the Whakatipu Basin, with live commentary from an English-speaking local pilot and one alpine snow landing. You will have about 10 minutes on the snow for photos and play. Hotel pickup is optional.
“Amazing! Incredible views and lovely workers. Our flight initially cancelled due to bad weather which is out of their control but the communication was amazing and the wait was worth it! Would highly recommend”
Take a private helicopter flight from Belp over Jungfraujoch, the Aletsch Glacier, Schilthorn, the Eiger, Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. Your pilot provides commentary through headsets, and only your group of up to three people flies together. Pilot Oliver has earned special praise for his friendly guidance.
“The helicopter tour over the Swiss Alps was an incredible experience and well worth the cost. The check-in process was smooth, safety instructions were clear, and the staff were friendly and professional. Our pilot Oliver was knowledgeable, pointing out major peaks such as the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and Mont Blanc, and he gave interesting background on the surrounding regions. The flight itself was very comfortable, with large windows providing excellent visibility from every seat. The entire route offered breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain villages, and there were plenty of opportunities for photos. The ride felt safe at all times, and noise-cancelling headsets made communic...”
Take a small helicopter from Fox Glacier over rainforest, ice-blue crevasses, and Southern Alps peaks. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing for about eight minutes on the glacier snowfield, with views toward Aoraki/Mt Cook. The group is limited to six people.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and it is well worth travelling to Piahia to do so. We even got to see dolphins! Fantastic!”
From Franz Josef, fly over three major glaciers with an English-speaking pilot and commentary, then land on the snow for 8 to 10 minutes. You will see Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the Southern Alps, weather permitting. Bring sunglasses, a camera and closed-toe shoes.
“Epic day, weather was perfect for our trip! The pilot was awesome and this was the highlight of our entire trip to New Zealand! A must do activity”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
