Franz Josef Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef Glacier with a scenic helicopter flight and snow landing by Glacier Country Helicopters. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!

Duration: 25 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Franz Josef Glacier - The Glacier Explorer flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
What's Included
  • All Fees and Taxes
What's Not Included
  • Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120kg / 265lbs+)
  • Front seat upgrade requests (subject to availability)
Additional Information

Experience breathtaking views of Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings with this helicopter tour. Marvel at the lush rainforest, the stunning glacier, and the majestic Southern Alps mountain range. The flight includes an alpine landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you can touch down on a peak and soak in the spectacular scenery.
• Enjoy…

Location
10 Main Road
Main Road
Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a light jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(224 Ratings)
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Anikash7371iw
Mar 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable experience — absolutely breathtaking - My Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight with landing was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we lifted off, the views were incredible — soaring over rugged peaks, deep valleys, and the shimmering glacier felt like stepping into another world. The landing itself was a real highlight. Standing on the glacier, surrounded by pure white ice and dramatic mountain scenery, was an experience I’ll never forget. It felt peaceful, surreal, and completely awe‑inspiring. The whole trip was smooth, well organised, and felt really safe. The team were friendly and professional, and the pilot shared great insights about the area, which made the experience even more special. If you’re visiting Franz Josef, this is an absolute must‑do. It was one of the standout moments of my trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annietb8806tl
Mar 20, 2026
Fabulous flight around the highest mountains in New Zealand and walking in a glacier - Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish. We were due to fly at 9:30 but were asked if we could come earlier as the weather forecast was better for earlier in the day. The safety briefing was appropriate for the activity. Mark, our pilot, was friendly, calm and extremely knowledgeable. The commentary he gave us as we flew around the mountains and glaciers was great. It was a once in a lifetime activity that we will remember for a very long time. Would highly recommend to anyone who is in the area. Thank you, we loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevengthomps
Mar 16, 2026
Amazing Trip - All staff were so helpful and made sure we got our trip done on the day booked when low cloud prevented us going to the original glacier. Pilot was so good and made sure we got an amazing experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_b
Mar 6, 2026
An absolutely amazing... - An absolutely amazing experience, loved it 😊 Weather was perfect & views incredible…got some fab photos….thank you ❄️
Review provided by Viator
Debra_t
Feb 27, 2026
Our helicopter pilot Mike... - Our helicopter pilot Mike was a very experienced guy. The flight was smooth and we got really close to the glaciers.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea
Feb 23, 2026
Expensive, but worth the experience - Patience is required if the weather does not really want to play along. Unfortunately, as with us, the cloud cover over the glacier can close quickly in minutes. Then it's time to wait, because the helicopters only start with sufficiently clear visibility. Therefore, you should always allow a little more time, because the employees know the weather phenomena over the glacier very well and can assess the situation. With us it took 45min until we could fly again and it was an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y7086lwtimothya
Feb 7, 2026
Perfect flight - Great flight, friendly pilot, and staff, first flight for one of us, weather was with us, would recommend to everyone. It was an experience we are glad we took!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah_s
Feb 3, 2026
Just loved it! - Fabulous experience, well organised! We did have perfect weather though. Pilot was lovely and informative too.
Review provided by Viator
Rex355
Feb 3, 2026
Amazing place - What an amazing experience James the pilot was spot on and was able to pass on so much information. This is something I would love to repeat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulienp2026
Jan 27, 2026
A great experience! - We had a very good flight with a nice landing in the snow. We got enough time to take pictures there. We had a very friendly pilot. She explained during the flight and also offered to take pictures. It was a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $226
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).