Franz Josef: 30-min Flight Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers

About This Experience

This 30-minute INFLITE flight leaves Franz Josef Heliport, crosses the Main Divide and lands on the Tasman Glacier, on the Aoraki/Mt Cook side of the Alps. INFLITE says it is the only West Coast operator flying to the Tasman Glacier. It costs from $243 per person and is rated 4.8 from 93 GetYourGuide reviews. The Tasman Glacier lies on the east side of the Main Divide in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, while Franz Josef sits on the west side.

The route in order: you climb up Franz Josef Glacier, cross the Main Divide at Centennial Hut and land on the Tasman Glacier. From the landing you look across to Mount Tasman and Aoraki/Mt Cook. You then cross back over Climber Col Pass for another view of Franz Josef Glacier before returning to the heliport. The listing does not state how long you spend on the ground.

INFLITE separates glacier landings, made directly on the ice, from alpine landings on mountain sites that can lose their snow in warm months, and this flight lands on the glacier. All aircraft have weight and balance limits, and the passenger limit is 116 kg. After you book, INFLITE emails to confirm your exact flight time, which may differ from the one you asked for; if it does not suit you, you can take a full refund.

It suits travelers who want to see Aoraki/Mt Cook and land beyond the Main Divide on a short flight, for less than the 45-minute three-glacier flight. Weather cancellations are refunded in full, and the one low-star review describes exactly that: a cancelled flight, refunded. Book it early in your stay so you have spare days if the Divide is under cloud.

Highlights

• Cross the Main Divide at Centennial Hut
• Land on the Tasman Glacier, weather permitting
• Views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman
• Return over Climber Col Pass and Franz Josef Glacier
• Rated 4.8 from 93 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic flight from Franz Josef Heliport
• ✓ Glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier, weather permitting
• ✓ Safety briefing
• ✓ Live guide commentary in English
• ✓ Full refund for weather cancellations

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Selfie sticks (not allowed on board)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• INFLITE emails after booking to confirm your exact flight date and time, which may differ from your request; if you cannot make the new time you get a full refund.
• Weather cancellations are refunded in full if you cannot make a rescheduled flight.
• The passenger weight limit is 116 kg, and weight and balance limits apply to every aircraft.
• In the rare case that combined passenger weights reach the aircraft's limit, your flight may be rescheduled, with the option to cancel for a full refund.

Meeting Point

You check in at INFLITE's base at Franz Josef Heliport in Franz Josef township; the exact address is on your confirmation email.