Franz Josef: 35-Minute Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

Name: Franz Josef: 35-Minute Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 280.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.86 (535 reviews)

4.9 (535 verified reviews)

Blue helicopter parked on snow with a large snow-covered peak behind and scattered clouds

Couple embracing on a snowfield next to a blue helicopter with its rotor stopped

Dark blue helicopter landed on grey gravel beside a glacier with mountains behind

Couple holding up champagne glasses in an embrace on snow in front of cloudy peaks

Close view of crevassed grey-white glacier ice under a deep blue sky

About This Experience

This 35-minute flight with Glacier Country Helicopters covers two glaciers from Franz Josef township: Franz Josef first, then either Fox or Tasman Glacier, chosen on the day. You check in at the operator's office, get a safety briefing, and transfer to the hangar to meet your pilot. Everyone wears a headset, so you hear live commentary throughout. It costs from $280 per person and holds 4.9 from 535 GetYourGuide reviews.

Once airborne you fly in among the Southern Alps above Franz Josef Glacier, with its ice pinnacles and crevasses below, before crossing to the second glacier. The listing describes views of some of New Zealand's highest mountains along the way. Partway through, the helicopter sets down at an elevated snow landing site, and the listing gives you about 10 minutes on foot there for photos before the return to the hangar.

Which second glacier you see, and whether you land, depends on cloud and the pilot's judgement on the day. Glacier Country Helicopters says its longer flights have more route and landing options than its 25-minute flight, which helps when one valley is closed in. It suits travelers who want more than a single glacier without paying for the 45-minute three-glacier flight.

Seating is set at check-in by weight and balance. A few reviewers said they were split from their partner or ended up in a seat without a clear window, and one group in bad weather saw only Franz Josef. If sitting together matters, ask at check-in. Front-seat requests can be made 24 hours ahead but are confirmed only at check-in, and the second glacier is likely but never certain.

Highlights

Two glaciers in one flight: Franz Josef, then Fox or Tasman
Ice pinnacles and crevasses seen from above
Some of New Zealand's highest peaks in the Southern Alps
About 10 minutes on foot at an elevated snow landing site
Rated 4.9 from 535 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

✓ Safety briefing
✓ Transfer from the check-in office to the hangar
✓ 35-minute helicopter flight with your pilot
✓ Headsets with live commentary
✓ Stop of about 10 minutes at a snow landing site, weather permitting

Not Included

Comfort Seat for passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check-in (half the flight's full price)
Front-seat requests (the operator confirms these only at check-in)

What to Bring

Sunglasses
Camera
A warm jacket
Closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

Weather can change the route or cancel the flight at short notice; a weather cancellation gets you a reschedule or a full refund through GetYourGuide.
A minimum number of passengers is needed to fly; if it is not met you are offered a reschedule or a full refund.
Everyone is weighed at check-in; at 120 kg or more you must buy a Comfort Seat.
Seats are allocated by weight and balance, so couples are not always seated together.
Drones, selfie sticks, tripods, walking sticks, crutches, loose clothing and large bags are not allowed on board.

Not Suitable For

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Meeting Point

You check in at Glacier Country Helicopters' office in Franz Josef township (the operator lists 10 Main Road); confirm the address on your voucher.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.9/5 by 535 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

A must do if you are visiting Franz Josef. Right from the time the helicopter takes off to the point you land on the glacier, each and every moment of this is worth the money spent. Our pilot Mark did manage to click and print us a picture right on the glacier.
— , 2026-10

Amazing experience!!! Definitely worth it. Mark was a great pilot, friendly, witty and offered to take photos for us at the top. Smooth flight with no reason to be nervous. The check in was easy and the guys working there are really friendly. We did 35 mins and it goes so quick. The flight over the mountains is breathtaking and the snow landing is surreal. After the landing, it’s a short 5 min flight back to land.
— , 2026-10

An amazing opportunity to view such a majestic vista and learn about the environment from our excellent guide, and sadly reflect on the decline of the glacier and make me ponder on what I could do to reverse it. The pilot was excellent and informative. We felt safe and exhilarated throughout the experience. They made sure everyone got a fair chance to sit by the window and get a chance to marvel at the giants.
— , 2026-08

Frequently Asked Questions

Which two glaciers does this flight cover?

Franz Josef Glacier, then either Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier. The pilot decides on the day based on cloud and wind, and in poor weather some passengers have seen only Franz Josef.

How much does it cost?

From $280 per person on GetYourGuide (US dollars, checked October 2026). Passengers at 120 kg or more pay for a Comfort Seat on top, at half the flight's full price.

How long is the snow landing?

The listing allows about 10 minutes on foot at an elevated landing site, inside the 35-minute total. The landing depends on weather and the pilot's call, so it is never guaranteed.

Can my partner and I sit together?

Not always. Seats are set at check-in by weight and balance, and a few reviewers were seated apart. You can request a front seat 24 hours ahead, but it is confirmed only at check-in.