Franz Josef: 4-Glacier Helicopter Ride with 2 Landings

About This Experience

This hour-long flight from Franz Josef takes in four glaciers (Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman and Shackleton) and stops at two separate snow landing sites, weather permitting. Glacier Country Helicopters runs it, and it costs from $506 per person, with a 4.8 from 30 GetYourGuide reviews. You check in at the operator's office in Franz Josef township, sit a safety briefing, then ride a van to the helicopter hangar. Allow time for that on top of the 60 minutes in the air.

Once aboard you put on a headset to hear the pilot's commentary. The flight crosses the terminal moraine of Franz Josef Glacier and climbs the valley, then takes in Fox Glacier and the Tasman Glacier, about 23 km long and New Zealand's longest, with Aoraki/Mt Cook among the peaks of the Southern Alps. You also see the Shackleton Glacier and the ice lake near it, and the area used for the lighting of the beacons scenes in the Lord of the Rings films. The two landings give you time for photos before the flight returns to the hangar.

The flight suits you if you want more than one landing and a wider sweep of the Southern Alps than the 20 to 35 minute flights give. Glacier Country Helicopters says each landing usually lasts around 10 to 15 minutes, loading included. Infants up to 3 ride on a knee, and children from 4 to 17 have their own seat.

There are no low-star review themes on this listing, and the risk to plan for is weather. Routes can change and flights can be cancelled at short notice; if that happens, GetYourGuide offers a reschedule or a full refund. Flights need a minimum of four passengers, so solo bookings are paired with others. Passengers who weigh 120 kg or more at check-in, gear included, must buy a Comfort Seat at half the flight price.

Highlights

• See four glaciers on one flight: Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman and Shackleton
• Stop at two separate snow landing sites, weather permitting
• Look across to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the high peaks of the Southern Alps
• Pass the lighting of the beacons area from the Lord of the Rings films
• See the ice lake near the Shackleton Glacier

What's Included

• ✓ Safety briefing at the operator's office in Franz Josef
• ✓ Van transfer to the helicopter hangar
• ✓ 60-minute helicopter tour with two snow landings (weather permitting)
• ✓ Experienced pilot
• ✓ Headset with the pilot's guided commentary

Not Included

• Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120 kg and over when weighed at check-in, at half the flight price)
• Guaranteed front seat (seats are allocated at check-in by weight and balance)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check-in must buy a Comfort Seat at half the flight price
• Routes can change and flights can be cancelled at short notice for weather; you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund through GetYourGuide
• A minimum number of passengers is needed for the flight to depart; otherwise you are offered a reschedule or a full refund
• Check in 30 minutes before departure; a missed check-in forfeits the full fare
• Not allowed: high heels, loose clothing, luggage or large bags, walking sticks, crutches, drones and selfie sticks

Meeting Point

Check in at Glacier Country Helicopters' office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef township, 30 minutes before departure; a van takes you to the hangar.