Franz Josef, Fox Glacier & Mt Cook Helicopter Scenic Flight

About This Experience

This 40-minute helicopter flight leaves from The Helicopter Line's base in Franz Josef, crosses Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, and lands on one of them when the weather allows. The route also takes in the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and passes Aoraki/Mt Cook. The Helicopter Line West Coast runs it, and it costs from $393 per person. It has a 3.9 from 13 GetYourGuide reviews, few reviews so far.

You meet your pilot at the heli-base for a short introduction, then climb out of the valley toward the Southern Alps with commentary on the way. The flight crosses Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, two of the large glaciers on this coast, and continues to the Tasman Glacier and past Aoraki/Mt Cook. Midway, the pilot lands on one of the glaciers so you can walk on the snow and take photos, then flies you back to the base. The 40 minutes include the landing.

The flight suits you if you want both West Coast glaciers and Aoraki/Mt Cook in one trip and have a clear day. Groups are limited to six passengers. The listing also marks it wheelchair accessible, so ask the operator about your own needs. The landing and concession fees are in the price. Your exact flight time is confirmed by email after you book and can differ from the time you asked for, so keep your plans for that day loose.

The low rating needs explaining. One one-star reviewer said a flight booked as 40 minutes was cut to about 10, and the partial refund that followed felt small to them. Weather can shorten a route or move a landing, and the listing says flights, landings and routes can change at the pilot's discretion. If the operator has to change your date or time, you can take a full refund, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead.

Highlights

• Cross both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on one flight
• See the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps
• Fly past Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak
• Walk on the snow during a landing on one of the glaciers, weather permitting
• Fly in a small group of up to six passengers

What's Included

• ✓ 40-minute scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef
• ✓ Snow landing on a glacier (weather permitting)
• ✓ Informative pilot commentary
• ✓ Landing and concession fees
• ✓ Short introduction from your pilot at the heli-base

Not Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes can vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion; flight times are approximate and include the landing
• Your flight date or time can differ from the one you requested; the operator confirms it by email after booking
• If the operator changes your booking date or time, you can take a full refund
• Minimum passenger numbers apply; if they are not met you can move to another departure or take a full refund
• Few reviews so far (13), with an average of 3.9

Meeting Point

Check in at The Helicopter Line base in Franz Josef township; the operator confirms your exact flight time by email.