Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

About This Experience

This Glacier Helicopters flight covers both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in about 35 minutes, landing included, from a central check-in in Franz Josef township. The listing describes a 30-minute scenic flight plus the snow landing, with commentary from your pilot throughout. It costs from $280 per person and is rated 4.7 from 410 GetYourGuide reviews. Check in 30 minutes before departure, which is when the operator makes its final weather call.

After check-in you board and climb over the township toward the glaciers, looking down on the icefalls of Franz Josef and Fox through large windows. About halfway through, the helicopter hovers over the snow and lands high on one of the glaciers. You step out for photos, then fly back to base. Glacier Helicopters says its landings usually last around 6 to 8 minutes, so expect a short stop.

The route and landing site vary with the weather and are left to the pilot. The listing notes that both glaciers sit unusually close to the sea and to rainforest, which you see on the flight in and out. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee. The listing marks it wheelchair accessible.

Most low ratings on this flight are about weather, not the flight itself. Several reviewers had it cancelled or moved more than once, and a few said their refund took weeks to arrive. Book it for your first day in Franz Josef, keep a day or two spare, and know that GetYourGuide handles refunds for this booking, not the operator.

Highlights

• Fly over both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
• Look down on the icefalls through panoramic windows
• Snow landing high on one of the glaciers, weather permitting
• Commentary from your pilot throughout
• Views of the Southern Alps, with rainforest close to the ice
• Central check-in in Franz Josef township

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic helicopter flight
• ✓ Snow landing, weather and pilot permitting
• ✓ Inflight commentary from your pilot
• ✓ Concession fees that go toward conservation in the park
• ✓ About 35 minutes in total including the landing

Not Included

• Transport to the check-in point in Franz Josef township
• Drones, selfie sticks and tablets (not allowed on board)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, routes and landings vary with the weather and the pilot's decision; flight times are approximate and include the landing.
• If poor weather cancels the flight you can choose another date or a full refund.
• Minimum passenger numbers apply; if they are not met you can move to another departure or take a full refund.
• Children aged 4 to 14 over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• The operator makes its final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure.

Meeting Point

You check in at Glacier Helicopters' central location in Franz Josef township; the exact address is on your voucher.