Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

About This Experience

This is a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef township up Franz Josef Glacier, with a landing on the upper snowfield when the weather and the pilot allow it. Glacier Helicopters runs it, and it costs from $223 per person, with a 4.9 from 57 GetYourGuide reviews. The 20 minutes include the landing. You check in at a central location in Franz Josef township, so allow extra time on the ground for check-in and the walk out to the aircraft.

After take-off you fly up the valley inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park, over thick rainforest that grows right to the edge of the ice, then climb past the icefalls toward the snowfields. About halfway through the flight the pilot sets down on part of the snowfield. Glacier Helicopters says its snow landings usually last around 6 to 8 minutes, enough for photos and a short walk around the aircraft. The pilot talks you through the scenery in English on the way up and back down to the township.

The flight suits you if you have one morning in Franz Josef, want a short flight with time on the snow above the glacier, or are traveling with children. Kids aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg ride on an adult's knee. Foot access to the ice ended around 2011 to 2012, and helicopters are now the only way onto the ice for guided trips. The free valley walk stops at a viewpoint about 3 km from the glacier face.

Weather is the main risk. One low-star reviewer had the flight cancelled for bad weather and could not be moved to the next day, so book this for your first day in the area and keep a spare day after it. Glacier Helicopters makes the final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure. If it cancels, you choose another date or a full refund, and you can cancel yourself up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Highlights

• Fly up Franz Josef Glacier from the township in about 20 minutes, landing included
• See rainforest growing to the edge of the ice inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park
• Look down on the icefalls and the snowfields above them
• Step out onto the snowfield midway through the flight, weather and pilot permitting
• Choose from several departure times through the day

What's Included

• ✓ 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
• ✓ Snow landing on the glacier snowfield (weather permitting)
• ✓ In-flight commentary from your pilot in English
• ✓ Check-in at a central location in Franz Josef township
• ✓ Conservation concession fees, included in the price

Not Included

• Transport to the check-in point in Franz Josef township
• A guaranteed landing (routes and landings vary with weather and the pilot's decision)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes can change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion; flight times are approximate and include the landing
• If poor weather cancels the flight, you can choose an alternative 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 4 to 14 over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee
• Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not allowed on board

Meeting Point

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