Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

About This Experience

This 20-minute HeliServices flight is the cheapest of the flights compared on this site, at from $204 per person, and it is rated 4.9 from 195 GetYourGuide reviews. You board at the operator's base in Franz Josef and climb straight into the Southern Alps. Headsets carry a running commentary from your pilot, who points out Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman when they are clear of cloud.

The route passes over the ice pinnacles and crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on the way up to a snow landing site high in the mountains. You step out onto the snow and have time for photos, though the listing does not give a set number of minutes. The flight back gives you a second look at the glacier as you descend over temperate rainforest to the base.

Departures, routes and the landing all depend on safe weather and the pilot's call. It is colder on the snow than in the village, so bring a warm layer even on a sunny day. Infants aged 3 and under who weigh less than 15 kg sit on an adult's lap but must be declared as a passenger when you book; heavier infants pay the child fare. The listing marks the flight wheelchair accessible.

It suits a short visit, a first helicopter flight or a family on a budget, and a good pick if you want the snow landing without a longer flight's price. The listing has no low-star reviews to report. Book early in your stay, because short flights still depend on clear weather over the glacier. Check in 30 minutes before departure, which is when HeliServices makes its final weather call.

Highlights

• Cheapest flight compared on this site, from $204 per person
• Pass over the ice pinnacles and crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier
• Snow landing high in the Southern Alps, weather permitting
• Pilot points out Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman
• Descent over temperate rainforest on the way back
• Rated 4.9 from 195 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef
• ✓ Snow landing, weather and pilot permitting
• ✓ Headset with running commentary from your pilot
• ✓ Pilot's guide to the peaks, including Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman
• ✓ Boarding at the operator's base in Franz Josef

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport to the operator's base in Franz Josef

What to Bring

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

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departures, routes and the snow landing depend on safe weather and the pilot's discretion.
• Infants 3 and under weighing less than 15 kg sit on an adult's lap but must be declared as a passenger at booking.
• Infants 3 and under weighing more than 15 kg pay the child fare.
• The operator makes its final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure.
• HeliServices lists a temporary NZ$20 per passenger fuel surcharge on its own site; check your voucher for whether it applies to a GetYourGuide booking.

Meeting Point

You check in at HeliServices' base in Franz Josef township; the exact address is on your voucher.