Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

About This Experience

This 45-minute Glacier Country Helicopters flight from Franz Josef township covers three glaciers, Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman, with Aoraki/Mt Cook and a 15-minute snow landing. You check in at the operator's office, attend a safety briefing, then transfer to a private hangar to meet your pilot. Headsets carry the pilot's commentary throughout. It costs from $393 per person and is rated 4.8 from 168 GetYourGuide reviews.

The flight crosses the terminal moraine of Franz Josef Glacier and climbs the valley, then takes in Fox Glacier and the Tasman Glacier on the far side of the Main Divide. You fly among some of the country's biggest mountains, with Aoraki/Mt Cook in view when the cloud allows. The landing is on an elevated snow site looking over Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and the listing allows 15 minutes there before the flight back.

The price includes landing fees. Wind and cloud decide how much of the route you fly, and the listing warns of changes and cancellations at short notice. Passengers are weighed at check-in, and anyone at 120 kg or more must buy a Comfort Seat. It suits travelers who want Aoraki/Mt Cook in one flight without going up to an hour.

The helicopter carries six, with two seats in the middle, and seats are set by weight and balance. Several reviewers in the back or middle said their view was limited. A few others had the landing or the third glacier dropped for weather, and one felt the flight ran short of 45 minutes. Ask about a front seat 24 hours ahead if the view matters to you.

Highlights

• Three glaciers in one flight: Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman
• Aoraki/Mt Cook and some of New Zealand's biggest mountains
• 15 minutes at an elevated snow landing site, weather permitting
• Views over Westland Tai Poutini National Park from the landing
• Pilot commentary through your headset

What's Included

• ✓ Safety briefing
• ✓ Transfer to a private hangar
• ✓ 45-minute helicopter flight with an experienced pilot
• ✓ Headset with guided commentary
• ✓ Landing fees
• ✓ 15-minute snow landing, weather permitting

Not Included

• Comfort Seat, compulsory for passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check-in (half the flight's full price)
• Front-seat requests (make them 24 hours ahead; confirmed at check-in)

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• A warm jacket
• Closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Weather can change the route or cancel the flight at short notice; a weather cancellation gets you a reschedule or a full refund through GetYourGuide.
• Flights need a minimum number of passengers; if it is not met you are offered a reschedule or a full refund.
• Everyone is weighed at check-in, and at 120 kg or more you must buy a Comfort Seat.
• The helicopter seats six, with two middle seats, so views vary by seat.
• High heels, smoking, vaping, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, walking sticks, crutches, loose clothing and large bags are not allowed.

Meeting Point

You check in at Glacier Country Helicopters' office in Franz Josef township (the operator lists 10 Main Road); confirm the address on your voucher.