Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

About This Experience

This 30-minute HeliServices flight covers both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with a snow landing of about 10 minutes. GetYourGuide files it under Fox Glacier, but the listing's description says it departs from Franz Josef township, so check the base on your voucher. It costs from $260 per person and is rated 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews, with commentary throughout the flight.

Within minutes of take-off you are over the icefall of Franz Josef Glacier, climbing among the peaks toward the landing site. On the way you look across the snowfields that feed both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, with Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman in view on a clear day. The listing gives you about 10 minutes on the snow before you take off across the snowfields and fly back to where you started.

Departures, the route and the landing all depend on suitable weather and the pilot's discretion. Infants under 3 who weigh less than 15 kg fly on an adult's lap, and heavier infants pay the child fare. The listing marks it wheelchair accessible. Comfortable shoes are the listing's own advice; warm layers and sunglasses help on the snow, where it is colder than in the village.

It suits travelers who want two glaciers and a landing for less than a 35-minute flight at other operators, which start from $280. The listing has no low-star reviews to report. Book it early in your stay so a weather cancellation leaves you time to fly another day. If you are staying in Fox Glacier, allow about 25 minutes for the drive to Franz Josef, and check in 30 minutes before departure.

Highlights

• Fly over both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers
• Climb past the icefall of Franz Josef Glacier
• About 10 minutes on the snow, weather permitting
• Views of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman
• Rated 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic helicopter flight
• ✓ Commentary throughout the flight
• ✓ Landing of about 10 minutes on the snow, weather permitting
• ✓ Views across the snowfields of both glaciers
• ✓ Return flight to your departure point

Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off
• Transport to the departure base

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departures, routes and the snow landing depend on suitable weather and the pilot's discretion.
• Infants under 3 weighing less than 15 kg fly on an adult's lap; infants over 15 kg pay the child fare.
• GetYourGuide lists this flight under Fox Glacier, but the description says it departs from Franz Josef township; confirm the base on your voucher.
• The operator makes its final weather call at check-in, 30 minutes before departure.

Meeting Point

The listing says the flight departs from HeliServices' base in Franz Josef township; confirm the exact base and address on your voucher.