Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight and Snow Landing

About This Experience

This 35-minute flight from Franz Josef covers both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and lands in the snow at the head of one of them when the weather allows. The Helicopter Line West Coast runs it from its Franz Josef heli-base, and it costs from $280 per person, with a 4.8 from 12 GetYourGuide reviews. The 35 minutes include the landing. The Helicopter Line suggests allowing about an hour in total for check-in, the safety briefing and the flight.

You lift off from the valley floor and fly over the township, then follow the ice of Franz Josef Glacier up toward its upper reaches. The route crosses to Fox Glacier, with views down into crevasses and ice formations, before the pilot lands in the snow at the head of one glacier. The listing allows about 10 minutes on the snow, time to look down the path the glacier has carved and take photos. You then fly back down to the Franz Josef heli-base, with commentary throughout.

Choose this flight if you want both glaciers for less than the 40 to 60 minute flights cost. Children 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. The listing marks it wheelchair accessible, so ask the operator about your own needs. Flights also need a minimum number of passengers, and bookings are combined with others to reach it.

The one low-star theme is about seats. A three-star reviewer was given the middle of the back row and found the view and the photos blocked by other passengers. You cannot choose your seat on these flights; staff allocate seats at check-in by weight and balance. If poor weather cancels the flight, you choose another date or a full refund, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Highlights

• Fly over both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on one 35-minute trip
• Follow the ice up into the upper reaches of the glaciers
• Look down into crevasses and glacial formations
• Land in the snow at the head of one glacier, weather permitting
• Start and finish at The Helicopter Line base in Franz Josef

What's Included

• ✓ 35-minute scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
• ✓ Snow landing at the head of a glacier (about 10 minutes, weather permitting)
• ✓ Informative pilot commentary
• ✓ Conservation concession fees, included in the price
• ✓ Choice of another date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the flight

Not Included

• Transport to the Franz Josef heli-base
• A choice of seat (seats are allocated at check-in by weight and balance)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Warm, closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes can vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion; flight times are approximate and include the landing
• Children 4 to 14 over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee
• Minimum passenger numbers apply; if they are not met you can move to another departure or take a full refund
• Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not allowed
• Few reviews so far (12)

Meeting Point

Check in at The Helicopter Line base in Franz Josef township; the exact address and check-in time are on your voucher.