Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

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Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

30 minutes
Flight time: 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the professional pilot before landing atop either Fox or Franz Josef. Then hop out and focus your camera lens on a glacial scene of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields and plunging crevasses — considered to be among New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in New Zealand
Enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers from your vantage point in the air
Hear interesting commentary from your professional pilot on route
Land on either the Franz Josef Glacier or the Fox Glacier to appreciate the glacial landscape up close

What's Included

Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes)
Pilot guide
Informative commentary during the flight

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Heli Hike
Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New Zealand

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Start your Southern Alps glacier discovery at the nearby Fox Glacier helicopter base for your 30-minute flight. Strap yourself into your seat and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime ride, soaring above the pristine scenery of New Zealand’s Franz Josef and Fox glaciers — the result of millions of years of geologic change.

En route, listen to live narration from your experienced pilot and gaze out the panoramic windows to find a stunning frozen landscape below. Your helicopter hovers above a mantle of sheet ice and snow, then makes a thrilling snow landing at the summit of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. Hop out to get up close to the breathtaking scene, including shimmering blue icefalls, ice caves, deep crevasses, pinnacles and seracs.

Take some time to pose for photos, capture the alpine terrain on camera and take in the mountaintop views over the valley beyond. After, settle back inside your helicopter for the short flight back to the base.

Franz Josef Glacier (Pass By)

Fox Glacier Hiking Trails (Pass By)

Southern Alps (Pass By)

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Children must be accompanied by an adult, Children weighing less than 15kgs are required to sit on a parents lap.
Wheelchair accessible
It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures
Stroller accessible
Passengers MUST advise individual weight at time of booking

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Penny_G

Waking to cloud cover only to see the skies clearing just in time to lift off and be able to land on the glacier..a stunning view of snow and ice and a truly amazing experience. Tim was our pilot and gave us an unforgettable and joyous trip.

Reviews

4.5

148 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 148 reviews

An older couples adventure

Geof_W, Apr 2024

Flying over the glacier. Absolutely awesome flight up to glacier and then landing on the plateau. The snow was packed harder than what we anticipated.

Helicopter to Franz Josef glacier

Michelle_T, Apr 2024

It appears that weather affects this A LOT! So get on when you can. We only saw Franz Josef, and unable to land, but we are so grateful we did it regardless of this. Brilliant!

Franz Josef Heli ride

Jonathan_M, Feb 2024

There was cloud coverage coming in so we spent more time on the glacier than I believe is normal. Our pilot wasn't the most informative but that was ok.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Kia Ora Jonathan, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard for our pilots to talk over their traffic radio with all other pilots flying in the area. We appreciate your feedback. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef.

A must-do!

Jennifer_K, Jan 2024

A wonderful experience! To the folks that checked me in to the pilot, just wonderful people. The snow landing was super neat, glad to see both glaciers because I didn’t have time to stop into Fox glacier area.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Kia Ora Jennifer, Thanks so much for your 5-star review. We're so glad you enjoyed your experience with our team. It's truly special to be able to see both Franz and Fox Glaciers from above. Thank you for joining us. Best wishes, The Helicopter Line

The weather on the day we...

Sally_B, Jan 2024

The weather on the day we went was fantastic and our pilot was very informative and easy to chat with.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Sally, Thanks so much for your 5-star review and for sharing your experience. We're so glad you enjoyed your flight. Thank you for joining us. Best wishes, The Helicopter Line

Excellent service and helicopter flight

mark_b, Jan 2024

The support and service offered by all, from office help, to guides to the helicopter were first class! Our pilot was wonderful, fullnof help, knowledge and expertise. We would highly recommend this

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Kia Ora Mark, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us and our ground crew and pilot made the experience even better! Thank you for your recommendation.

Disappointed at the dishonesty

Helen_P, Jan 2024

lack of honesty & transparency. We were put on a flight with other people who booked a flyover flight. Indicating the flight was never going to attempt our booked 30min route over both glaciers or attempt landing. This was never communicated with us. I understand the weather required for such a beautiful ecosystem dictated flying conditions & routes were scheduled around safety requirements but don’t herd us like sheep & hope we won’t notice the manipulation. Marketing should be transparent & flights should be honestly communicated to passengers. The flyover could have still been a delightful experience if I hadn’t been infuriated by the poor management of the process.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Kia Ora Helen, Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. Unfortunately, the weather in the West Coast region changes extremely fast, without any warning. With the safety of all our passengers being our top priority, we do not want to put our ground crew, pilots, or customers in harm’s way. We do our best to explain this information on when checking in our staff. We do apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused and still hope you enjoyed the views from your shorter flight. We appreciate your feedback and will take this on board for future customers. Kind regards, The Helicopter Line, West Coast

Stunning Vistas

Anthony_R, Nov 2023

Just the absolute stunning vista from the helicopter flying over the glaciers and seeing Mt Cook. The stop on the snow was great but slippery as it was ice and we only had walking shoes on. No problems though. Only slight negative was sitting in the middle back couldn’t see as much and communication from pilot hard to hear. Radio clutter. Overall, value for money.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Kia Ora Anthony, Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us. The glacier views are spectacular and we love being able to share them with our guests. We are sorry to hear you were unable to hear your pilot's commentary clearly. We thank you for joining us and hope to see you for another flight in the future.

Observing the Fitz Glacier's stunning vistas is a humbling reminder of the Earth's enduring marvels and the need to pres

chaitanya_m, Aug 2023

The breathtaking views of Fitz Glacier are a testament to nature's grandeur and beauty. As the glacier stretches out across the landscape, its icy expanse glistens under the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of blues and whites. Towering peaks and rugged cliffs serve as the glacier's backdrop, forming an awe-inspiring scene that evokes a sense of both tranquility and majesty. The sight of the glacier's jagged edges and crevasses speaks to the immense power of geological forces at work, while also highlighting the fragile balance of our planet's ecosystems.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Kia Ora Chaitanya, thank you for your review. It is a great explanation of what spectacular views you get throughout your flight journey. We hope to have you back flying with us again in the future.

Absolutely A Must Do

Kerrie_G, Aug 2023

From the moment we walked through the doors of The Helicopter Line we were made to feel welcome and at ease. Our pilot James was fabulous he was funny and informative also helpful getting us up off the snow when we fell The views of the glaciers were amazing but stepping out of the choppa onto the snow was something we will remember forever. It was an awesome experience We highly recommend if you are in Franz Josef taking this trip

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Kia Ora Kerrie, thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We are so happy to hear how much you enjoyed your flight and informative experience with James. We agree- the views are definitely amazing. Thank you for your recommendation. We appreciate your support of The Helicopter Line.

Another world

Heath_W, Aug 2023

Visually stunning scenery and the local knowledge of the pilot was awesome, I would recommend in a moment this flight

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Kia Ora Heath, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear your pilot was awesome and helped make this flight even better. Thank you for your recommendation. We hope to see you for another flight in the future.

A brilliant experience

James_S, May 2023

A fantastic trip. Andrew the pilot was very friendly and informative. The weather was perfect and the time on Fox Glacier just below Mt Tasman was brilliant. The ground staff were all warm and informative too

Response from Host, May 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for sharing your brilliant experience and leaving us a 5-star review. We are pleased to hear you had an awesome flight with our lovely ground crew staff and Andrew. We appreciate your support and hope to see you for another flight in the future. Thank you for joining us.

Super experience to see 2 glaciers and have snow landing

VYOMVIKRAM_S, Apr 2023

Amazing experience to see Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with Mt. Cook and great landing and time on ice to click pics. Could have been better if there was live interaction with the Pilot during the flight. Total time scheduled was 30 mins but entire experience was completed in 25 mins. Would have been great if we could see more of the glaciers.

Response from Host, May 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and to give us a review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed seeing Franz Josef and Fox Glacier as well as Mount Cook. For safety, our pilots don't have much opportunity while flying to chat with customers, as they are communicating with other aircraft in the area. We appreciate your understanding and will pass along your feedback to the team. We thank you for joining us and appreciate your support.

WOW

Keyoor_P, Apr 2023

We wanted a WOW factor and we feel that after the helicopter ride. It was perfect from start to end process; well explanation before and during the ride. Pilot Simon was friendly. We just loved it! Must do a helicopter ride if you were in town Fox Glacier.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for your 5-star review. We're so happy to WOW you. We're glad to hear how much you enjoyed your flight with Simon. Thanks for joining us, we appreciate your support.

Gorgeous day. Gorgeous...

Chris_K, Apr 2023

Gorgeous day. Gorgeous views. Smooth liftoffs & landings. Loved being the co-pilot. Incredible how immense the glaciers are. Timely checkin & take-off.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a gorgeous 5-star review. It really is a spectacular experience to see the glaciers from above. We're grateful to be part of your West Coast adventure. Thank you for joining us.

Amazing trip

LJ_D, Apr 2023

Wonderful and frankly amazing experience whilst visiting New Zealand from the UK with friends and family. Beautiful clear skies. Trip of a lifetime. All before breakfast!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Kia Ora, Thanks so very much for your 5-star review and for sharing your experience. We are so thrilled you enjoyed your flight with us. We thank you for joining us and hope to see you for another flight again in the future.

Best way to see the glaciers

David_P, Mar 2023

Stunting Views and great fun. certainly worth it. We were lucky to have great weather so we were able to see both glaciers clearly. flying in an helicopter is a different experience. The crew was very hospitable and professional.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kia Ora, David. Thank you for your wonderful, 5-star review. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us in Franz Josef. Thank you for joining us and including us on your West Coast adventure.

Memorable Experience!!!!

Hari_S, Mar 2023

Memorable experience, everyone should try it!!!! Watching those snow capped mountains from the top is magnificent, our pilot (Kody) has been great!!!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kia Ora Hari, Thank you for your review. We are so happy to know how much you enjoyed your flight with Kody. The views from above truly are magnificent. Thank you for joining us.

Glacial wonderland.

Penny_G, Feb 2023

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kia Ora Penny, Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review. What an incredible experience to explore the glacier. We are so glad you enjoyed your flight with Tim. Thank you for including us on your West Coast adventure.

One of our best adventures

Roy_A, Feb 2023

Our first helicopter ride and first contact with a glacier we couldn't stop smiling start to finish The whole experience from booking to return was handled with care and interest

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kia Ora Roy, We are so happy to read your glowing review of your experience with our team in Franz Josef. Thank you for your support. We hope to fly with you again in the future.

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