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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

Twin Glaciers, Snow Landing

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

from NZ$495 operator price, per person

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Duration
About 35 minutes
Meeting point
Franz Josef township
Run by
Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This short helicopter flight from Franz Josef township covers both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in a single loop, with a snow landing partway through. The whole outing runs about 35 minutes door to door, and the flight itself is listed at around 30 minutes. You check in at the Glacier Helicopters base on Main South Road SH6, strap in, and lift off over the icefields with inflight commentary from the pilot.

The route takes you above the glaciers' upper icefalls, where the frozen architecture is at its most dramatic, framed by the Southern Alps. Partway through, the helicopter touches down on the snow at the summit of one of the glaciers, and you step outside for photos before flying back to base. Reviewers repeatedly single out the landing as the best part of the trip, and many praise the pilots' commentary throughout the flight.

Children can ride along, with infants under 4 and under 15kg seated on an adult's knee. Note that routes and landings depend on weather and the pilot's judgement on the day.

DurationAbout 35 minutes

What's Included

Included

  • 30-minute scenic helicopter flight
  • Snow landing
  • Inflight commentary from your experienced pilot
Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

  1. Check in at Franz Josef baseMake your own way to Glacier Helicopters on Main South Road SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau, and check in ahead of your flight.
  2. Scenic helicopter flightTake off and soar above the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with panoramic window views of the icefalls and the Southern Alps, plus inflight commentary from the pilot.
  3. Snow landingThe helicopter lands on the snow at the summit of one of the glaciers. Step out, take in the views, and snap photos before reboarding.
  4. Return flight to baseFly back to the Franz Josef base. The total trip, including the landing, takes about 35 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of a flight this short, especially around weather and timing.

Helicopter parked on a snowy mountain summit with alpine peaks behind
  • Weather drives everything. Flights, routes, and landings all depend on conditions and the pilot's call on the day. Multiple reviewers reported departures shifted or pushed to the next morning because of wind or cloud. If weather cancels your flight, the listing offers an alternative date or a full refund.
  • Dress for snow. The listing recommends warm clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses. You will be standing on snow at altitude during the landing, so covered shoes matter.
  • Photo rules. Drones, selfie sticks, and tablets or iPads are not permitted, so plan on shooting with a phone or camera. Several travellers said the views from the air were better than any pictures they had seen beforehand.
  • Seating and views. One reviewer noted the pilot made sure passengers in every seat got good views. Panoramic windows run along the cabin.
  • Kids are welcome. Children from 4 to 14 years who weigh over 15kg need their own seat. Infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee, so the trip works for families with young children too.
  • Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You make your own way to the Glacier Helicopters base on Main South Road SH6 in Franz Josef township, so allow time to arrive before check in.
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Common issues. Weather is the big variable: reviewers described flights postponed a day, moved to early morning, or rerouted under cloud, with one traveller seeing only Franz Josef Glacier and landing beside rather than on the ice, though a partial refund followed. Minimum passenger numbers apply, and if a departure cannot fill, you will be offered an alternative time or a full refund. The trip is also short, roughly half an hour in the air, so arrive ready rather than expecting a half-day outing.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no pickup with this tour. You check in at the Glacier Helicopters base on Main South Road SH6 in Franz Josef / Waiau.

How Long Is The Flight?

The total trip takes about 35 minutes including the snow landing, and the scenic flight itself is listed at 30 minutes. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.

What Is Included In The Price?

The 30-minute scenic helicopter flight, the snow landing, and inflight commentary from an experienced pilot. The listing also notes prices include concession fees that go toward conservation and sustainability management.

Can Children Come On This Flight?

Yes. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for the snow landing.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

Flights are subject to favourable conditions, and routes or landings may change at the pilot's discretion. If your flight is cancelled for weather, the listing offers an alternative date or a full refund, and one reviewer reported a partial refund when the full route could not be flown.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel more than 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If minimum passenger numbers cannot be met, you will be offered an alternative departure or a full refund.

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