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Franz Josef 25-Minute Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

25-Minute Flight, Snow Landing

Franz Josef 25-Minute Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

from NZ$395 operator price, per person

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Duration
About 25 minutes
Meeting point
Franz Josef township
Run by
Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 25-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters lifts off from the Main Road base in Franz Josef and flies over the glacier country before setting down on snow. The snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier is the centrepiece: passengers step out, take photos, and take in the ice and peaks before flying back down to town. The whole experience runs about 25 minutes in the air, with check-in required half an hour before the chosen departure time.

A professional guide and pilot runs the flight, and photo opportunities come throughout, not only on the snow. Several reviewers describe flying low over the ice on the way up, and one mentions passing close to a waterfall. Pilots are repeatedly described in reviews as informative, friendly and accommodating, from the safety briefing through to the landing.

The trip suits most travellers. The listing describes it as wheelchair accessible, with infants on laps permitted and children welcome when accompanied by an adult.

DurationAbout 25 minutes

What's Included

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • Snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier
  • Photo opportunities throughout the experience

Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

  1. Check in at Main Road baseArrive at Glacier Helicopters, 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef/Waiau, 30 minutes before the chosen departure time for the safety briefing.
  2. Scenic flight over the glacierBoard the helicopter with up to six travellers and fly over Franz Josef Glacier country toward the landing zone.
  3. Franz Josef Glacier, 15 minutesAdmission is included. Take in the glacier and mountain views from the air.
  4. Snow landing, 10 minutesAdmission is included. The helicopter lands on snow at Franz Josef Glacier for photos and a short time on the ice.
  5. Return flight and landingFly back down over the glacier and township, finishing at the same Main Road meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from what you can carry to how the weather decides the day.

Helicopter landed on a high snowfield above the Franz Josef Glacier ice fall on a clear morning
  • What to bring. The operator recommends warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, a camera and a sense of adventure.
  • Bags are banned. For safety reasons the operator does not allow bags of any description on flights, along with selfie sticks, drones, tablets, lighters and flammable liquids. Plan pockets or leave items at your accommodation before check-in.
  • Weather calls it. Flights run all year, weather permitting, and several reviewers describe the weather as the deciding factor. One had a 2 pm flight cancelled for cloud and was moved to an 8 am departure the next day in clear conditions, so keeping flexibility in your schedule helps.
  • Time on the snow. The stop on the glacier is short. Reviewers agree it is just enough time for photos and a look around before heading back down.
  • No food or drink. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Eat before you arrive and plan to make your own way to the Main Road base.
  • Weight limit. The listing caps total weight per passenger at 150 kg. Check the booking page if this could affect anyone in your group.
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Common issues. The main drawback is uncertainty. The listing states the flight requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if either is not met you are offered a different date or a full refund rather than a guaranteed flight. This matters most if your time in Franz Josef is tight. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not included, and the time actually spent standing on the snow is brief, as several reviewers note.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A professional guide, the scenic helicopter flight, the snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier and photo opportunities along the way. Glacier admission during the itinerary stops is also included. Food, drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are not.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At Glacier Helicopters, 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef/Waiau, on the main street through town. Check in 30 minutes before your departure time. The flight ends back at the same point, and the listing does not provide hotel pickup.

How Long Is The Flight?

About 25 minutes in total, split between flying over the glacier and the snow landing itself. Reviewers describe the time out of the helicopter as short, enough for photos before heading back down. Allow extra time for check-in before departure.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

The listing states the experience is wheelchair accessible and that most travellers can participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund or changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

How Many People Are On The Flight?

The tour runs with a maximum of six travellers.

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