The 15 Best Franz Josef Helicopter Flights

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Join Glacier Country Helicopters for a 25-minute flight over Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps. Your English-speaking pilot, such as Aaron, Poppy, Mike, or Rachel, provides commentary through a headset. The flight includes about 10 minutes on snow or an alpine site, though weather can cancel the landing.

“Went first slot in the morning and the views were amazing! Pilot Mark was informative and gave lots of information when flying over areas , such as breath taking activity would recommended”

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2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Meet your guide in Franz Josef, gear up in warm layers and crampons, then fly about 10 minutes over the Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier. Spend roughly 2 hours 15 minutes on the ice with a small group of up to 11, learning about glaciology and Maori stories before flying back.

“It was an amazing experience. My husband and I traveled with our two sons who are in their early 20’s. Alex, our guide, was incredible, very knowledgeable and friendly. Absolutely recommend this experience but you must be in good shape. We went through very very narrow ice walls and if you have a large stomach you will have a tough time climbing or getting through. In some areas you must go sideways to pass through the crevices. Again, an unforgettable and awesome experience for those who seek adventure!”

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3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Take a short helicopter flight onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, or Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking its changing ice terrain. Fox Glacier Guiding supplies boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy are known for patient instruction, photo help, and fun glacier discoveries.

“Our guide was excellent, explaining everything enthusiastically. I loved the hike—it wasn't too difficult and was truly a great experience. My friend which 63 years old also made it throughout the journey. When flying in the helicopter and looking down at the people waiting at the starting point, we humans appeared as small as peanuts compared to the glacier. Other guides were present to create and maintain our walking path, as the previous day's rain could cause the trail to change periodically. Shoes, socks, jacket, pants, glove and bags is provided. Recommend not to bring too much things with you. We were busy enjoying the views and taking pictures.”

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4.Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

From Franz Josef, fly over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier with pilot commentary, then land on a high snowfield for 10 minutes. Pilots including Mike, Mark, Poppy, Gus, and Matt have been praised for calm flying and clear explanations. Routes and landings depend on weather.

“What a well run company, from start to finish. Our pilot Mark was beyond amazing, I know it’s his job but he shares his knowledge and would happily answer any questions. The reception staff were all lovely especially the dark haired lady. This is a must do with this company if you are in the area. Would definitely come back!!!”

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5.Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

From Glacier Base in Franz Josef, you’ll receive warm gear, walk to the helipad, and fly about four minutes to Franz Josef Glacier. A guide such as Ryan, Sarah, Ana, or Abbey leads a 2.5-hour hike through crevasses, ice caves, and blue ice, sharing glaciology, local history, and Māori legends.

“The best part for us was climbing through the glaciers. We loved our trip but if we had to change one thing it would be to have a smaller group to help the hike flow a bit better.”

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6.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest, the Franz Josef Glacier, and the Southern Alps, with about 10 minutes on an alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm flying and useful commentary. Snow is seasonal, so summer landings may be rocky rather than snowy.

“Unreal experience. First time I've been in a helicopter and it was so fun! I don't think there's a better way to experience the glaciers. The team was also fantastic, very friendly and knowledgeable. We loved it!”

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7.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

Take off from Franz Josef township with Glacier Helicopters for a 25-minute flight over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and the Southern Alps. Your pilot lands on a glacier snowfield for about 10 minutes, weather permitting. Pilots including Richard, James, Simon, and Steve have been praised for calm, informative service.

“The helicopter flight was an incredible experience! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the pilot was professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe the entire time. The whole process, from booking to landing, was smRead more”

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8.Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

From Franz Josef town, fly over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with live pilot commentary, then land on the snow for about 10 minutes. Flights carry up to six people, include a guaranteed snow landing when conditions allow, and return to the same base. Warm clothes and sturdy shoes matter.

“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 commuRead more”

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9.Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 45 min · from $388

From Franz Josef Town, you will fly over three major glaciers with pilot commentary, spot Mount Cook and ice crevasses, then land on a snowfield for 15 minutes of photos. Pilots such as Poppy, Mark, and Edine have earned praise for calm flying and clear explanations. Weather can change the route or cancel the flight.

“The flight was awesome, the scenery beautiful even with cloudy skies, and the duration acceptable. Our original booking of 3-Glacier with Landing was changed due to weather conditions. It was all a matter of safety. We received a refund for the difference.”

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10.Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · from $308

Meet Glacier Helicopters in Franz Josef for a 35-minute flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Your pilot provides commentary, then lands on a snowy mountaintop for photos and a short walk. Flights carry up to 12 people, though helicopter seating can feel tight, and all departures depend on weather.

“Great experience, beautiful views, very friendly pilot. Not as cold as thought, so don't dress too thickAuto-translated”

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11.Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 20 min · from $203Best value

Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef with an English-speaking pilot, flying above glacier ice, crevasses, rainforest, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman when conditions allow. You will land in the snow for photos and a short walk before returning to base. Pilot Adrian has earned special praise for his calm, informative commentary.

“this was amazing. I was very scared and the staff made me feel so comfortable. This was one of the best experiences of our lives”

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12.Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $245

Take a helicopter from Fox Glacier township over icefalls, frozen rivers, and alpine peaks, then land on the Fox Glacier neve for photos in pristine snow. The flight lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, with pilots such as Richard providing commentary. Bring warm clothes and covered shoes, and leave bags, tablets, and selfie sticks behind.

“It was very informative. Our guide, Charlie, worked extremely hard to dig a safe path for us to walk on the ice. We had excellent weather and enjoyed a very full three hours on the glacier. As this tour is weather-dependent, the conditions oRead more”

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13.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 20 min · from $230

From the Glacier Helicopters base in Franz Josef, you’ll fly over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and snowfields, with English commentary from your pilot. The flight includes a snow landing, giving you time to step onto the glacier, take photos, and enjoy views that are otherwise hard to reach without mountaineering gear.

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14.Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · from $308

Take a helicopter from Fox Glacier over ice falls, crevasses, and the valley below, then land on a snowy glacier field before returning over Franz Josef Glacier. The flight lasts about 35 minutes, with several departure times and space for up to 12 people. Pilot Jy has earned praise for clear, engaging commentary.

“We did not get to go on this flight due to the weather changing an hour before we were due to fly. The lady in the office offered for us to transfer our flight to Queenstown as that was where we were heading. She did not offer to book the fligRead more”

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15.Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $308

Take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps, with live pilot commentary and a snow landing of about 10 minutes. The six-passenger aircraft offers wide views of crevasses, icefalls, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Pilots such as Justin and Sam have earned special praise for clear commentary and skilled flying.

“AMAZING! A Must do. We had no idea of how beautiful Fox Glacier/Mount Cook was. Such a wonderful experience, definitely recommend this tour.”

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