Best of · GLACIER HELICOPTER TOURS IN NEW ZEALAND

The 15 Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand That Earn Their Price

69 flights  ·  from $149 a seat

Every trip has one morning to spare. These 15 glacier helicopter tours in New Zealand are worth spending it on, priced and timed so you can decide in a couple of minutes.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - Check-in at 10 Main Road
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Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

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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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - What your guide adds to the ice
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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - The flight onto the changing ice
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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

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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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - Franz Josef Glacier from the air
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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

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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Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - From Mount Cook Aerodrome into the Tasman Valley
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Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

5.Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226Best value

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley and over a blue glacier lake. Land on a mountain in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with views toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and the small aircraft carries up to six people. Snow landings occur about 95% of the year, but are not guaranteed in summer.

“Oh my goodness WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!! It was absolutely spectacular. Our pilots Andrew and Jordan were fantastic - they made the whole experience wonderful. It’s a MUST DO in New Zealand - it was the highlight of our whole trip!!”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Leaving the rainforest for the ice
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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

6.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

From the Glacier Helicopters base in Franz Josef, you’ll fly over the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, hear commentary from your English-speaking pilot, and land on glacier snow for photos. The flight lasts about 30 minutes, with 35 minutes total for the experience. Weather controls the schedule, so keep your plans flexible.

“Hands down best experience, we were so lucky to have fresh snow and blue skies the day we went. Our guide Jye was amazing, the whole team were super friendly and made our experience something we will remember forever.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - What the two-and-a-half-hour glacier hike feels like
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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

7.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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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - The first 40 minutes: briefing, gear, and a short transfer
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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

8.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly onto Fox Glacier, gear up with boots and crampons, then spend up to three hours walking through blue ice, caves, arches, and icefalls. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa explain how the glacier changes. The return flight completes this four-hour trip from Fox Glacier village.

“Taylor our guide was excellent, finding plenty things to see on the glacier and explaining a lot about the terrain and glaciers in general.”

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Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing - The eight-minute flight over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu
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Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

9.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 291 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with an experienced English-speaking pilot, alpine landing, and views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks. Pilots such as Jono, Bill, Danny, and Scottie have been praised for friendly commentary and smooth flying. Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels.

“The helicopter ride was a bucket list ticked off with my grandson. Was breathtaking amazing.”

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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - From Mount Cook Aerodrome into the Tasman Valley
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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

10.Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

Spend 45 minutes above Aoraki Mount Cook in a ski plane and helicopter, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. Expect changing aircraft, close views of Hochstetter Icefall and Mount Cook, and time on the upper glacier snowfields. English commentary is included, though the amount may vary by pilot.

“We didn’t get to do the Ultimate Combo due to strong winds both days, nevertheless the staff managed to reschedule us a Glacier landing. It was amazing!”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - Getting ready for two hours on the ice
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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

11.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through changing blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and caves with a guide such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori. Boots, crampons, warm layers, and two helicopter flights are included.

“We had the most amazing time viewing the blue caves and heli hike on the glacier. Highly recommend.”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Two hours on the uneven Tasman ice
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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

12.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the glacier, and spend two hours walking among ice formations with a professional guide such as Scott, Kerry, or Maddie. Glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket are supplied. Expect a small group of up to 10, strong mountain views, and weather-dependent scheduling.

“Magnificent views with breathtaking experience, a professional glacier hiking guidance of Kerry, a great pilot with smooth helicopter ride. A 7 stars journey.”

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - The 25-minute route over forest, ice, and peaks
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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

13.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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Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight - The Rees Valley opens into braided river country
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Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

14.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 202 reviews · 50 min · from $408

Take a 50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown over Skippers Canyon, the Rees Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Earnslaw Burn. Your English-speaking pilot points out glaciers, ice falls, alpine lakes, and Lord of the Rings locations. A glacier landing is planned, but weather and seasonal snow conditions can change the landing site.

“This was incredible!! Seeing all the landscape so close up & having time on the glacier was unreal! Definitely a must do!”

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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Ten minutes on the glacier snowfield
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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

15.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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New in Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand

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★ 5.0Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic ViewsFrom $4904 reviews
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★ 5.0Milford Sound and the Glaciers Helicopter Tour including Landing from QueenstownFrom $88441 reviews
★ 5.0Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter TourFrom $67944 reviews
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★ 5.0Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30minsFrom $2232 reviews
★ 5.0Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from QueenstownFrom $57046 reviews
★ 4.5Mount Cook: Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing39 reviews
★ 4.0Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight with Alpine LandingFrom $35922 reviews
★ 4.5Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow LandingFrom $30833 reviews
★ 4.5Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3088 reviews
★ 4.5Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox GlacierFrom $4169 reviews
★ 5.0Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier LandingFrom $3783 reviews
★ 4.5Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landingFrom $24536 reviews

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