Best of · WINTER ACTIVITIES

Our Top 15 Winter Helicopter Flights Around the World

18 flights  ·  from $203 a seat

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 winter helicopter flights worth the money, each with its price, its passenger verdict and the one thing to know before you pay.

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Leaving the rainforest for the ice
Glacier & Snow Landing Helicopter Tours, Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, New Zealand Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

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

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

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 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

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

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

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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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Landing on Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Helicopter Tours, Glacier & Snow Landing Helicopter Tours, Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, New Zealand Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

3.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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Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - The first 10 minutes, from town to ice falls
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours, Glacier & Snow Landing Helicopter Tours, Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, New Zealand Helicopter Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in New Zealand, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

4.Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 107 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier Township over crevasses, ice falls, and the Southern Alps. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary before landing on the snow for photos and alpine air. Flights carry up to six people and depend on good weather, with exact times confirmed after booking.

“The weather on the ground didn’t look good for a glacial landing, however, the pilot was still able to land. An awesome experience.”

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Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing - Franz Josef Glacier from above
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Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

5.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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Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Check-in at Glacier Helicopters Fox Glacier
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Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

6.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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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Flying above icefalls, crevasses, and forest
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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

7.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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Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown - Forty minutes above Queenstown
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Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown

8.Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $570

From Queenstown Airport, your pilot flies you over the Southern Lakes region before landing the helicopter in a high alpine snowfield. Step out for photos, snow play, and quiet mountain views, then fly back to base. Pickup from select hotels, safety briefing, English commentary, and shared or private flights are available.

“Ben was a great pilot and guide! Terrific experience. Friendly, professional, top notch all around. It was truly over the top!”

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Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Boarding the six-passenger aircraft at Fox Glacier
Franz Josef Helicopter Tours, Glacier & Snow Landing Helicopter Tours, Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, New Zealand Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

9.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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Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing - Flying up the Franz Josef Valley
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Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing

10.Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $245

Take a six-passenger helicopter from Franz Josef village over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Your pilot provides live commentary, then lands on the glacier’s snowfield for about 8 to 10 minutes. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes for views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook.

“This was a must do on our itinerary. We were not disappointed. Bit of confusion in Franz Josef as two companies offer the tour we booked and interchange the check-in. Other than that, super. Comfortable helicopter, smooth flight and utteRead more”

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Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - The Fox Glacier snow landing
Franz Josef Helicopter Tours, Glacier & Snow Landing Helicopter Tours, Glacier Helicopter Tours in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, New Zealand Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

11.Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · from $308

From Fox Glacier village, fly over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in a small six-passenger helicopter. Your alpine pilot explains the ice formations before landing for about 10 minutes on a snowfield above Fox Glacier’s icefalls. Warm clothes, flexible plans, and good weather matter.

“The staff was very helpful and efficient. Pilot did an excellent job. Loved being on the glacier, getting photos.”

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Queenstown Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 30 mins - What the aerial route gives you
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Queenstown Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 30 mins

12.Queenstown Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 30 mins

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 30 min · from $269

Fly from Heliworks Queenstown over the Whakatipu Basin, with live commentary from an English-speaking local pilot and one snow landing high in the mountains. You will have time for photos and snow play before returning to 64 Grant Road. Flights carry 6 to 9 passengers, with seating assigned for aircraft balance.

“One of the best experiences we had in New Zealand and made checked one of our bucket list. The staff was very kind and updated us in real time about the status of our tour, the weather, etc. Our pilot was very professional in driving the helicopter which made us feel safe. He was even gracious enough to take photos of us in the snow. This is a highly recommended activity when you are in Queenstown.”

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Private Swiss Alps helicopter tour over snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers - Jungfraujoch and the Aletsch Glacier from above
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Private Swiss Alps helicopter tour over snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers

13.Private Swiss Alps helicopter tour over snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 42 minutes (approx.)

From Belp, your private pilot takes you over the Jungfraujoch, Aletsch Glacier, Schilthorn, Eiger north face, Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. You get headsets, large-window views, and personal commentary. Oliver is one pilot praised for clear explanations and an easygoing manner. The flight suits couples and small groups who want a close look at the Alps without crowds.

“The helicopter tour over the Swiss Alps was an incredible experience and well worth the cost. The check-in process was smooth, safety instructions were clear, and the staff were friendly and professional. Our pilot Oliver was knowledgeable, pointing out major peaks such as the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and Mont Blanc, and he gave interesting background on the surrounding regions. The flight itself was very comfortable, with large windows providing excellent visibility from every seat. The entire route offered breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain villages, and there were plenty of opportunities for photos. The ride felt safe at all times, and noise-cancelling headsets made communic...”

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Fox Glacier: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Landing on Fox Glacier for eight minutes
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Fox Glacier: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

14.Fox Glacier: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · from $245

Take a six-passenger helicopter from Fox Glacier over rainforest, ice-blue crevasses, and the Southern Alps. After the flight, land for about eight minutes on a glacier snowfield with views toward Aoraki/Mt Cook. Your pilot provides live commentary, and warm clothing with sturdy footwear is essential.

“The tour was very good but it is too short It would be great if spend more time on the mountain”

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Franz Josef: The Grand Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier from above
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Franz Josef: The Grand Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing

15.Franz Josef: The Grand Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14 reviews · 40 min · from $355

From Franz Josef, you fly over three major glaciers and the Southern Alps before landing on a snowfield for 8 to 10 minutes. An English-speaking pilot provides commentary through your headset. The 40-minute flight costs $355 per person, with route and landing dependent on safe weather.

“The entire experience was definitely the best thing tour wise that we have ever done..strewth it was both awe inspiring and thrilling at the same time..with just a little bit of crikey thrown in as well..flying in between the snow covered summits of Mt Tasman and Mt Cook was unbelievable and then getting to land on and then walk Franz Josef Glacier for ten or so minutes was the icing on the cake ..would recommend this to everyone visiting this area of South Island NZ.. worth every cent guys.”

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