Spectacular From Franz Josef

Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

15 reviews

from $409.68 per person

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Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 40-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters lifts off from Franz Josef / Waiau and climbs toward Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with views along the way of both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. You check in at the operator's base on Main Road half an hour before departure, then fly with a professional pilot over the peaks, snowfields and glacier valleys of Te Wahipounamu.

The route passes Franz Josef Glacier, continues over parts of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and returns over Fox Glacier before landing back at the same base where the flight began. Reviewers repeatedly single out the pilots, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic, with commentary running throughout the ride and a willingness to help passengers get photos.

Most travellers can participate. The flight runs year round, weather permitting, with a maximum of 12 travellers per departure. Warm clothes, sunglasses and sturdy footwear are recommended, along with a camera.

From$409.68 per person

Duration40 minutes

Reviews15 reviews

What's Included

Included

Professional Pilot

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz JosefArrive at 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before your departure time for check-in and a safety briefing.
Franz Josef GlacierThe flight passes over Franz Josef Glacier.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe flight continues over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area, with no stop.
Fox GlacierThe return leg passes by Fox Glacier before heading back toward the base.
Landing at Franz JosefThe flight ends at the same meeting point, Glacier Helicopters at Franz Josef Glacier.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, from what to wear to how the operator handles mountain weather.

Where this tour sits among the 5 per person flights in Franz Josef Flights To Mount Cook (from-price per person, USD)

Tasman Experience From Franz Josef$246.55
3 Glaciers, Snow Landing, 45 Minutes$399.43
Franz Josef Mountain Scenic, 40 Minutes$409.68
Spectacular From Franz Josef (this tour)$409.68
4 Glaciers, 2 Landings, 60 Minutes$514.37

What to wear. The operator recommends warm clothes, sunglasses and sturdy footwear, plus a camera.
Restricted items. For safety reasons, selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads and tablets, and bags of any kind are not allowed on the flights. Plan pockets rather than a daypack.
Weather calls. Flights run all year, weather permitting, and conditions over the mountains decide whether the full route goes ahead. One reviewer had strong winds over Mount Cook and was moved to a shorter glacier flight with a snow landing, and was still glad they flew.
Weight limits. The total weight limit per passenger is 150 kg. The departure carries a maximum of 12 travellers.
In the air. Several reviewers describe pilots who gave commentary throughout the flight and helped with photos. Travellers often call a snow landing the highlight, so ask the operator whether one is included on this flight.
Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers make their own way to the Main Road base. The site is near public transportation.

From$409.68 per person

Reviews15 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main risk: the experience requires good conditions, and strong winds over Mount Cook can force a route change or a shorter flight, as one reviewer described. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and cancellations for weather or low numbers come with an offer of a different date or a full refund. There is no wheelchair access, infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not included.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight?

The scheduled flight time is 40 minutes from Franz Josef. Allow extra time overall, since check-in opens 30 minutes before your chosen departure.

What Is Included In The Price?

A professional pilot and the flight itself are included. Food and drinks are not, and hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded, so you need to get yourself to the base on Main Road in Franz Josef.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

From Glacier Helicopters at 30 Main Road, SH6, Franz Josef / Waiau. Check in 30 minutes before departure. The flight ends at the same point.

Is The Flight Suitable For Children And Infants?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available. Most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring On The Flight?

Warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear and a camera are recommended. Note that bags of any description, selfie sticks, drones, tablets, lighters and flammable liquids are not permitted on board.