
Franz Josef Mountain Scenic, 40 Minutes
40 minutes · The Helicopter Line
from $409.68 per person Check availability →
Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins
from $1,982.78 per group
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
This is a private helicopter flight out of Franz Josef that packs four glaciers and two snow landings into a 60-minute flight. Only your group flies, and the route carries you across the Southern Alps over Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Tasman Glacier and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the path as well. Travellers who have flown it describe close views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, and one recalled stepping onto the ice and sliding across it, penguin style, during the landings.
The operator is Glacier Country Helicopters, working from a single base at 10 Main Road in Franz Josef / Waiau. Check in at the office half an hour before your flight time, then return to the same spot at the end.
It suits most travellers who can manage two high ladder style steps into the helicopter, and the flight itself runs about 60 minutes, with about 2 hours to allow in total. Bring sunglasses, a jacket, a camera and shoes you don't mind getting wet.
Snow Landing: Weather permitting
A few practical points will shape the day, from the helicopter's seat width to the weather over the alps.
Common issues. Weather drives everything here: if conditions are poor the flight is cancelled, with a different date or a full refund offered, and a minimum number of travellers also applies. The base is in Franz Josef only, and cancellations made within 24 hours because a customer booked the wrong location will not be refunded. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are otherwise non refundable. The helicopter is not wheelchair accessible, and the two high ladder style steps plus 40cm seats are real constraints for some travellers.
All fees and taxes are included in the flight price. The private flight itself and the two snow landings are the core of the package.
From the operator's office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand. Check in 30 minutes before your flight time. Pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need a transfer from your accommodation.
The flight runs 60 minutes. Plan on extra time for the 30 minute check in beforehand.
Infants must sit on laps and most travellers can participate. The helicopter is not wheelchair accessible, and boarding involves two high ladder style steps, so mention any injury, arthritis, recent surgery or limited mobility when booking.
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 weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Sunglasses, a jacket, a camera and shoes you don't mind getting wet. You will be landing on snow, twice.
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
Check Price & Availability →
40 minutes · The Helicopter Line
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