3 Glaciers, Snow Landing, 45 Minutes

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing: 45min

★ 4.8 136 reviews

from $399.43 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 45 minutes
Meeting point: 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Country Helicopters

Overview

This 45-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Country Helicopters leaves from Franz Josef and covers three glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman, with a snow landing built into the trip. The route also passes by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu). Reviewers frequently praise the in-flight commentary from the pilots, who describe the landscape and point out landmarks along the way.

The experience runs from an office at 10 Main Road in Franz Josef, where travellers check in 30 minutes before departure for a safety briefing. Weight matters here: each passenger is weighed at check in, seats are 40cm wide, and anyone at or over 120kg must buy a Comfort Seat at half the flight price. Groups run to a maximum of 12 travellers.

It suits most people who can manage two high ladder-style steps into the aircraft and who want to see the three glaciers from the air in one flight. Some reviewers note that weather in this region decides what is possible on the day, so flexibility on timing is part of the deal. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not part of the package.

From$399.43 per person

Duration45 minutes

Rating4.8 from 136 reviews

What's Included

Included

45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Experienced and professional pilot
Safety briefing
All fees, GST, and taxes

Not Included

Comfort Seat
Front Seat Upgrade
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks

Run byGlacier Country Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz Josef officeArrive at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before the flight for check in, weighing and the safety briefing.
Safety briefingThe crew runs through safety procedures before boarding. Boarding involves two high ladder-style steps into the helicopter.
Fly over Franz Josef GlacierThe flight passes by Franz Josef Glacier with pilot commentary over the headset.
Fly over Fox GlacierThe route continues past Fox Glacier, giving aerial views of the ice and surrounding mountains.
Fly over Tasman GlacierThe third glacier on the route is Tasman Glacier.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe flight passes by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu).
Snow landingThe helicopter lands on the snow so travellers can step out, take photos and take in the surroundings before lifting off again. The landing depends on suitable weather.
Return to Franz JosefThe flight ends back at the meeting point at 10 Main Road.

Snow Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes, from weight rules to the weather calls the operator makes.

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 (this tour)$399.43
Franz Josef Mountain Scenic, 40 Minutes$409.68
Spectacular From Franz Josef$409.68
4 Glaciers, 2 Landings, 60 Minutes$514.37

Weather rules the day. Some reviewers describe flights shortened or run without the snow landing because of cloud and poor weather in this region. The operator watches conditions and will offer a different date or a refund when weather cancels the flight.
Dress and gear. The operator recommends sunglasses, a light jacket, a camera and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Conditions at the snow landing vary with the weather, so layers you can adjust are the safest bet.
Weight and seating. Passengers at or over 120kg must purchase a Comfort Seat, priced at half the flight's cost. Seats are 40cm wide. A Front Seat Upgrade can be requested at least 24 hours ahead, subject to confirmation at check in.
Getting in and out. Boarding requires climbing two high ladder-style steps, so tell the operator in advance about limited mobility, injury, arthritis or recent surgery. The flight is not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps.
Pilot commentary. Reviewers frequently praise the pilots' commentary on glaciers and landmarks. Check your headset is plugged in properly, as one traveller pointed out, or you will miss it.
Stay flexible on timing. Reviews mention staff keeping travellers informed as conditions changed, and one reviewer described proactive planning around the weather to give the group the best experience.

From$399.43 per person

Rating4.8 from 136 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main risk: some reviews mention flights shortened, landings skipped or a flight moved to another day because of cloud, with a different date or a full refund offered when the operator cancels. The landing is not guaranteed. Passengers at or over 120kg must pay extra for a Comfort Seat, and those wanting more room can buy one optionally. There is no hotel pickup, no food or drink provided, and the flight is not wheelchair accessible given the two high ladder-style steps into the aircraft. The experience also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and the operator can cancel or offer alternatives if that minimum is not met.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 45-minute scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing, an experienced pilot, the safety briefing, and all fees, GST and taxes. Not included are food and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, the Comfort Seat, and the Front Seat Upgrade.

Is Hotel Pickup Provided?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Travellers check in at the operator's office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau, 30 minutes before their flight time, and the experience ends back at that same point.

Is There A Weight Limit?

There is no stated weight limit. Passengers at or over 120kg when weighed at check in must buy a Comfort Seat, which costs half the flight price and keeps the seat beside you empty. An empty seat next to you can also be reserved if you simply prefer extra space.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, you will be offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund.

Can Children Or People With Limited Mobility Take This Flight?

Infants must sit on laps, and most travellers can participate. The helicopter has two high ladder-style steps, so anyone with limited mobility, an injury, arthritis or recent surgery should tell the operator in advance, as this can affect which helicopter is used. The flight is not wheelchair accessible.

What Should I Bring?

The operator recommends sunglasses, a light jacket, a camera, and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Confirmation of your booking is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.