25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On our private Glacier Explorer flight, you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow or alpine landing for photos. Snow levels on the landing site do vary seasonally on this flight.
Total experience time: approx. 25 minutes. Please allow an extra 45 minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to the helicopter, loading, unloading, and returning to our office.
Please note that while this is a private flight, you may share the check-in and van travel with other passengers on other flights.
The total weight of the passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Available options
4-6 people
1-3 people
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The Glacier Explorer flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
2
View the Westland National park by air and fly through the Southern Alps to your landing snow landing site where you will have a 10minute stop.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.8
13 reviews
5★
11
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you have limited mobility e.g. injury, arthritis or recent surgery? There are two high ladder style steps into the helicopter. This information could effect what helicopter we fly you in.
Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide. If you would like extra space or are wider than this we highly recommend booking a comfort seat which guarantees an empty seat next to you.
Meeting point
Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Our only base operates from Franz Josef. Cancellations within 24hours due to customer booking the wrong location will not be refunded.
Important notes
Please check in 30minutes prior to flight departure time at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of adventure activities. These glaciers are unique for their proximity to the Tasman Sea, creating a dramatic landscape where tropical rainforest meets ice fields.
Top Attractions
Franz Josef Glacier
One of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning views and a range of adventure activities.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Fox Glacier
Another of New Zealand's famous glaciers, offering similar activities to Franz Josef but with fewer crowds.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Natural hot pools fed by glacial water, offering a relaxing experience after a day of adventure.
Relaxation
1-2 hours
Moderate
Lake Matheson
A picturesque lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Nature
1-2 hours for a walk, longer for photography
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Fresh Seafood
The West Coast is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, crayfish, and oysters.
Lunch/Dinner
Varies by dish, may contain allergens
Lamb Rack
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its quality and flavor, often served as a rack with herbs and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Guided glacier hikes
Helicopter tours
Kayaking
Hiking
Mountain biking
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Scenic walks
Beachcombing
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer offers the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking, glacier tours, and other outdoor activities. The crowds are at their highest during this period.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time, NZST) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time, NZDT during daylight saving)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are generally safe destinations, but visitors should be aware of the natural hazards associated with outdoor activities, such as glacier hikes and scenic flights.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of weather conditions and changing weather patterns
- • Follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities
- • Stay on marked trails and paths
Getting there
By air
- Christchurch International Airport • 250 km (155 miles) from Franz Josef
By bus
Christchurch, Greymouth, Wanaka
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transport in the area, with regular services to and from major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No major app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Franz Josef Township
Fox Glacier Township
Day trips
Lake Matheson
25 km (15 miles) from Franz Josef • Half-day
A scenic lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Okarito Lagoon
50 km (31 miles) from Franz Josef • Full-day
A unique coastal lagoon known for its birdlife, including the rare kotuku (white heron).
Gillespies Beach
30 km (18 miles) from Fox Glacier • Half-day to full-day
A secluded beach with dramatic coastal scenery and access to the rainforest.
Festivals
West Coast Wildfoods Festival • Annually in March
Pro tips
- Visit Lake Matheson early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Book glacier tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and always be prepared for rain
- Explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier to experience the best of both towns and their respective glaciers
- Try local specialties like Hokey Pokey ice cream and fresh seafood
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
