15 Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef to Build a Day Around

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, see ice pinnacles and crevasses, then spend 10 minutes on a snow or alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam have provided lively commentary, but weather can cancel the landing or the entire flight.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

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2.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

You’ll fly over Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman Glacier with an English-speaking pilot such as Poppy, Mike, or Mark, then spend 10 minutes on a snow landing site. Headsets provide commentary, and routes may change with the weather.

“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”

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

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

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 make a snow landing on one glacier. Pilots such as Jay, Paul, Simon, and Tom are praised for smooth flying and friendly guidance.

“We enjoyed the flight very much. We unfortunately couldn't get our original allocated time slot due to weather but the staff were very accommodating and managed to get us in on an afternoon slot. Definitely well worth the experience.”

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4.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest, waterfalls, and rugged terrain, then spend 2.5 hours hiking Franz Josef Glacier with a trained guide. You will use crampons and may crawl through ice caves or crevasses. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby add local stories, glaciology, and Maori legends.

“We hiked a glacier in Alaska and it was mainly a flat hike. This experience was totally different and provided us a completely unique experience. It was up and down, we went through two tight crevasses and an ice cave! We had to use ropes and even a ladder at one point. You definitely need to be fairly fit. We loved the experience from the training, helicopter ride and guided hiking. This is a must do for those who want a unique and challenging experience. Even though we had to unfortunately cut the hike short due to weather, we still had more than sufficient time on the hike and appreciated…”

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5.Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly into a remote section of Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking across blue ice, through caves, and beneath arches. Your guide cuts steps as needed and explains glacier features, from crevasses to Victoria Falls. Boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied.

“Campbell and Oliver were great guides who were so well informed, despite our 100 questions, and led us even in poor weather. The flight itself was scenic and well handled, with the hike well laid out and suitable for everybody.”

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6.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238Top rated

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your 25-minute flight includes about 10 minutes on an alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Sam, and Rachel have received strong praise, but snow is seasonal and the landing may be on rock in summer.

“Amazing - well organised, from rescheduling to suit the weather, to getting there, going up and coming down!”

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

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

Fly from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and the Southern Alps, then land on a glacier snowfield for about 10 minutes. A professional pilot such as Richard, James, Simon, or Steve guides the flight. Expect a small group of up to six, weather permitting.

“A must do at FJG! You won’t regret it! Fantastic scenery, glacier flyover, and the 10 min outside on the glacier is spectacular!”

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8.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

From central Franz Josef, fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with pilot commentary, then land on Franz Josef Glacier for about 10 minutes. The small group flight carries up to six people and includes a guaranteed snow landing, weather permitting.

“The weather on the day we went was fantastic and our pilot was very informative and easy to chat with.”

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9.Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 45 min · from $388

From Franz Josef, fly over three major glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on snow for 15 minutes of mountain views and photos. Pilots including Poppy, Mark, and Edine have earned praise for calm commentary and smooth flying, while weather may alter the route or cancel the flight.

“Fantastic experience seeing the glacier up close and personal. We were originally booked on the 45 min flight but the weather was closing in quickly and Glacier Country Helicopters were brilliant at getting us on an earlier flight as ours was going to be cancelled. This was all handled with great courtesy and it was very reassuring to see their ‘safety first’ approach in action. All the staff were extremely helpful and courteous and our shuttle driver (apologies, can’t remember your name!) should be on the stage give his non-stop repartee! Most importantly the pilots were outstanding and despite the worsening weather we always felt safe and were extremely grateful…”

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10.Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · from $308

Take a roughly 35-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with live pilot commentary and a snow landing. You will see icefalls, frozen rivers, and rugged peaks from above, then step onto pristine snow. Wear sturdy shoes, leave bags behind, and allow flexibility for weather.

“Great experience with amazing views of Fox and Frans Josef - and very friendly and professional staff”

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11.Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 120 reviews · 30 min · from $263

From Franz Josef, you’ll fly over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with English commentary, then land on a snowy mountain surface for 10 minutes. Pilots such as Paul, Adrian, Ken, and Jamie have been praised for smooth flights and clear local information, weather permitting.

“Excellent trip with knowledgeable pilot. Jiorde was fantastic and shared lots of local information with us. He was very professional. The flight and especially the touchdown on the glacier was an amazing experience.”

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12.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 ice falls, crevasses, and the Southern Alps, then land on the snow for photos and alpine air. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, with flights limited to six people. Weather decides the exact time and landing.

“Most incredible and awesome flight mode and the most stunning scenery Top notch”

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13.Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 20 min · from $203Best value

Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over glacier crevasses and ice pinnacles, with pilot commentary and a snow landing in the Southern Alps. Look for Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, then return over rainforest. Flights and landings depend on safe weather.

“A once in a lifetime experience. We were so lucky with the weather, sunny day and so clear on the Glacier. Our Pilot, Adrian, was great and gave us an interesting commentary. We landed on the Glacier and spent some 15 minutes frolicking in the snow. Fantastic experience.”

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14.25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $245

Take a roughly 25-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier over icefalls, snowy peaks, and frozen river valleys. Land on the Fox Glacier Neve for photos and a short walk on pristine snow, then return with live pilot commentary. Weather can change the plan.

“The snow landing which was amazing. The commentary from the pilot and the help from the man in the office. We had an absolutely fantastic time.”

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15.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 20 min · from $230

Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over icefalls, crevasses, snowfields, forest, and river valleys. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, then lands on the glacier for photos and a close look at the ice. Exact flight times depend on weather.

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