New Zealand · HELICOPTER TOURS

The 15 Best Helicopter Flights in New Zealand

98 tours  ·  from $107

The glaciers and the alpine passes have no road, so the rotor is the price of entry. These 15 compare the Franz Josef and Fox flights, the Aoraki landings and the heli-hikes, on flight time, snow-landing minutes and what happens when the cloud sits in.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - The helicopter climb over the terminal moraine
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

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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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - From Franz Josef township to the hangar
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

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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Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - Following the Tasman Valley toward the ice
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Scenic Flights, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

3.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226Best value

Fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome over the Tasman Valley and a blue glacier lake, then land among the Southern Alps with pilot commentary. The small group holds up to six people. Snow landings happen about 95% of the year, but summer conditions can change that.

“Helicopter and Mark were amazing. Mark was very informative and the alpine landing was awesome. We loved every minute of it.”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Seeing Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from above
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

4.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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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - A short helicopter flight with a big view
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

5.2.5 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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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Check-in at 44 Main Road
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

6.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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Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing - From a central hotel to the airport base
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Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

7.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 291 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Fly for 25 minutes above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then land at a remote alpine spot chosen by your pilot. Pilots such as Jono, Bill, Danny, and Scotty are praised for calm flying and clear commentary. Hotel pickup, landing fees, and return transport are included.

“Great experience. Stunning views and loved the Alpine landing. Well organised from the moment we were picked up from our hotel to our drop off after the flight. Good value.”

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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - The difference between the ski plane and helicopter
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Skiing, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

8.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

You’ll fly over the Tasman Valley by ski plane and helicopter, land on the upper Tasman Glacier, and return to Mount Cook Airport. English-speaking pilots provide commentary, though the amount can vary. Bring a phone or camera, but leave every bag behind.

“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - Mount Cook Airport: the 45-minute start
3-Hour Experiences, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Hiking & Trekking, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

9.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

You’ll fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours following guides such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori through blue ice, moulins, and tunnels. Boots, crampons, wool socks, and waterproof gear are supplied, with two scenic helicopter flights included.

“Enjoyed hiking around, going down in the hole having family pictures to remember. Hunter was a great guide. However, wish we stayed more as group so we could hear more information about glaciers”

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - Meeting the local helicopter team
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

10.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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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Ten minutes on a Franz Josef snowfield
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

11.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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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - From Franz Josef town to the helipad
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

12.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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Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight - Skippers Canyon and the Rees Valley From Above
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

13.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 175 reviews · from $378

Take a 50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown over Skippers Canyon, the Rees Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Earnslaw Burn. Your English-speaking pilot, such as Alfie, Jeremy, or Jack, provides commentary before landing on a glacier or alpine site, conditions allowing.

“It was simply fantastic. From the pick-up to the flight itself, it was perfect. The staff and the pilot were so nice and friendly. A fantastic experience. Simply, thank you.”

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Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown - Flying over Fiordland National Park
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Half-Day Tours in Queenstown, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

14.Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $887

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, cruise the fiord for about an hour, then land on a glacier or alpine mountain in Fiordland. Your pilot, possibly Luke, Will, Alfie, Jeremy, or Jack, provides commentary through the headset. Pickup and drop-off are included.

“That you land after the cruise on top of a mountain. We were lucky enough for there to be snow in summer in January 2026”

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Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing - The 5,046-foot alpine landing
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Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

15.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $245

Fly from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables in a six-passenger helicopter, then land at 5,046 feet for about 10 minutes. Pilots such as Bill, Jazza, Jezza, Jono, and Ben provide commentary, while seasonal snow can add a memorable mountain stop.

“Our flight was cancelled due to bad weather and we were so disappointed, but as soon as it cleared up, they rang us and went above and beyond to make it one of the most memorable experiences we have ever had! Highly recommend. One note of advice though, make sure you check the currency you are booking it in, we didn't and got a bit confused with payment.”

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