Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight: 3 Snow Landings

Three glacier landings and Mount Cook from the South side

A 90-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers in Westland Tai Poutini and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Parks, with three snow landings that let you step out onto the ice and photograph remote terrain most visitors never reach. The pilot is a local professional who speaks English and knows the hidden valleys and rarely seen approaches to New Zealand's highest peak.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight over glaciers and mountains

• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Fly over Fox Glacier
• Fly over Tasman Glacier
• Snow landing with Mount Cook views
• Snow landing in remote National Park areas

The Experience

The flight departs with a safety briefing and heads straight into the national parks. You'll pass over Franz Josef Glacier first, then Fox Glacier, then climb toward Tasman—New Zealand's longest glacier—where the helicopter descends to land on the snow. Each landing gives you time to walk on the ice, take photographs and feel the scale of the terrain from ground level instead of from the air. The pilot navigates to spots most tours don't reach, including approaches to Mount Cook's South side, a view that requires knowing the weather windows and the flight paths only locals have mapped.

Between landings the helicopter climbs over rainforest, remote valleys and peaks that form the backbone of the park. You see multiple lesser-known glaciers alongside the famous ones, and the route shifts based on conditions—what you see on one flight may differ from another, which is why the pilot's local knowledge matters. The 90 minutes keeps the day compact; you're back on the ground with time to process what you've witnessed before the afternoon moves on.

What’s included

• Professional pilot and safety briefing.
• 90-minute scenic helicopter flight.
• three snow landings on glacier ice with photo time.
• landing and facility fees.
• views of Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers plus Mount Cook from multiple angles including the rarely seen South side.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you want to land on the glaciers themselves rather than view them from the air alone, or if you're traveling as a small group or family and want a local operator who knows the remote corners of both national parks.

Top questions

What exactly happens during the three snow landings?

Each landing puts the helicopter down on glacier ice, giving you roughly ten to fifteen minutes to step out, walk on the snow, photograph the surrounding peaks and valleys, and feel the glacier's scale up close. The pilot chooses landing sites based on conditions and safety, so the exact spots vary by departure.

Can I see Mount Cook on this flight?

Yes. Mount Cook appears from multiple angles during the flight, including the South side view that most ground-based tours cannot reach. The helicopter's altitude and route let you see the peak from directions that are rarely photographed.

How long is the actual flight time?

The flight lasts 90 minutes total, which includes the three snow landings. Most of that time is spent airborne over the glaciers and mountains; the landings themselves account for roughly thirty to forty minutes combined.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The flight suits all physical fitness levels. You sit in the helicopter during flight and walk briefly on flat snow during landings, so no climbing or strenuous activity is required.

What's included in the price?

The 90-minute flight, the three snow landings, landing and facility fees, a safety briefing, and a professional pilot are all included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure point.

Do I need to bring anything for the snow landings?

Wear warm layers and sturdy footwear, as you'll be stepping onto snow and ice. The pilot and crew will brief you on safety before each landing. Bring a camera if you want to photograph the glaciers and Mount Cook.