Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Land on a glacier and stand between two of New Zealand's most dramatic ice formations

A 35-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef Township that circles both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, landing on the snowfields of one so you can walk on the ice and photograph the neve and formations up close. A professional English-speaking guide flies with you. The flight operates year-round, weather permitting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight Experience

• Fly over Fox Glacier
• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Land on glacier snowfields
• Take photos and enjoy snow
• Return to Franz Josef Township

The experience

The helicopter departs from Franz Josef Township and climbs toward the Southern Alps. Within minutes you're flying the length of Fox Glacier's South Side, watching its steep icefalls drop toward the valleys below. The pilot then banks toward Franz Josef Glacier, which spreads across the landscape in a different pattern entirely: wider, more sprawling, with its own distinctive ice formations. Both glaciers are visible in a single flight, so you see how dramatically they differ in shape and character without choosing between them.

Halfway through the flight, the helicopter descends onto the snowfields of one glacier. You step out onto the ice itself, walk across the neve, and handle the unusual formations the guide points out. This is the moment most people photograph: standing on thousands of years of compressed snow with the glacier's peaks surrounding you and the valleys far below. The guide stays with you on the ground, answering questions about how the ice moves and what you're standing on. Bring warm clothes, sunglasses and sturdy footwear. The altitude and wind chill faster than ground level.

The flight back to Franz Josef Township follows the same route in reverse, giving you a second look at both glaciers from a different angle. Total time in the air is 35 minutes. Weather can ground flights, so the operator flies year-round but only when conditions allow. Check the day before your booking to confirm. On Christmas, flights run only from 9 am to noon.

What’s included

• 35-minute helicopter flight over both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.
• snow landing on the glacier with time to walk on the ice and photograph the formations.
• professional English-speaking guide throughout the flight.
• photo opportunities on the snowfields.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Glacier Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you want to see two glaciers with completely different characters in a single trip and actually land on the ice instead of viewing it only from above. The snow landing is what makes this more than a scenic flight. You're standing on the glacier itself, not watching it from a distance.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my camera on the helicopter flight?

Yes, cameras are essential for this flight. Bring your camera and warm clothes to protect your hands while you photograph the glacier landing. Selfie sticks, drones, iPads and tablets are not permitted for safety reasons.

What makes Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier look so different from the air?

Fox Glacier is steeper and more dramatic, with sharp icefalls dropping into valleys. Franz Josef Glacier spreads wider across the landscape with a more remote, vast character. Flying both in one trip lets you see how two glaciers in the same region develop such different formations.

Do I actually land on the glacier, or just fly over it?

You land on the snowfields of one glacier during the flight. The helicopter sets down on the ice, you step out and walk on the neve, and the guide explains the ice formations while you're standing on them. This is included in the 35-minute flight time.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

The operator flies year-round but only when weather permits. If conditions are unsafe, your flight will be rescheduled or you can receive a refund. Check with the operator the day before to confirm whether flights are running.

How do I get to the helicopter departure point in Franz Josef Township?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point. The operator does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to the helipad or use local shuttle services.