Franz Josef helicopter tour with 3 glaciers & snow landing

Land on snow and see three glaciers from the air in one flight

The Ultimate Discovery is a 45-minute helicopter tour from Franz Josef that flies over three glaciers—Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman—and includes a 10–15 minute snow landing in the Southern Alps with views of Mount Cook. The flight is operated by a husband-and-wife team and includes an experienced pilot, safety briefing and all fees. Allow an extra 45 minutes for check-in, transport to the helicopter and return to the office.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight over glaciers and mountains

• Check in and transfer to helicopter
• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Fly over Fox Glacier
• Fly over Tasman Glacier
• Fly past Mount Cook and Mount Tasman
• Snow landing for photos (10-15 minutes)
• Return to office

The Experience

The flight departs from Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. You'll see the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers from the air, then fly into the Southern Alps toward Mount Cook. The pilot lands on snow for 10–15 minutes so you can step out, take photos and stand on the glacier itself—the part that separates this tour from a flyover-only option.

Total flight time is 45 minutes. The company is family-owned and operated by Gus and Poppy, who generally fly most days, so you're working with pilots who know the terrain. A safety briefing happens before you board. The helicopter has two high ladder-style steps to climb, and if you have limited mobility—an injury, arthritis or recent surgery—let them know at booking so they can assign the right aircraft for your needs.

Plan for 90 minutes total: 45 minutes in the air plus another 45 minutes for check-in at 10 Main Road in Franz Josef, transport to the helicopter, loading, unloading and return to the office. Seats are 40 centimeters wide; if you want extra space or weigh 120 kilograms or more, a Comfort Seat can be reserved. Request a Front Seat upgrade or Comfort Seat at least 24 hours before your flight.

What’s included

• An experienced and professional pilot.
• safety briefing.
• the 45-minute scenic helicopter flight with 10–15 minute snow landing.
• all fees, GST and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters

Is this one for you?Land on snow in the Southern Alps and see all three major glaciers—Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman—in one flight without the hassle of multiple transfers.

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Top questions

What are the three glaciers I'll see on this flight?

The Ultimate Discovery flight shows you Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Tasman Glacier, all visible from the air in a single 45-minute route over the West Coast region.

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

You land on snow in the Southern Alps for 10–15 minutes, which is included in the flight. You step out for photos and stand on the glacier itself before returning to the helicopter.

How long does the whole experience take from start to finish?

The flight itself is 45 minutes, but allow an extra 45 minutes for check-in, transport to the helicopter, loading, unloading and return to the office—so about 90 minutes total.

What if I have mobility issues or a recent injury?

The helicopter has two high ladder-style steps to climb. If you have limited mobility, an injury, arthritis or recent surgery, tell the company at booking so they can assign an aircraft that works for your situation.

Can I get a better seat or more legroom?

Seats are 40 centimeters wide. You can reserve a Comfort Seat for extra space, or request a Front Seat upgrade—both must be arranged at least 24 hours before your flight and confirmed at check-in.