Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Snow Landing 35min

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/11

Duration35m

GroupUp to 20

Mobile ticketAccepted

Two Glaciers & a Snow Landing in 35 Minutes

You fly over Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, land on snow in the Southern Alps for 10 minutes of photos, and return to base. The whole outing takes 35 minutes in the air plus 45 minutes for ground logistics. Locally operated by the pilots themselves, so you get someone who knows the route.

35m

Step-by-step itinerary

Flight over glaciers and snow landing

Check in and prepare for flight
Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
Fly over Fox or Tasman Glacier
Land on snow for photos
Return to office

The Experience

Hands grip the harness as the helicopter lifts off the tarmac—that's you, strapped in, watching the West Coast landscape drop away beneath you. Within minutes the Franz Josef Glacier spreads below like a frozen river carved through dark rock, and then you're banking toward either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier depending on conditions that day. The pilot—likely Gus or Poppy, who own and fly the operation themselves—points out the crevasses and ice falls as you climb into the Southern Alps. It's the kind of detail that only someone who flies this route most days would notice.

The snow landing comes about 20 minutes in. The helicopter touches down on a high-altitude snowfield, and you get roughly 10 minutes to step out, feel the altitude, take photos with the peaks around you. It's not a long time, but it's enough—long enough to understand why people come back to this part of New Zealand. The whole experience, from takeoff to landing back at the office, runs about 35 minutes of actual flight time, though you'll want to budget an extra 45 minutes for check-in, the walk to the helicopter pad, and getting back.

The helicopter company is family-run, which means the pilots aren't rotating through—you're likely to get someone who knows every ridge and glacier face on this route. They handle the safety briefing themselves, and if you need special equipment or have mobility concerns (there are two high ladder-style steps into the cabin), they'll sort that before you arrive. If you're over 120kg or want extra legroom, Comfort Seats are available; just book 24 hours ahead.

What’s included

Your flight includes the 35-minute helicopter experience, a 10-minute snow landing in the Southern Alps for photos, a safety briefing and any required equipment, a professional and experienced pilot, and all fees, GST, and taxes. Ground time for check-in, transport to the helicopter pad, and return to the office adds approximately 45 minutes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two of New Zealand's largest glaciers and land on snow without committing a full day—the fixed 35-minute flight fits into a shorter itinerary, and the locally-owned operation means you're flying with someone who knows the route.