Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Tour with Snow Landing

Summary

Helicopter ride above Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing with local pilot

You’ll soar above Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glaciers on a 35-minute helicopter ride, guided by a local pilot who knows every twist in the ice. Land on fresh snow high in the Southern Alps for photos and maybe a laugh or two with your group before flying back down to earth—there’s something quietly unforgettable about that much white silence.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my hands to sweat before we even left the ground. Gus, our pilot (he owns the place with his wife, Poppy—small town vibes), grinned when he saw me fiddling with the headset. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the views will distract you.” He was right. As soon as we lifted off from Franz Josef, the world below turned into this patchwork of mossy green and sharp blue ice. The helicopter’s windows fogged a bit from our breath—maybe nerves too.

The main keyword here is “glacier helicopter tour Franz Josef”—but honestly, that phrase doesn’t do it justice. We zipped over Franz Josef Glacier first, its crevasses looking almost soft from above (they’re not). Then Gus swung us towards Fox Glacier—he said sometimes they go to Tasman instead, depending on weather. I caught myself holding my breath when we crossed into the Southern Alps; all that white just swallowing sound for a second. There was this weird quiet up there, broken only by Gus pointing out some old avalanche scars and laughing about how Kiwis name everything so literally.

The snow landing was quick—maybe ten minutes? The cold hit my cheeks straight away, but I barely noticed because everyone started snapping photos and tossing handfuls of powder at each other. I tried to make a snowball but it just crumbled (wrong kind of snow apparently). Gus took a group shot for us—his gloves looked way warmer than mine. Heading back down, I kept glancing out the window trying to memorize the way sunlight bounced off the glacier’s blue cracks. I still think about that view sometimes; it felt both huge and oddly personal, like being let in on a secret most people never see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight over glaciers and snow landing

• Check in at Glacier Country Helicopters
• Transport to helicopter landing site
• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Fly over Fox or Tasman Glacier
• Land on snow for 10 minutes
• Return to office

Top questions

How long is the glacier helicopter tour from Franz Josef?

The total experience is about 35 minutes in the air, plus extra time for check-in and transfers.

Which glaciers do you see during this helicopter flight?

You’ll fly over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier depending on conditions.

Is there a snow landing included?

Yes, there’s an approximately 10-minute snow landing in the Southern Alps for photos.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you check in at their office in Franz Josef village.

Can people with limited mobility join this helicopter tour?

Yes, but let them know in advance if you have mobility issues—they can adjust which helicopter is used.

How early should I arrive before my flight?

Add about 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time for check-in and prep.

Is there an option for extra comfort seating?

Yes, you can reserve a Comfort Seat if you want more space or weigh over 120kg at check-in.

Are infants allowed on this glacier helicopter tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the flight.

What’s included

Your day includes a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef over two major glaciers (Franz Josef plus either Fox or Tasman), a roughly 10-minute snow landing up in the Southern Alps for photos, all safety briefings and equipment if needed, guidance from an experienced local pilot like Gus or Poppy, plus all fees and taxes already covered so you don’t have to think about anything except maybe how cold your hands get in that mountain air.