Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing Tour

Summary

Soar above franz josef glacier then step onto pure white snow

You’ll board a helicopter in Franz Josef township, fly over wild blue-white glacier crevasses, then land right on untouched snow for photos and time to breathe that crisp mountain air. With a local pilot guiding you through every moment, this short adventure packs in views and feelings you won’t shake off easily.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our pilot, Jamie, grinning as he handed me the headset — “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it smooth,” he said, but my stomach was already doing little flips. The helicopter blades chopped louder than I expected, and before I knew it, we were lifting off from Franz Josef township. The ground dropped away so quickly that someone behind me let out a tiny gasp (might’ve been me). Jamie pointed out the river winding below and joked about how locals can tell what season it is by the color of the water — apparently it changes with the melt.

The glacier itself looked unreal from above. All that blue-white ice, cracked and folded like someone had scrunched up a giant bedsheet and left it in the freezer. Jamie banked us right over the ice falls — I pressed my forehead to the window and caught a whiff of cold air sneaking in. It smelled sharp, almost metallic. He told us stories about rescue missions and how some days you can spot kea birds hopping around up here (no luck today, unless you count my nerves).

Landing on top of Franz Josef Glacier was… weirdly quiet? Like all the sound got sucked away except for our boots crunching into snow that looked fake but definitely wasn’t. My friend tried to make a snowball but just ended up with frozen fingers. We took photos — everyone awkwardly shuffling around because none of us wanted to be first back in the chopper. I kept thinking about how old this ice must be under my feet. We didn’t stay long (the wind picked up fast), but that silence stuck with me after we lifted off again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight and snow landing

• Board helicopter in Franz Josef
• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier ice falls
• Land on snow atop glacier
• Enjoy alpine surroundings and fresh air
• Return flight to Franz Josef township

Top questions

How long is the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight?

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 25 minutes including the snow landing.

Does the tour include landing on Franz Josef Glacier?

Yes, there is a snow landing on top of Franz Josef Glacier during the flight.

Is this helicopter tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any accessibility options for this tour?

The experience is wheelchair accessible and offers specialized infant seats.

What should I bring for the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour?

You should bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera, and a sense of adventure.

Can infants join the helicopter ride?

Infants can join but are required to sit on an adult’s lap; specialized seats are available.

Is public transportation available near Franz Josef township?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for reaching Franz Josef township.

What’s included

Your experience includes a scenic 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with photo opportunities throughout, a professional local guide piloting your journey, and an unforgettable snow landing high above sea level before returning to town together.