helicopter tour mt cook with glacier landings franz josef

Summary

See franz josef glaciers and mount cook by helicopter with two snow stops

You’ll fly by helicopter from Franz Josef over three glaciers to Mount Cook, landing twice on untouched snowfields for photos and fresh air. Local pilots share stories as you hover above ice-blue crevasses and stand on Shackleton Glacier itself — moments you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect the air to taste so clean up there — like cold water, but somehow sharper. We met Gus at the little office in Franz Josef (he’s the owner, but he just grinned and handed us our headsets like it was no big deal). The whole check-in was quick, just a few people chatting quietly, and then suddenly we were walking out onto the grass. I kept thinking I’d forget something important, but honestly you don’t need much for a helicopter flight over Mt Cook except your camera and maybe an extra layer. The main keyword here is “helicopter tour mt cook” — but that doesn’t even cover it.

The first lift-off is weirdly gentle — I thought it’d be more dramatic, but it’s almost like floating. Gus pointed out the Franz Josef Glacier right away; you can see all these blue cracks and folds that look fake from above. There was this moment when we hovered near Fox Glacier and he told us a story about his wife Poppy flying this same route last week in wild weather (she apparently laughs at his “soft” landings). The wind rattled the windows a bit, and you could smell snow through the vents — or maybe that’s just my imagination. Either way, it felt real.

Landing on Shackleton Glacier was… well, I still think about that crunch under my boots. It’s not silent up there — there’s this low hum from the engine cooling down, and everyone kind of stands around awkwardly at first until someone breaks out a snowball (not me, promise). Our guide snapped photos for us without rushing anyone. The second landing spot had this wild view back toward Mount Cook; clouds moving fast enough that every photo looked different. If you’re searching for a day trip to Mt Cook from Franz Josef with actual glacier landings, this is probably what you’re picturing — only colder and better than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt Cook Supreme Flight and Landings

• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Fly over Fox Glacier
• Fly over Tasman Glacier
• View Mount Cook
• Snow landing for photos
• Landing on Shackleton Glacier

Top questions

How long does the helicopter tour from Franz Josef to Mt Cook take?

The total experience is about 60 minutes in the air, plus 45 minutes extra for check-in and transfers.

Are there actual glacier landings included?

Yes, there are two included snow landings: one for photos and another on Shackleton Glacier.

Is pickup included in the helicopter tour?

Yes, transport from Franz Josef village to the helicopter is included.

Can I reserve an extra seat for comfort?

You can request a Comfort Seat in advance or if you weigh 120kg or more at check-in.

Who are the guides or pilots on this tour?

The flights are run by local owners Gus and Poppy or their team of experienced pilots.

What should I bring for the helicopter flight?

A camera and an extra warm layer are recommended; all other gear is provided.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Please inform them in advance if you have mobility issues; access involves two high steps into the helicopter.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Franz Josef village, all fees and taxes covered, air-conditioned vehicle transfer to the helipad, plus two guided snow landings during your flight before returning to town together at the end.