Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
About this tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panoramic views of the West Coast and surrounding mountain ranges. Land on the iconic glacier and spend 15 minutes on the stunning ice with our expert guides, immersing yourself in this iconic natural wonder. This adventure is perfect for all fitness levels: A hassle-free experience that’s accessible to everyone. With exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we are the only operator permitted to land on the Franz Josef Glacier.
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Highlights
- ✓Informative commentary from your guide on glaciology, local history, and Māori legends
- ✓Enjoy a walk through beautiful New Zealand native bush as you start and finish your experience
- ✓Land exclusively on Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
- ✓15 minutes on-ice time with your professional ice-guide
- ✓Scenic Helicopter flight above rainforest and the Southern Alps (15 minutes return flight time)
Itinerary
Stop 1
Spend time on the stunning Franz Josef Glacier with our experienced guides and connect with this iconic destination. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of West Coast and surrounding mountains.
Included
- ✓ Informative commentary from your guide on glaciology, local history, and Māori legends
- ✓ Enjoy a walk through beautiful New Zealand native bush as you start and finish your experience
- ✓ Land exclusively on Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
- ✓ 15 minutes on-ice time with your professional ice-guide
- ✓ Scenic Helicopter flight above rainforest and the Southern Alps (15 minutes return flight time)
- ✓ Unforgettable photo opportunities on the glacier
Not included
- ✕ Snacks
From
$405.76 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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Read more reviews on Viator →Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Helicopter tours in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef and its neighboring Fox Glacier are two of the most accessible glaciers on earth, dropping from the Southern Alps almost to sea level through dense rainforest. A helicopter is the only practical way to actually land on the ice, since the glaciers have retreated too far for a walk-up ice approach.
When's the best time to fly?
Tours run year-round, but this is New Zealand's West Coast, one of the wettest regions in the country, and cloud cover is the main thing that grounds flights rather than cold. Summer (December to March) has the most reliable weather, though even then a meaningful share of flights get rescheduled on short notice. Morning slots tend to be more stable before afternoon cloud builds up, and it's worth keeping an extra unplanned day in your Franz Josef itinerary in case your first booking gets weathered out.
What should I bring?
A proper waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast, since this coastline sees rain even in summer, plus warm layers for the glacier itself, it's noticeably colder at altitude on the ice than in town. Heli-hike operators supply crampons and ice equipment, so you don't need your own.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Like most operators, tours in Franz Josef have standard weight and balance limits (you may be asked your weight when booking or checking in), and pilots will delay or reschedule rather than fly in unsafe wind, low visibility, or storms. Booking a tour with free cancellation means a weather delay won't cost you anything.
Compare tours in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Landing | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier LandingThis tour | Duration varies | 5.0 (6) | Yes | From $405.76 | |
| Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 25 min | 4.9 (248) | Yes | From $229.29 | View → |
| Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight | 40 min | 5.0 (38) | Yes | From $403.44 | View → |
| Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 35 min | 4.9 (50) | Yes | From $287.34 | View → |
From
$405.76 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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From
$405.76 USD