30 minute Tasman Experience - scenic helicopter flight
About this tour
Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Climb up the Franz Josef Glacier, crossing the main divide at Centennial Hut to land on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Take in breath-taking views of Mount Tasman and Aoraki Mount Cook, rich with uninterrupted scenery you have to see to believe. Then hop back onboard, cross back over Climber Col Pass and enjoy the spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier before arriving back at Franz Josef Heliport.
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Highlights
- ✓Snowfield Landing
- ✓Scenic Helicopter Flight
Itinerary
Stop 1
Take in the endless beauty of Mount Cook and the national park as we fly over the snow-capped mountains.
Stop 2
Enjoy breath-taking scenic landscape of the Franz Glacier during the flight.
Stop 3
Tasman Glacier and snowfield landing - once landed, the Helicopter will shut down completely for passengers to enjoy the tanquility and silence of the beautiful alpine surroundings.
Stop 4
Enjoy scenic helicopter flight overlooking - Alpine Huts, View of the Tasman Sea, Native Rainforest & Multiple Waterfalls, among others (views are dependent on weather conditions)
Included
- ✓ Snowfield Landing
- ✓ Scenic Helicopter Flight
From
$242.8 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minute Tasman Experience - scenic helicopter flightThis tour | Duration varies | 5.0 (3) | N/A | From $242.8 | |
| 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
$242.8 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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See Franz Josef from above
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From
$242.8 USD