15 Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Weighed Against Each Other

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, then land for 10 minutes on snow or alpine terrain when conditions allow. You will see ice pinnacles, crevasses, and Southern Alps peaks from a helicopter, with pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Aaron providing commentary. Weather can change the route or cancel the landing.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

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2.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

You’ll fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in view. Your English-speaking pilot, such as Poppy, Mike, Mark, or Gus, provides commentary before landing on a high snowfield for 10 minutes. Expect a small group, changing routes, and weather-dependent departures.

“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”

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3.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly above Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photographs and mountain views. The 35-minute trip includes about 30 minutes in the air. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your stay and allow time for a change.

“great day with a great guide. You couldn't expect more in this tour.”

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4.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef town onto the glacier, then spend 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring crevasses, ice caves, ropes, and changing blue ice. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby are praised for clear safety help and lively stories. Allow at least four hours, and build in extra days for weather.

“Well planned, the entire trip took 4 hours + including preparation, debriefing etc before heading out to the helipad and glaciers. The glaciers presented a moderate challenge, as we meandered through deep crevasses, engaging in some exhilarating climbing with the aid of sturdy ropes. From a physical standpoint, the demands were manageable, and the staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring that everyone received the necessary assistance to navigate the terrain. The views were absolutely breathtaking, offering a visual feast that was undeniably worth every penny spent. The helicopter ride, in particular, served as an exhilarating aerial tour, showcasing the region's stunning landscapes from...”

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5.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238Top rated

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your flight includes an alpine landing of about 10 minutes, though snow is seasonal. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm, informative flying. Weather may change the route or landing site.

“Fantastic experience. Safe and comfortable helicopter ride with a very informative pilot/ guide. Great feeling walking on the glacier.”

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6.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, and snowfields, then land on the glacier for about 10 minutes. Pilots such as Richard, Simon, James, and Steve have been praised for calm, clear guidance. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and a camera.

“Straight forward and professional service. Went with my wife and we were lucky to get a beautiful day. The experience was fantastic. I would definitely recommend.”

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7.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

From Franz Josef town, fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with pilot commentary, then land on snow for about 10 minutes. You may see Mount Cook, blue icefalls, crevasses, seracs, and deep valleys. The helicopter holds up to six people, and warm clothing plus sturdy shoes are essential.

“There was cloud coverage coming in so we spent more time on the glacier than I believe is normal. Our pilot wasn't the most informative but that was ok.”

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8.Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 45 min · from $388

From Franz Josef Town, you’ll fly over three major glaciers, spot Mount Cook, and land on a high snowfield for 15 minutes. Your pilot provides live commentary through a headset, with pilots such as Poppy, Mark, and Edine praised for calm, clear guidance. Weather can change the route, so keep your plans flexible.

“We took the 45 minute ride and not a minute was dull. They day was overcast but the ground staff kept us updated every 15 minutes and were supportive. Kudos to them. The flight was exhilarating. Breathtaking views and the flight was so smooth. Our pilot was great, guiding us throughout the flight. The surprise was the photograph she took with the helicopter in background. A souvenir to keep. A young couple flying with us got engaged on the glacier. Another happy moment. Will certainly recommend this flight and company for everyone. Take as many photos and videos. Experience of a life-time.”

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9.Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · from $308

Meet Glacier Helicopters in Franz Josef for an approximately 35-minute flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You will see icefalls, frozen rivers, and snowy peaks, then land on a snow-covered mountaintop for photos. Pilots such as Tim provide commentary, and the small aircraft carries no bags or loose items.

“Great experience with amazing views of Fox and Frans Josef - and very friendly and professional staff”

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10.Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 120 reviews · 30 min · from $263

From Franz Josef, you’ll fly over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with English commentary, then land on a snowy mountain field for 10 minutes. Pilots including Paul, Adrian, Ken, and Jordy have earned strong praise for smooth flying and clear guidance. The route and landing depend on weather.

“Excellent trip with knowledgeable pilot. Jiorde was fantastic and shared lots of local information with us. He was very professional. The flight and especially the touchdown on the glacier was an amazing experience.”

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11.Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 20 min · from $203Best value

Fly from Franz Josef over glacier crevasses, ice pinnacles, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman, then touch down on the snow for photos and a close look around. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary through a headset. The flight lasts 20 minutes, carries up to 10 people, and is operated by HeliServices.NZ Fox Franz Haast.

“We had a great trip flying over 2 glaciers and landing on one. Good commentary from our pilot about the history of the glacier and its movement. It’s one of those things you don’t do every day so if you are in Franz Josef give it a go. You won’t be disappointed”

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12.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 20 min · from $230

Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Your English-speaking pilot points out ice falls, crevasses, snowfields, forest, rivers, and coastal views before landing on the glacier snowfield. You get time for photos and a close look at the ice before flying back.

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13.Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $416

Fly from Franz Josef above Franz Josef, Fox, and Murchison glaciers in a twin-engine helicopter with up to six passengers. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing on a snowfield around 7,000 feet. From the main divide, you can see Aoraki/Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, weather permitting.

“Very scenic flight and pilots made me feel safe I would highly recommend this scenic flight”

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14.Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $245

Take a six-passenger helicopter from Franz Josef Village over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Your pilot provides live commentary, points out crevasses and ice formations, then lands on the glacier’s snowfield for about 8 to 10 minutes. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes for the cold, brief walk on ancient ice.

“The flight was incredible and was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand!”

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15.4-Glacier Helicopter Ride with 2 Landings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $508

Take a one-hour helicopter flight from Franz Josef over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman, and Shackleton Glaciers. Pilot Mark and the crew provide commentary as you pass ice pinnacles, crevasses, Mount Cook, and the Lord of the Rings beacons area. Two snow landings give you time for photos and play in the snow.

“The experience was incredible! Seeing the glaciers and mountains from the sky was breath taking. When our pilot went over the ridge and the snow capped peaks opened up before us was jaw dropping! The guy sitting next to me looked at me and we both burst into huge smiles and thumbs up! The snow landing was great! Enough time for running, playing in the snow. Plus having snow ball fight and get great pics.”

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