15 Scenic Flights in Franz Josef Worth an Early Alarm

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.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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3.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300Top rated

From Franz Josef, take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and, depending on weather, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the safest and most scenic route, then lands on snow for about 10 minutes of photos. Pilots including Gus, Mark, Mike, Aaron, Eddy, and Steve have been praised for calm flying and clear commentary.

“Fantastic thing to do as a family, the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Would highly recommend to do it.”

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4.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

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

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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $403

Take a small-group helicopter flight from Franz Josef over Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers, with views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The 45-minute trip includes a snow landing when conditions allow. Pilots such as Mike, Poppy, and Greg provide commentary, while weather may change the route or landing.

“Definitely worth doing. Unfortunately because of weather constraints our trip was cut short and we didn't get to land on any glaciers. The operator has assured us a refund and we're waiting for the process to be finalised. The whole experience was professionally handled and safety was their main concern.”

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9.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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10.Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins – departing Franz Josef)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $280

Fly from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier over both ice fields, with a snow landing when conditions allow. Your pilot provides commentary and may take photos on the glacier. Allow about an hour at the local office, though flight time is around 30 minutes. Bring sunglasses, but leave bags and selfie sticks behind.

“The tour itself was amazing, for that reason it gets 5 stars. Everyone I interacted with was great.....except for one incredibly rude women at the desk in the Fox Glacier location.......”

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11.Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes – departs Franz Josef)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews

You’ll take a 20-minute helicopter flight from 29 Main Road in Franz Josef, with aerial views of Franz Josef Glacier, the Southern Alps, crevasses, and ice pinnacles. The trip includes a short snow landing, pilot commentary, and a return to the village heliport. Flights depend on safe weather conditions.

“This was an experience of a lifetime. All staff are highly professional and we received plenty of information about the glacier during the ride. Landing on the glacier was surreal and we were allowed a good amount of time to wander about. We booked the 9am flight and were lucky to have a perfectly still, cloudless day.”

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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.Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 6h 30m · from $1,015

Fly from Queenstown across the Southern Alps, then take a helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier for a guided two-hour crampon hike among crevasses and ice caves. Pilot Lily and guide Sarah have earned special praise for calm, safe handling. Weather may shift your trip to the Tasman Glacier, so you get the best available ice experience.

“A dream come to true to tick off my bucket list as a solo traveller! I met friends and shared the experience. Beautiful majestic scenery displayed and interpreted well. Friendly staff and knowledgeable on safety who took a respectful interest. Safe flights in plane and helicopter. I loved it and would recommend it it to people who are injury free and with a good fitness level. Especially those who like day or afternoon hikes already.”

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