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The 15 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
If you're visiting New Zealand's West Coast, helicopter flights over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are a must-do. These glaciers are some of the most accessible and dramatic in the world, with towering icefalls, crevasses, and snowfields that are nearly impossible to appreciate from the ground. From breathtaking aerial panoramas to exhilarating snow landings, these tours give you a firsthand look at the region's icy wonders. Whether you want a quick flyby or a longer, more immersive experience, there's something on this list for every adventurer.
Our favorites include the Glacier with Landing tours for their mix of aerial views and on-snow exploration, and the Twin Glacier flights for their unique chance to see both glaciers in one trip. You'll find detailed reviews and insights to help you pick the perfect adventure. For a truly unforgettable trip, book early—these tours are popular, and weather can be unpredictable.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of helicopter experiences, from short scenic flights to extended scenic adventures with snow landings and mountain panoramas. Many tours include landing on glaciers or snowfields, with options for private flights and longer durations for those wanting more time in the air and on the ice. Tours are suitable for different budgets, with prices ranging from around $202 to over $800 for private experiences.
Highlights include landing on top of glaciers, aerial views of Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, and small-group tours with expert pilots. Many reviews praise the professionalism of pilots and the breathtaking scenery. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
Taking first place is this 25-minute helicopter flight that includes a 10-minute alpine landing. It offers spectacular views of the glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps. The flight is operated by a local husband and wife team, which makes it feel like a true family run operation.
You’ll soar over lush rainforests and snow-capped peaks, with the famous Franz Josef Glacier front and center. The alpine landing atop a mountain provides a unique perspective and photo opportunity. Reviewers love the safe, comfortable ride and the informative pilot. It’s priced at $202.77 per person, offering excellent value for such a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a quick yet immersive glacier experience with a scenic landing, suitable for most fitness levels.
2. Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
For a 20-minute adventure that combines breathtaking views with a snow landing, this tour is hard to beat. It departs from Franz Josef township and explores the ice falls, crevasses, and snowfields of the glacier.
The highlight is the landing on a pristine snowfield, where you can walk among the ice and breathe the crisp mountain air. The flight offers a panoramic view of the glacier’s icy landscape, with the pilot providing informative commentary. At $218.92 per person, it’s a good value for the experience of touching snow in the middle of summer.
Guests mention that the breathtaking views and professional pilots make this a must-do. The limited flight time is balanced by its high-impact scenery and snow landing.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to combine a quick flight with the thrill of walking on snow.
3. Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
This 30-minute tour takes in both glaciers—the Fox and Franz Josef—giving you a rare dual perspective. Starting in Franz Josef, you’ll fly over the ice falls of both glaciers, with a landing on one of the snowfields.
The live commentary enhances the experience, and the small-group setting makes it more personal. You’ll see distinct characteristics of each glacier and enjoy stunning aerial views. At $278.34 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s icy giants.
Guests rave about the breathtaking scenery and the fantastic pilot who shares detailed insights. It’s perfect if you want to maximize glacier views without splitting your day.
Bottom Line: A longer, more detailed tour ideal for glacier enthusiasts wanting to see both giants.
4. Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
This 20-minute flight over Fox Glacier includes a snow landing that offers a close-up experience of the icy landscape. Starting from the Fox Glacier township, you’ll fly over frozen rivers and icefalls, with narration from your pilot helping you understand the landscape.
The highlight is the landing on the glacier, enabling you to step into the untouched snow and take awe-inspiring photos. At $218.92, it’s an affordable way to combine scenic flying with the thrill of standing on a glacier. Reviews highlight the spectacular views and smooth flight, though some suggest the short duration might leave you wanting more.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those seeking a quick, scenic flight with glacier access.
5. Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
This 30-minute dual-glacier flight offers panoramic views of both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. The flight includes a snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, providing a rare opportunity to walk on top of this icy wonder.
The live pilot commentary enriches understanding of the area’s geology and natural features. At $278.34, it offers a good balance of time and scenery. Reviewers describe the experience as “breathtaking” and “unforgettable,” highlighting the amazing views and the ability to touch snow.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for travelers wanting a comprehensive glacier experience with a snow landing.
6. Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
This 30-minute flight takes you beyond the glaciers to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. After landing atop Fox Glacier, you’ll fly over the Southern Alps and then circle Mount Cook, with spectacular views of Aoraki, the Tasman Glacier, and surrounding peaks.
The professional pilot provides commentary about the region’s geology. Guests mention the personalized attention and the breathtaking scenery, making this a prime choice for those wanting to combine glacier and mountain views. The cost is $278.34, aligning with the value of a longer, more diverse tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a mountain-focused experience with glacier highlights.
7. Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Spectacular Helicopter Flight
For a 40-minute tour, this flight soars over the Southern Alps, with a landing on Franz Josef Glacier’s snowfield. It includes views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, and the helicopter hovers over icefalls and crevasses.
The tour is perfect for those wanting a lengthier, more immersive experience of the region’s mountainous terrain. Reviewers praise the professionalism of the pilot and the spectacular views of the high peaks. At $382.34, it’s a pricier but comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a lengthy, scenic adventure with glacier landings.
8. 25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing
This private 25-minute flight is perfect if you want a personalized experience. It includes a 10-minute snow or alpine landing, allowing for spectacular photos and close-up views. The tour is up to 3 people, making it ideal for families or couples seeking exclusivity.
The flight is notably flexible, with a total experience time of around 1 hour 15 minutes when you include check-in and transfers. The reviewer praises the safety, professionalism, and breathtaking scenery. Price at $825.01 per group reflects the exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups or couples wanting a private, tailored helicopter experience.
9. Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
This 40-minute flight offers a circle around Mount Cook, with a snow landing on the glacier. The route extends over Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with views of icefalls, crevasses, and the highest mountain.
Guests rave about the professionalism of pilots and the unmatched views of the Alps. Prices are similar to other extended tours at $382.34, making it a premium experience. This tour is best suited for those wanting to combine glacier, mountain, and national park scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for avid mountain and glacier viewers seeking a comprehensive aerial tour.
10. Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier
Starting from Fox Glacier, this 30-minute tour flies over both glaciers, with a touchdown on a snowfield at Fox Glacier. It’s a full-circle trip, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the region’s glacial landscapes.
Guests mention the professional pilot and the stunning aerial views. The landing on the glacier is a highlight. Priced at $278.34, it’s a great opportunity to see two glaciers in one trip.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want to maximize glacier sights in a short time.
11. Franz Josef Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight
This 20-minute flight offers a close-up view of Franz Josef Glacier, including a snow landing on the neve. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the glacier’s ice formations up close.
Guests note the personalized experience and the spectacular views of Mount Cook and the glaciers. At $219.38, it’s a compact yet immersive option for glacier lovers.
Bottom Line: Great for short but detail-rich glacier experiences.
12. Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
This 40-minute tour offers views over Aoraki Mt. Cook, Tasman Glacier, and the Tasman Sea. It includes a snow landing on Fox Glacier, providing unmatched mountain scenery.
Guests love the spectacular vistas and the expert narration from pilots. The tour is a bit longer and more expensive at $382.34 but offers extensive mountain and glacier views.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a lengthy, mountain-heavy experience.
13. Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Fox Glacier
This 30-minute flight departs from Fox Glacier, flying over both glaciers, with a snow landing on Fox Glacier. The private landing allows you to walk on the glacier and take photos.
Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and helpful pilots. It’s priced at $266.39 and is ideal if you want to see both glaciers with a flexible schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an easy way to see two glaciers with a glacier landing.
14. Fox Glacier Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight
This 20-minute flight emphasizes the ice-blue fissures of Fox Glacier, with a landing on the snowfield atop the glacier. It offers a solitary view of the icy landscape and Aoraki/Mt Cook in the distance.
Guests appreciate the short, impactful experience and the expert narration. The price is $219.38, making it a quick but memorable option.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers short on time but eager to see glacier ice formations up close.
15. Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
Rounding out the list, this hour-long tour is ideal for those prioritizing time on the glacier. You’ll soar over Westland National Park, land on Franz Josef Glacier, and spend 15 minutes exploring the ice with guides.
The advantage here is the extended glacier time and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With only 2 reviews but high praise, it’s perfect for serious glacier enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: The best choice if you want significant time on the glacier itself.
How to Choose Your Helicopter Tour
When deciding on the right helicopter tour in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, consider your budget, available time, and what scenery you most want to see. Want a quick peek? The Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing offers a memorable 25-minute experience. On the lookout for the full glacier experience? The 40-minute scenic flights with snow landings are hard to beat.
If you prefer seeing both glaciers in one trip, the Twin Glacier flights are ideal. For an exclusive, private experience, the 25-minute private helicopter is worth the extra cost. Also, pay attention to weather conditions, as cloud cover can impact flight plans—try to book early in the day for the best chances of clear skies.
Booking early is recommended, especially in summer, when visibility conditions are best. For those wanting a combination of scenic flying and glacier walking, the longer tours with glacier landings offer the most immersive experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a quick scenic flight or an extended glacier adventure, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier offer some of the most spectacular helicopter tours anywhere. For travelers seeking breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, the Mount Cook flights are a highlight. If touching snow and walking on ice are priorities, the glacier landings are a must.
Two standout options are the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing for its balance of scenery and accessibility, and the Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight for a broader mountain and glacier overview. Remember, these tours are weather-dependent, so plan to book early and be flexible. With such stunning scenery, a helicopter tour here isn’t just a ride—it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.