What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• The best option given the weather. A team focused on informing clients of the options while keeping us safe.

  jenmA8928DI,,Dec 31, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The night before the excursion I received a call that the weather was going to be too windy to safely make the trip. I was immediately rebooked onto the next day. Upon arrival that morning we were informed that there was anticipated rain moving on to the glacier area and our helicopter to a hike on the glacier would likely become a helicopter tour to a glacier encounter. We were given the option to go forward with our experience or not at that point. Those who decided to proceed flew from Queenstown to Franz Josef with Michael who didn't excellent job of providing commentary along the way about the region and mountains as we were passing. Upon arrival in Franz Josef The helicopter tour provider confirmed that rain would be moving in quickly prohibiting us from having a full hike on the glacier. We would be able to take the helicopter to their landing site on the glacier and briefly walk around in a safe area, a much shorter time frame on the glacier. We were also giving the opportunity to back out of the that part of the excursion at this point. The helicopter tour to the glacier was pleasant. The landing point was unique to the company and provided us with an excellent place to see encounter the glacier. We had a short excursion at the glacier where our tour guide was very informative about the specific glacier. We then boarded the helicopters back to town and then we're able to take our flight back to Queenstown a bit early. All we did not get the full experience we had booked we did have a nice overall experience. The professionals being countered throughout the day kept us fully informed on our options and worked to give us the best available experience given the weather and focused on safety.

  

  

  

  

  

• Magical

  jemyap,,Dec 17, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What a spectacular way to celebrate my birthday. Even as Queenstown locals, our flight with True South and the heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides felt like an extraordinary privilege,a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such an astonishing part of Aotearoa. True South delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. The booking process was seamless, the communication clear and thoughtful, and the flight itself was smooth, comfortable, and absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the West Coast from the air was humbling and awe-inspiring, made even better by the professionalism and genuine care of the True South team, who made us feel completely safe and looked after throughout. A truly special birthday experience. We’ll be wholeheartedly recommending True South (and Franz Josef Glacier Guides) to friends and family. Thank you so much ♥️☺️

  

  

  

  

• Great experience, and time saving.

  Camper64321288826,,Oct 29, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Booked a scenic flight + glacier tour for my wife and I. Trip was rescheduled twice due to weather conditions, and the team openly communicated the changes and quickly assisted with getting us on the next available experience. The view on the flight from Queenstown out to Franz Josef was beautiful, and the pilot Michael does give commentaries in-flight. *the aircraft is not pressurised and does fly quite high, so do note on the altitude related sickness that could occur. Flight out to Franz Josef and even checking in to the Glacier tour was handled by their team. Flying out for it is definitely another option and in my opinion worth the price tag, compared to driving all the way out there. (If you are only heading there for the glacier tour)

  

  

• Superb

  FarhadA645,,Aug 16, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The experience was really excellent. The pilot Lilly was very friendly and helpful. She kept asking us how we were feeling during the flight which was really incredible. The tour guide for the glacier, Hanna was so helpful and friendly as well. The whole trip was so enjoyable and the scenery was breathtaking. Highly recommended.

• Amazing glacier walking scenery

  Mobile37020580616,,Jul 24, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Overall good. The pilot of the small aircraft will introduce the different names of the mountains in the flight, his driving skills are very good, and the flight process is smooth. I love Francis Joseph’s ice walking, the ice crew’s guide keeps an eye on our pace, ensuring everyone can keep up with and complete the ice walking safely, and she is on the way to explain why glaciers form, teach how to use ice screws and other landscape knowledge. The ice walking experience is very difficult and worth recommending.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Amazing and so helpful- 10/10

  Getaway14989343544,,Jun 18, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn which meant the planned Tasman Glacier Heli-hike couldn’t go ahead. Rather than cancelling, the team sprang into action—making calls, rearranging logistics, and seamlessly rescheduling for a Franz Josef Heli-hike instead. The effort that went into reshuffling flights, coordinating with glacier teams, and making sure all involved still had an incredible experience did not go unnoticed. It would have been much easier for them to call it off, but instead, they went above and beyond to make it happen. Truly exceptional service. I can’t thank them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

  

  

• Epic day on ice.

  Mark B,,Jun 17, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What a great experience. The scenery speaks for itself. Stunning. The staff are wonderful. Top marks. Would thoroughly recommend Thank you True South

• 10 out of 10- exceptional all around

  Tina J,,Jun 16, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn which meant the planned Tasman Glacier Heli-hike couldn’t go ahead. Rather than cancelling, the team sprang into action—making calls, rearranging logistics, and seamlessly rescheduling for a Franz Josef Heli-hike instead. The effort that went into reshuffling flights, coordinating with glacier teams, and making sure all involved still had an incredible experience did not go unnoticed. It would have been much easier for them to call it off, but instead, they went above and beyond to make it happen. Truly exceptional service. I can’t thank them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Amazing views and experience

  J3236GBmiker,,Feb 24, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What an amazing experience flying from Queenstown to Franz Josef, the view was spectacular. Our pilot, Luke, did a fantastic job sharing information and making it such a memorable experience. I highly recommend this excursion through True South Flights to anyone looking for adventure!

• An amazing experience that we'll never forget

  Nathan W,,Feb 22, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The whole experience was wonderful and words can't describe how beautiful it was. From the beginning, the front desk team communicated with us about the weather early in the morning and let us know about the unpredictability of it on the glacier. Upon arrival, the offices were very clean and we were greeted with smiles and a warm welcome. After a quick check-in, we were welcomed by the pilot, Patel, who took us on a short walk to the airplane. The plane was in good condition and comfortable for the hour flight over to Franz Josef. Patel explained the different landmarks as we flew, which we appreciated. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the west coast of New Zealand. It was a great flight over! After a quick bus ride, we meet up with the rest of the tour group. After a safety briefing and clothing, we took a short walk through a pretty trail in the forest. We waited for the helicopter to arrive, jumped in and took off for the glacier. It was a quick 5 minute flight up the canyon to the glacier but the views were stunning. Our tour guide, Maya, was great. We quickly got our crampons and helmet on and headed up for our trek. Since the glacier moves a few meters a day, they have to scout out new trails constantly. It was a bit of a slow go, but that gave us plenty of time to take in the amazing views and take lots of pictures. We got to go through several ice caves and see many parts of the glacier in the two hours that we were on it. We were sad to leave, but the flights back to Franz Josef town and then Queenstown gave us a chance to see the beautiful south island again from the air. I highly recommend the tour. You will not be disappointed!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
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