Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

Overview

Available languages

English

40 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary enroute. You'll fly along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult, Children weighing less than 15kgs are required to sit on a parents lap.

It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures. Moderate fitness is required

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes)

Pilot guide

Live commentary on board

Items of a personal nature

What To Expect

Franz Josef Glacier

Departing from Franz Josef Village, fly up towards the Franz Josef Glacier and enjoy the incredible views as your soar up over the glacial crevasses and ever changing ice formations before landing up on the Franz Josef Glacier for up to 10 minutes.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Soar past the spectacular Southern Alps!

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight

Reviews

4.97

35 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Spectacular views
Caroline335,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were very fortunate that the weather was good enough to make this spectular heli flight toward Franz Josef glacier. Though the flight was shortened due to low clouds and lasted about 30 minutes all in all, we were able to land near the glacier front and get a stunning view of the glacier and some waterfalls. Upon landing we were able to take some fotographs in the vicinity of the heli. Both the inbound and outbound flight were fantastic, with views of the not only of the glacier but also of the beautiful valley and river below. Simon, our pilot, and team were very safety conscious, requiring all passengers to watch a safety video before boarding.
Amazing flight
Nigel M,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing flight. A must do experience! The opportunity to land on the glacier was spectacular. Flying close around Mounts Cook and Tasman was amazing
Stunnng!
Steadysgirl,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Timing is everything. There were clouds in the area, so all the morning flights had been cancelled. We were lucky. so Thankful, it was amazing.
Excellent experience
jaynebR8437YS,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent. Pilot Richard was really informative and the experience was amazing. Highly recommend. Seems expensive but a trip we will never forget
Amazing Helicopter ride
ChandlersForders,
Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great customer service in booking and rearranging flights - so that we could get exactly what we wanted. Very honest about weather restrictions and likelihoods of a flight going ahead. Wonderful flight over and onto the glacier. Able to go on the full 40 minute flight - even Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. Spectacular views and Jay was a very knowledgeable pilot. We were able to replicate a photo from our last flight with you 26 years ago!
Great Trip
RickCosseboom,
Jan 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip. The staff was amazing and our pilot, Jason, was great and provides lots of information during the flight! We did the 40 minute trip, well worth the price.
Amazing experience
571gilld,
Nov 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an experience- Simon was our pilot - very knowledgeable about the area . Would like to acknowledge the lovely Wiko who was very helpful in making our booking super easy. Thanks to everyone of the team for all their help .
Other worldly!
382elainew,
Nov 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a little check-in location snafu at first because of a previously cancelled trip, but The Helicopter Line helped us to quickly sort it out and got us to the right place for the heli tour (Franz Josef). Staff is open and honest about possibly having to cancel or change up the route because of the weather, which is obviously out of their control. Clouds were moving in so they allowed us to go or not go. We were all in so we went and WOW, so glad we did! As for the glacier tour itself, it was out of this world! The scenery is breathtaking at every turn. The pilot, Simon, was a great guide, telling us about the glaciers. The glacier landing was short, but we had time for photos, throw snowballs and make snow angels. Would highly recommend this trip!
WONDERFUL!
anoukvdal,
Oct 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had booked a heli-hike, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to low hanging clouds. We could easily rebook to a scenic flight that was possible. The staff responded super quickly in the office and arranged for us to go on the next flight (15 min later already!) this was super! We had chosen the 30min. flight (yellow line). With 6 people in the helicopter. Our pilot Simon told us about the area. We made a snow landing and Simon also took a picture of us. We bought it later, money goes to the pilot 🙏🏼 I was a bit hesitant how I would feel in the helicopter (fast motion sickness), but this was not necessary. The helicopter felt very stable, I didn't get sick. It was a super experience and good alternative to the heli hike. Highly recommended if you have the money for it.
Beautiful Franz Josef Glacier!
pkh213,
Sep 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Since our Heli Hiking trip was cancelled the day before for rain, we took a short flight up and over Franz Josef Glacier, and landed in the snow for seven minutes. It was a beautiful experience, and gives you another perspective of this famous glacier. So glad we were able to book it.