Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min
Overview
1 hour 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.
On our Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes.
If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight.
Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you have limited mobility e.g. injury, arthritis or recent surgery? There are two high ladder style steps into the helicopter. This information could effect what helicopter we fly you in.
Comfort Seats: Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide, an empty seat can be reserved next to you if you prefer extra space (passengers 120KG & over when weighed at check in will be required to purchase a Comfort Seat - these are half the RRP of your flight).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
Fox Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
What‘s Included
35-minute scenic helicopter flight
Snow landing (approx. 10 minutes) for photos
Safety briefing and equipment (if required)
Professional and experienced pilot
All fees, GST, and taxes
Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg / 265lbs & over, or optional for extra space)
Front Seat / Executive Upgrade (subject to availability, request in advance)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in is at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks
Options
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Reviews
352 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Helicopter trip to top of the glaciers.
Andrew R,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience getting to the top of the glaciers and the weather today was just fantastic. Super trip that ticked all the boxes.
Very well organized and...
Wanda S,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized and great experience. Although the weather was not good enough to see Franz Josef glacier, it was already impressive to fly over Fox glacier. Very nice staff and pilot.
A fabulous experience
Dennis C,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an outstanding outing. It was very well organised and Edine was our fabulous pilot. She pointed out all the important landmarks to us and gave us a surprise snow landing.
Fabulous way to see the Glaciers
Carl R,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see the Glaciers close up, an awesome experience and one that I’ll never forget. Great pilot too.
Great
judithpV7683TX,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience, thoroughly enjoyed the flight. We have recommended Glacier Country Helicopters to many people who have asked about our visit to Franz Josef. Staff and pilots were so freindly and efficient and its family run business.
Great fun and spectacular...
Howard B,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great fun and spectacular views. Very knowledgeable pilot who was informative. Would thoroughly recommend
100% Recommended
603malcolma,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally fantastic experience, highly recommended. Glacier Country Helicopters were very safety conscious and professional. You will not be disappointed as you have such fantastic view of the mountains and glaciers, you would never normally see. Experience of a lifetime.
Worth every penny
anthonyq331,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and knowledgeable staff, very smooth ride, stunning views. Don't miss it.
Amazing experience - incredible scenery and great staff
V9922PQcatherineh,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible! Well worth it. The staff was very helpful in working with our travel schedule to account for the unpredictable weather. We ended up having to reschedule our midday ride for the next morning and got beautiful weather.
Great flight
Stephen R,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The only way to see the glaciers close up is by doing this tour. You see so much more from the air and Mike our pilot was very informative. I would certainly recommend to anyone holidaying in the area.
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