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‘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
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.
Options
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Reviews
297 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience desire cloud cover
Pbson,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hiding the top of the mountains. Weather needs to be really good for perfect conditions…i booked this several months in advance. My advice is to risk waiting until you arrive and can see short term weather forecast. Also to stay over in franz josef so if the weather prevents the flight one day you stand a chance of getting a flight the following day.
Amazing experience and...
Juan V,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience and would most definitely recommend to everyone as it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Experience to repeat
fver,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent organization, perfect value for money, kindness and professionalism. Very safety-conscious. Book at their official desk.
Wowed by This Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
Kristien B,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Cannot say enough about this once-in-a-lifetime experience, my first ever in a helicopter! Pilot Mike was both friendly and super knowledgeable as he dazzled us with the jaw-dropping views during this flight. Then, to actually land on the glacier snow was another level of epic. I'm pretty sure my perma-grin said it all! Highly recommend!
🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁
N2183LAclaireg,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an unforgettable experience! Flying over the stunning glacier and landing on the snow was nothing short of amazing. The views were out of this world — sparkling ice, rugged peaks, and that incredible feeling of standing on top of it all. 🏔️✨ The pilot was fantastic, super knowledgeable, and made the whole flight smooth and enjoyable. Standing on the glacier surrounded by pure white snow was one of those moments you’ll never forget — simply breathtaking! 💙 If you ever get the chance, do it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be talking about forever!
Steve
Steven C,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend, the pilot was very good and knowledgeable of the glaciers. The views were amazing.
Fraz Josef Heli Adventure!
sangwooh927,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The weather was perfect and we were very lucky to be able to sit in the front with the pilot. He was very professional and explained about the glacier throughout the flight, though the radio was frequently interrupted by the ground communication(?) which was a bit distracting. The only feedback is that the reception ladies weren't very accommodating; their attitude and demeanour were a bit off-putting. I would have given a full 5-star rating otherwise. I hope they improve on their customer service. I'm planning to come back for a helicopter ride next year with our parents.
Superb helicopter trip
muftimanant,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely superb helicopter trip over the Franz Josef glacier, including landing as well for a 10 minute walkabout. We were very fortunate to get clear skies. Highly recommended.
Experience of a Lifetime
k8mills80,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! Thank you Mike for an amazing trip. Really informative and your anxious passenger felt totally at ease! Highly recommend this - something we will never forget.
Breath taking
Kicknbak2008,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A awesome flight that started with great communication with the weather not allowing the first planned date go ahead. Got a brilliant morning with clear skies and the whole experience was amazing. Look these guys up as they are awesome
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