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
373 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great!
ren k806,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really nice to see and the flight was good.
Classic tourist attraction
Margaret B,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00If you get stuck in the back of the helicopter you see the peoples heads in front of you and lines on the side of the window. They pay the same as you. Not worth the $1200. If you can physically do a heli hike would recommend that. We ice hiked glacier in Alaska and after that this paled in comparison. Polly was great, friendly, nice, educated us about mountain and Lord of rings. Do not recommend.
Helo flight to glacier
howardw961,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked at the last minute on leaving Franz Josef and we were able to get a flight within 2 hours. The 35 minute flight was awesome and the landing on the glacier was truly superb. The pilot(Mike) and all the other staff involved made us feel so welcome. An experience we will never forget.
Fantastic
Alan P,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were lucky enough to have front row seats and Mark as a pilot. A great experience, the highlight of our holiday.
Excellent tour, we had...
Pheemie H,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour, we had the clearest of days and were even able to see Mt Cook. 100% recommend to anyone
Friendly, easy going...
Robert P,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly, easy going family company. Great trip, working around difficult weather. Really spectacular views. All lovely.
Awesome experience
Keith F,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic. An excellent way to see the glaciers. An experience that will stay in the memory forever.
Awesome experience!
Awayagain 7,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience. Mark our pilot was superb, friendly & knowledgeable. Excellent views on the flight and a great landing on the glacier. Very well organised and efficient on the ground.
Had an amazing flight...
Haylee,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing flight with Glacier Country Helicopters! Mark, the pilot, was fantastic—very knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience unforgettable. The views were absolutely spectacular and something I’ll never forget. Highly recommend this tour if you want a truly incredible perspective of the area.
Best flight ever
T3582FStimb,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely an amazing experience, the pilot certainly knows how to fly, total confidence and she was extremely good at informing us about the glacier,s
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