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
376 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pilots choice 2 glaciers and snow landing 35 mins
Cruiser38460892090,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We didn't want to get too excited as we knew that this trip was weather dependent. The day before Mount Tasman and Mount Cook were shrouded in cloud. On the day of our trip we had sunshine and although we had a slight delay due to the wind up top we got to go up and had a wonderful time. It was fun to get out on the snow albeit for a short period of time.
Very well organised, fantastic views
551nevilleg,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Poor weather was forecast so the team (in particular Megan) were proactive in organising earlier flights. They added extra flights. Therefore we arrived in time for the last flight on the day before our original booking. We had gorgeous weather and a fantastic sunset flight with pilot Mark who made the experience special.
Amazing and thoroughly enjoyable experience!
TrinityBuzz,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent booking experience keeping us informed as the weather conditions were changeable. The team were all very helpful and the pilot was very informative as we flew to the glacier. We were delighted to be able to actually land as the weather was such that we were only expecting to fly to view the glaciers.
Experience of a lifetime
Hanny F,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Experience of a lifetime. I was booked on a later flight but was contacted to ask if I could do an earlier flight as the weather might be worse later in the day. I was able to go earlier and had a brilliant flight with fantastic weather & views. (Great advice) Mark is a great pilot very friendly and professional.
Great!
ren k806,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really nice to see and the flight was good.
Pilots choice
ricom918,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super great experience. Top organized and carried out. Great pilot with Mike who explained and showed us a lot.
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
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