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
358 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best day.
juliemX6557VE,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a privilege to have a chance to see this beauty so close and clearly. The pilot was skilled and knowledgeable, it was an experience I will never forget.
Beautiful view of the glaciers.
dishabenp,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great experience to view the glaciers from a top view.
A glacier helicopter flight from Franz Josef is a must do event
philip b,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00On our chosen day, it was suggested that we brought forward our take off time by 45 minutes to take into account the weather forecast. In the event the weather was perfect. The pilot Mark was brilliant and we went on ‘the pilot’s choice’ flight, passing over 3 glaciers, Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman and landing on the Middleton glacier where we had ample time to take photos and admire the views.
Franz joseph glacier
garyoX7664HU,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb ! Ok a bit pricey, but worth every penny . A very professional outfit from check in / weigh in, and safety information to the flight . We had a great pilot who pointed out all the peaks and glaciers. When we landed it's like being in another world, blue skies and snow capped peaks . A fantastic experience, Bucket list ticked.
Amazing Experience
khorsfield1988,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked our trip prior to arrival in New Zealand and always knew it would be weather dependent. The company reached out to us the day before our trip asking if we could bring forward our flight time as the weather wasn’t looking great. Luckily we were able to and so pleased we could. The whole team were great and our pilot ‘Eddie’ was awesome. We rose up through low clouds to glorious sunshine and the snow landing was truly special . I would certainly recommend this small family run business.
Must do trip!
84LucyD84,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, thoroughly enjoyed it. Felt that we were in safe hands with Gus. He was very informative, professional and friendly. The trip took us all round the glaciers, amazing to see close up. Brilliant, highly recommend!
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters