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
345 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Brilliant tour organised by a friendly team. Lifetime memories made 😎
Mark F,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Simply stunning !! Great team and excellent communication to ensure we got the right weather window. Snow landing is stunning and the pilot (Edie) was knowledgable and great. Ground crew with Oliver were very friendly and well organised. The blue helicopters went as a pair and it was amazing seeing all the glaciers and mountain peaks. The is a great company - absolutely recommend them!
Snowball fight on the glacier
87181,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very smooth competent pilot who took us to a virgin snowfield for our landing. Views were extraordinary and the snow ball fight was good fun. Highly recommend this operator for safety and customer service.
The glaciers are frozen but GCH is cool...
Rick B,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a birthday gift to remember! I found GCH to be a very professional and customer-focussed company. From the friendly and generous desk crew and host, to the expert and knowledgeable pilot, my 10-year old son and I had the ride of our lives. After several days of poor weather, we were also very fortunate to have arrived on a day where the weather was clear, the sun was shining and the mountains were putting on their best performance. Tim was an excellent host. The instructions we were given were clear and concise. Our aircraft was excellent; Mike is an excellent pilot, and very knowledgeable about the Glacier region. I cannot rate this experience highly enough. Get up there and give it a go!
Best fight ever
X8548GXbriann,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00They were the best. Mike did a great job and was very personal and informative
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