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
388 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
melaniethomas1974,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great opportunity. All the staff at the reception, bus driver and pilot were all fantastic
The flight was absolutely...
Lori J,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The flight was absolutely beautiful. It was safe, informative, and we all really enjoyed the flight.
Amazing experience!
Ellen N,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Glacier Country Helicopters was excellent. The pilot was very skilled, knowledgeable, & friendly. We had an amazing experience!
Fabulous - do it!
Linda C,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting, beautiful, and we were so lucky with the weather. Friendly and informative staff. Definately do it if you can. The best experience of our trip.
Unmissable
Quest16098227415,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant! A must in Franz Josef!
My heart is full
Catherine M,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazingly wonderful experience. We had perfect weather. Morning is the best time to fly as the sun was in perfect photo position and no westerly winds. My children 15, 13 & 9 yo loved it. Pilot Mark was knowledgeable and friendly. He was kind to my kids and explained things as we went. We felt safe at all times. Sunglasses are a must have.
Amazing
garylY9615SO,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing from start to finish. Awesome pilot and ground crew. Couldnt of asked for a better day. Absolutely reccomend this company. Beautiful view of our amazing landscape.
Wonderful experience.
Clay T,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. Weather can be limiting in April ( very few flights went the days before and after our trip and the afternoon). Book early morning. Pilot was fantastic. Well organized. Highly recommend the glacier landing.
Amazing views, wonderful experience
I8246FUjenniferh,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience with Poppy the owner flying our helicopter. All staff were friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic. Definitely a highlight of our trip 😃
Great experience
Christine B,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Not a great day for a landing however the pilot did everything he could to make sure we had a great experience with safety paramount Viator brought our flight forward so we could go up to the mountain was a great experience
Related Experiences
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters