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.

Admission Not Applicable

Fox Glacier

The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.

Admission Not Applicable

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

4.81

324 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

295

Professional friendly caring family company
Smiths 0 1 2,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a terrific family owned company to fly with. So professional and terrific customer service. The team worked brilliantly to make our flight happen. The weather is always a challenge and they changed our flight from the supreme to the Shackleton which turned out to be the best trip ever. They reduced our fee accordingly and offered a no quibble refund if we don’t want the alternative. Above all this company has brilliant caring and great humoured people, no egos, and they treated us like friends. The helicopters are in great condition and the airworthiness was top drawer. Don’t miss out!
It was good
nick1234177,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The flight path was beautiful and you get to take great pictures and videos. I wish I could sit in the front row but it seems they sit couples there. I did not like that they put me in the last group to fly. Also, the pilot did not ask me if I'm traveling solo for the photo. Just for your information, the place they land is not on top of glacier, it is on a flat area somewhere up there, maybe for safety reasons.
What an amazing experience!
klwineera,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best last-minute idea we’ve ever had! Our daughter didn’t want to go at first as she’s not a fan of heights, but she ended up having the best time ever. The morning was absolutely magical with not a cloud in the sky. The ride up was so smooth, and the pilot was incredibly informative. The snow landing was awesome! Would highly recommend this experience to anyone — unforgettable from start to finish.
Due to forecast poor...
Mark G,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Due to forecast poor weather we were contacted in advance and an alternative flight found the team were proactive and really helpful. The flight was very good with lots of information and a determination to ensure we all had a good time. For me it was first time in a helicopter and first time on a glacier, it was a great experience, would do it again and recommend it.
Highly recommend
769pepperm,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommended this group! Very accommodating and friendly. Was a great experience. Pilot was informative and fun to be with!
The team made the best of trying weather conditions. Worthwhile experience.
mjyiam,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The team were extremely helpful in arranging our flight around the weather. It was disappointing we could not do a snow landing but partial refund was appreciated.
Ice cool experience
Siong H,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The company has been very proactive in informing guests of flight probabilities as impacted by impending weather. Communication was excellent and there was a high degree of flexibility in adapting flight schedules according to customers’ needs and weather.
Beautiful scenic flight
P2371VLdeniseh,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a family-owned company and I like to support family and local businesses. They explain exactly what to do and what you’ll need, including safety precautions. The flight was beautiful and the pilot pointed out the geographical features we were flying over. We landed on Franz/Josef Glacier and stayed long enough to look around and take pictures. I would definitely recommend this!
Excellent service and beautiful day.
natdeath,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Easy check in and online presence. Friendly staff from reception, to drivers, to pilots. Wonderful time for a special day for our family!
Experience was great with...
Pristine W,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Experience was great with Gus as our pilot. We were in very safe hands and the snow landing was an awesome experience. Stunning landscape on the way there too! Will ferried us back to the activity center and he was extremely friendly, giving us lots of suggestions for the rest of our holidays. Worth giving it a try!