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‘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
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.
Options
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Reviews
299 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sightsee like an eagle
Richard C,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Quite surreal as had not been in a helicopter before, smooth takeoffs and landings. The team worked to ensure we got got a clear day advising and recommending we brought our flight forward earlier in the day, so glad we did. Efficient check in and safety brief, then organised transfer to heliport. Pilot was excellent explaining landscape features and we were joined by another five flights on top of glacier where we enjoyed incredible views of Mt Tasman and Franz Josef. slightly discombobulating as you are in rainforest one minute then on top of snow covered mountains the next. Highly recommend. Did it really happen or was I dreaming.
Great customer service. Such a shame about the bad weather.
Chris G,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Unfortunately, due to bad weather, our original time/date could not be fulfilled. The tour operator, in particular Meg and Katie were excellent in trying to find us an alternative flight time but sadly the weather gods were not playing ball and we ended up having to cancel. Such a shame as this was to be one of the highlights of our trip to NZ but beyond anyone’s control.
Fabulous experience
Navigator801551,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant morning spent flying over and landing on glaciers. Helpful staff, who gave clear instructions which made for an excellent experience.
Fantastic experience desire cloud cover
Pbson,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hiding the top of the mountains. Weather needs to be really good for perfect conditions…i booked this several months in advance. My advice is to risk waiting until you arrive and can see short term weather forecast. Also to stay over in franz josef so if the weather prevents the flight one day you stand a chance of getting a flight the following day.
Amazing experience and...
Juan V,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience and would most definitely recommend to everyone as it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Experience to repeat
fver,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent organization, perfect value for money, kindness and professionalism. Very safety-conscious. Book at their official desk.
Wowed by This Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
Kristien B,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Cannot say enough about this once-in-a-lifetime experience, my first ever in a helicopter! Pilot Mike was both friendly and super knowledgeable as he dazzled us with the jaw-dropping views during this flight. Then, to actually land on the glacier snow was another level of epic. I'm pretty sure my perma-grin said it all! Highly recommend!
🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁
N2183LAclaireg,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an unforgettable experience! Flying over the stunning glacier and landing on the snow was nothing short of amazing. The views were out of this world — sparkling ice, rugged peaks, and that incredible feeling of standing on top of it all. 🏔️✨ The pilot was fantastic, super knowledgeable, and made the whole flight smooth and enjoyable. Standing on the glacier surrounded by pure white snow was one of those moments you’ll never forget — simply breathtaking! 💙 If you ever get the chance, do it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be talking about forever!
Steve
Steven C,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend, the pilot was very good and knowledgeable of the glaciers. The views were amazing.
Fraz Josef Heli Adventure!
sangwooh927,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The weather was perfect and we were very lucky to be able to sit in the front with the pilot. He was very professional and explained about the glacier throughout the flight, though the radio was frequently interrupted by the ground communication(?) which was a bit distracting. The only feedback is that the reception ladies weren't very accommodating; their attitude and demeanour were a bit off-putting. I would have given a full 5-star rating otherwise. I hope they improve on their customer service. I'm planning to come back for a helicopter ride next year with our parents.
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