Private Tour
Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 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 PRIVATE Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 15-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 minutes.
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.
Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may end up sharing check in and van travel with other passengers on differing flights.
Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
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.
Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide. If you would like extra space or are wider than this we highly recommend booking a comfort seat which guarantees an empty seat next to you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
Fox Glacier
The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
Options
4-6 people
1-3 peope
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An exceptional experience not to be missed
KBM741,
May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An exceptional experience that should be missed, we had an amazing experience during our helicopter ride and our pilot Mike was very knowledgeable. We were booked for an afternoon flight but unfortunately the flight got cancelled due to bad weather but because we were there for a night the team got us on a morning fight. The customer service was excellent and they kept us up all the time.
Wow, just wow!
Maps28330238746,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, oh wow. From the amazing front office staff to our incredible pilot Poppy it was the experience of a lifetime. Absolutely awesome, and the snow landing really was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much.
Absolutely amazing
marionbP5024XH,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were absolutely thrilled with our trip. There were just three passengers and Gus our pilot, did everything possible to make sure each of us had a Birds Eye view of each glacier. The landing was amazing. It was okay for me to wander a very short way from the helicopter and to enjoy virgin snow where maybe no one has ever stood before. I tasted the glacier and it was wonderful. Gus showed us some deer on a ridge below the glacier on our flight down which was a real bonus. Thank you Gus.
Beauty beyond belief so glad we did it
Pauline A,
Feb 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We booked our flight in the UK and received a call the day before asking if we could change our flight to earlier the next day. We weren't sure why but took the earlier time. They seemed to live up to their glacier name with a frosty welcome perhaps they were having a bad day but firing out instructions like "take your scarf off" and " it is summer you know" were not particularly helpful and it was a little chilly on landing. Overall thought it was a great experience and Mike was a diligent and informative pilot making us feel safe at all times. Impressed we had a photo presentation wallet offered on our stop on the glacier.
Awesome communication
Global59677059253,
Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was awesome. But the thing that really stood out for us was the communications in the 24 hours leading up to our scheduled booking, where they let us know weather was looking marginal and assisted us to easily and confidently book for the next day. The early and clear communication enabled us to rebook and still maximize our time in Franz.
Great experience. It was worth it.
Marcus B,
Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience! Unfortunately, we had weather problems on the booking day, but the company offered to run the tour the next day. Unfortunately, you were unable to make the flight the planned length the next day due to wind. However, we were easily replaced the difference. The experience itself was indescribably good. We had great visibility and CIS told us a lot about the glaciers. The layover was also great, so we have some nice souvenir photos. Anytime again! A great flight.
Magical, Etheral and Amazing
Hezmm,
Apr 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is truly one of life's great journeys. Even though the weather was against us and we didn't get to the 3 glaciers because of cloud cover, our pilot Deon skillfully took us up to the top of the Tasman Glacier and gently nestled his chopper onto the ice. It felt so surreal to step out and walk or should I say slide our way on the ice above the clouds at the top of the glacier and this should be a 'must do' trip for anyone visiting this part of NZ. The whole flight there and back gave us the most amazing scenery. Deon was very informative with his commentary and as I was sitting beside him I was able to ask questions. It is also special that this is a family run business and the courtesy extended to their guests is above and beyond. My only suggestion is that some sort of spike or special rubber grips to slip over your shoes be provided so that you can comfortably walk on the ice. Thanks again for a truly magical experience, one that I will never forget and will highly recommend
Must do.
Holidaymode1,
Apr 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best day of our holiday. Views were amazing, landing on the glacier was amazing, can’t recommend it enough. Expensive but worth it.
Fantastic Experience, Great Company
Flyer77179,
Mar 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! The company contacted me the day before my reservation offering an earlier flight. I'm glad that I took them up on the offer, as later in the day the weather deteriorated. My first helicopter ride was fantastic. You just can't get the glacier views any other way. Don't let anything keep you from taking a helicopter tour with Glacier Country. All of their staff were very professional and helpful.
Bad weather conditions so...
Thanh N,
Mar 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
1.00Bad weather conditions so no fly for this company. Other companies flew though. Low service quality, no update provided on potential flight.
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