Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Overview
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 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 10-15 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 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 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.
What‘s Included
Experienced and professional pilot
Safety briefing
All fees, GST, and taxes
45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120kg/265lbs & over; optional for extra space)
Front Seat Upgrade (must request at least 24 hours in advance & confirmation at check in)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks
Options
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins
Reviews
118 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Helicopter ride to franz josef
Iain M,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an amazing experience . Make sure you have strong footwear as it’s slippy on the glacier. It’s also cold and do bring your sunglasses . Other than that enjoy the experience . The pilot mark was really great at pointing out areas of interest . He also took our photo on the glacier . Very informative and you are in safe hands with mark . Time transported us to and from the air base and went through safety procedures .
Amazing scenery. Amazing pilot.
carol b,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Quite possibly the best trip of our tour of NZ! It started frow when we saw the helicopters fly in from the skies out of nowhere and land at our feet! That in itself was thrilling before we even got on the helicopter! Our pilot was Mike and he was brilliant. We were on the black 5 seater (ex LAPD) helicopter. The scenery is out of this world! 3 glaciers and a snow landing...don't hesitate! I suffer from a bit of vertigo but the scenery just takes your breath away and you get drawn into that and forget how high up you are. I felt completely safe at all times. We got the best day of weather they had had in 2 weeks and were so lucky as that was the only day and therefore only chance we had of doing this trip. Fellow travellers in our helicopter had waited 3 days for the right weather.
In a word, great!
Marleen E,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience! Nice pilot with good explanation. She was always in contact with a second helicopter, which was piloted by her husband. In the helicopter we had a great view, despite the fact that we were 6 people. Magnificent to fly over the mountains and glaciers. We even got an upgrade to 2 snow landings. Were the only 2 helicopters there, so all the time and not all strangers in the picture. Were offered as a reminder a free photo in a folder with map and explanation (photo taken by the pilot when we were on the glacier)
Highly recommended. The...
Marius G,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommended. The view is amazing and our pilot Mark was very professional. The landing on the top part of the glacier is a must. Watch out for the weather as it may affect your schedule. In our case we book for afternoon but the company advise us to do it in the morning. It’s was a very good decision. All around, highly recommended trying to tour.
Fantastic views!
Yen W,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aaron our pilot/guide was excellent. Definitely one of the highlights of our holiday to see Franz Josef and Fox glacier. The weather had finally cleared after days of rain so we got very lucky. If you really want to get a sense of the beauty of the glaciers, a helicopter ride is the best way to view them.
Breathtaking
Christine G,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience. My husband William was so looking forward to the flight, I was extremely nervous. However, absolutely nothing to worry about, it was incredible. Our pilot, Edine was wonderful, she put us all at ease. So informative, pointing out all the different mountains. We couldn't believe how much snow was up there. A truly memorable experience we will cherish.
Majestic, surreal and wonderful experience on such a glorious day
Mike G,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, The GCH team were awesome and the experience majestic and surreal. We had never flown in a helicopter before let alone land on a glacier. We opted for the 45 minute flight which was magical and such an awesome experience. We loved Franz Josef and this experience was worth every dollar - a must
Amazing view of the...
Nina W,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing view of the glaciers from above! We were so lucky to have good weather and an awesome pilot Mike! I’m so glad that I booked this activity :)
Great experience
bal zsk487,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The staff is excellent. I can only recommend it. It's true, we delivered the perfect time. :) Thanks!
Amazing trip!
Daniel C,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip even with cloudy weather the pilots where really friendly and I would definitely recommend this to others
From NZ$650.00
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