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
129 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!! Do it!
Carla K,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the thrill of a lifetime! We absolutely loved the flight and our pilot, Mark, was knowledgeable, skilled, and personable. The cost was reasonable too. Would highly recommend!
Amazing flight , if you are considering the cost just book it! It’s totally worth it!!!!
Amandam24bd,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great personable pilot. Friendly front of house staff who were informative. Flight was amazing and everything and more that you could imagine. The glacier landings were surreal and the views in every direction were breathtaking.
Amazing Views
Sean S,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing views of Franz Joseph glacier and surrounding mountains in both sides of the divide! Note that the helicopters are 6 seaters (2 in the front and 4 across the back) a snug fit with limited views if you’re in the 2 middle seats.
Franz Joseph Glacier Flight
thommo1062,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, reception staff were extremely helpful booking us in and keeping us informed of any delays. Our pilot Mike, was very knowledgeable and friendly.The bus staff were also welcoming, knowledgeable and happy to chat.
Helicopter experience
Richard F,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great helicopter experience with very professional company. Plenty of time on the glacier to look around and take photos. Knowledgeable pilot gave a great deal of information on route. Would recommend.
Fine flight and lovely landing
RubySiganporia,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The flight was exceedingly beautiful. The tour operators were very cordial and thoughtful. They cancelled the tour because of bad weather and gave us 3 options. We rescheduled and got a glorious day to see the glaciers. The pilot was also very helpful. The landing at Shakelton glacier was great. But we did not see Mt. Cook or Mt. Tasman because they were shown to be in the clouds !
Disgraceful service - NZD 5,000 lost due to trap-like check-in policy
HSUYANG H,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This is our first time participating in a helicopter activity. I am extremely disappointed with the way we were treated that day. We arrived at 10:04 for a 10:15 booking. Instead of being helped, we were told by a unfriendly staff member with unfriendly tone that because we weren't 30 minutes early, our tickets for 8 people were forfeited. No refund, no reschedule, and no discount for the next flight. The "30-minute rule" was hidden at the bottom of the page and never mentioned in any reminder emails. Yet, when we re-booked the 12:15 flight, your shuttle was late (12:23) and the helicopter didn't fly until 12:51. Why is it that when we are 10 minutes early, you steal our $5,000 NZD, but when your company is 40 minutes late, there are no consequences? This make no sense and the staff’s attitude was the cherry on top of a miserable experience. I do not recommend the services provided by this company.
Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
Flyer27918047780,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic well organised helicopter flight to the Shackleton glacier. We really enjoyed it!
Heli flight. 3 glaciers with snow landing
Sharon G,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing heli flight. Mark our pilot was experienced and made me feel extremely safe. Highly recommended. If you are sitting in the fence - book!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellent
stevecU1734PV,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning . ! Can’t say any more than that !
From NZ$650.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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