Bestseller

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

4.84

4.8(134 reviews)

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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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).

What To Expect

Franz Josef Glacier

The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.

Admission Not Applicable

Fox Glacier

The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.84

134 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

124

Glacier flight
sueomalleys,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
10/10 the best experience ever!!
If you do one trip in Franz Josef, make it this one!
BenjyBear,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant, professional and well organised. Flew over the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers with excellent view of Mt Cook and surrounding mountains. Landed up in the mountains on the snow with superb views. Very knowledgeable pilot pointing out all the various peaks and glaciers and geological features. Super trip, highly recommend. Just note you can't take bags or backpacks in the helicopters with you, just cameras/phones etc.
Fabulous Experience
Jacqueline M,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Well organised, highly professional and a brilliant trip. Flew over the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers and landed up in the mountains on the snow overlooking Mt Cook. Highly recommend - pilot was incredibly knowledgeable pointing out all the various sights and geological features. If you do one trip in Franz Josef, make it this one! Do bear in mind you can't take backpacks or bags in the helicopters, just cameras/phones etc.
Overwhelming, spectacular and very informative.
N9227AJbryanr,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We looked forward to the experience for months. We waited to book until we arrived in the area as our travel plans were constantly changing. We gave ourselves a couple of days so that we had more options. Helicopter rides in mountains is subject to weather conditions and this proved to be the case. We flew on our first day as the weather was good and there were seats available when we wanted to go. It was perfect! Overwhelming, spectacular and very informative all at the same time! The pilot provides information about what we are seeing. This adds greatly to the experience. Great time and great pictures all round! The next day was overcast with low cloud. No flying until late afternoon. We were lucky!
Highly recommend!! Do it!
Carla K,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This 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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
Amazing 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
5.00
Fantastic 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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
The 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 !