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.
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).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
110 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nina W,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Amazing 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 :)
bal zsk487,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great experience. The staff is excellent. I can only recommend it. It's true, we delivered the perfect time. :) Thanks!



Daniel C,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing trip even with cloudy weather the pilots where really friendly and I would definitely recommend this to others



Nitish A,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
Due to weather , we were not able to land, but the experience of viewing from top was amazing. Must have.
691mickye,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Flight was cancelled and still waiting for my refund. Terrible service. No way to contact a human, customer service is a joke.
Jools S,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Despite the cost, almost an essential experience in this location. Even pricier for the, ahem, chunkier guy, but still an amazing experience. The landing on the glacier made it an even more amazing flight, with great photographic memories to boot. Mike gave an informative in-flight commentary (just make sure your head-set is plugged in!)






Steven G,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
What an amazing trip we had. The whole team looked after us and Mark our pilot was brilliant. (Seeing as it was his first trip 😂😂) he looked after us through out the helicopter ride showing us all the main glaziers and we were privileged to be able to land twice. I highly recommend this trip with this company. The views are breathtaking and surreal, hard to comprehend your on these amazing glaziers. Thank you very much for a highly memorable experience.
Paul S,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
Excellent provider- proactive planning, re weather,to give us the best experience. Super pilot explaining and guiding our flight, glacier landing and safe return. Absolutely perfect. Highly recommend.
Alexander C,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was an exceptional experience and I would highly recommend. The pilot we had gave a great commentary of the landscape. Must do!!
Claire H,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We felt very safe, the entire team were friendly and knew how to make this an awesome trip. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters