Franz Josef Tours
Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
5

Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

By Glacier Helicopters
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Fly over Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on a spectacular helicopter tour that includes a high-mountain snow landing on one of the glaciers. Get a great perspective on the icy landscape by flying over the two ice sheets, then see the frozen terrain up close once you touch down on the snow.
from
$435.90
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • See two maritime glaciers on a single, spectacular flight
  • Soar above ice formations, crevasses, and frozen rivers
  • Snow landing means up-close views of the alpine zone
  • Multiple departure times available to suit your schedule

  • Professional Guide
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Travel to the helicopter launch site, then strap in and take to the air for a sightseeing flight over two massive glaciers. Watch for the powerful glacial ice falls as you fly over Franz Josef Glacier, which stretches from the Southern Alps toward the coast. Continue flying to Fox Glacier: spot the blue of deep crevasses and look for mountaineers traversing the steep snow on climbing ropes. Touch down on the snow so you can touch, see, and smell the frozen world first-hand. This is a great chance to throw some snowballs, get some snow-reflected sun, or snap memorable photos with an icy backdrop before returning to the helicopter base camp.

Start:
  • Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
    Departure Point: Main Street of Town Address: Located in the township of Franz Josef Glacier on the Main Street though town - Main South Road, SH6 Dates: Daily
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 28287P3

    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Most travellers can participate
    • We recommend you bring along warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera and a sense of adventure!
    • For safety reasons, we do not allow selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads/ tablets and bags of any description on any of our flights.
    • We fly all year round, weather permitting. Please note: On Christmas, we only operate for half the day (9 am - 12 pm).
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 28287P3

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Glacier Helicopters
      683
      Franz Josef, New Zealand
      Joined in August 2008
    • Rainman20142014
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Just do it!
      A once in a lifetime mazing experience! Great pilot! Took heaps of photos and video. I'm usually a bit nervous with flying/heights but the scenery just blew me away.
      Written 9 September 2024
    • kathleenwN6284YG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      The views were off the charts! Landing and walking out was super exciting! Absolutely a must do. ! The pilot was great, friendly and very knowledgeable
      Written 8 September 2024
    • annepO828UA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommended
      Excellent service by the lovely and helpful staff. Highly recommended. Pilot very informative and knowledgeable and easy to understand
      Written 4 September 2024
    • andyjJ1706LO
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic
      It was a great experience and the pilot (Jay) was brilliant. Absolutely stunning views and would recommend for people to go through this company. We all would love to do it again!
      Written 6 August 2024
    • C2830ZOjulianat
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Donna and Clark made our day for an unforgettable experience!
      So glad we chose to take off at Fox Glazier because we were greeted by Donna, the loveliest host who found us waiting at the wrong spot and gave us a safety briefing with a smile! We felt so welcome. Then to top the experience, we had a great pilot Clark who was obviously a pro (not to mention very cute and even post for us for a photo in the end!) and took us on the smoothest ride to celebrate our parents 50th wedding anniversary! It was truly an amazing experience. Thank you Donna and Clark!!
      Written 12 June 2024
    • PAISLEYBUDDIE16
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible experience and beautiful scenery!
      Incredible experience! Being able to land on the glacier for photos and it being warm enough to not need a jacket. Incredible scenery and well worth visiting!
      Written 9 May 2024
    • blondiesmp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A magnificent flight to be remembered
      We would like to compliment Tim the pilot on his great flight and commentary lovely guy. Leo in the office was so friendly and helpful and Hannah for a magnificent experience that we will treasure always. Wow wow wow . Absolutely spectacular trip . Weather was absolutely perfect blue skies no wind and a good dumping of snow.Thanks so much guys Diane and Sharon
      Written 26 April 2024
    • Trippax2
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      The day my husband and I were to take this flight the weather was terrible and The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier contacted me in the morning to cancel our afternoon flight. They were very understanding of our overnight stay in Fox Glacier and rescheduled for the following morning. The flight took place at 10.00am and was shortened by ten minutes due to wind conditions on the mountain. However this did not detract from the experience. There were six passengers on this flight and I was fortunate to be in the front and my husband behind at the window. It had snowed overnight which meant we landed on a mountain with a fresh covering and the views were spectacular. I would highly recommended this experience.
      Written 28 March 2024
    • S1999YXjaredm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing
      What a fantastic team we dealt with for our booking. Brad and his team were so helpful and full of information regarding weather and what to expect. We had the pleasure of Cody being our pilot for the day. He’s is a very professional pilot and felt very comfortable on the flight. He was very informative during the flight and knew a lot about the history of the area. We landed up in the snow and we’re lucky enough that he took some great pictures of us. Can’t wait to book another flight with you all in the future thank you so much for having us.
      Written 27 March 2024
    • 0tterHolt
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best NZ experience
      Incredible flight. Excellent service and efficiently run.Loved the whole experience. We were given an earlier flight option as the weather was changing so we appreciated the call.
      Written 27 February 2024
    • seonagmacrae
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must do experience
      An absolutely must do. You need to be flexible as the weather changes constantly. We were booked at 1 pm but had to rebook for 2:30. The company does its best to get you up on the helicopter. The experience is amazing, so cool to be up in the alpine and the landing was magic. You just need to do this.
      Written 7 February 2024
    • wattsup70
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Must do
      This is amazing. The helicopter ride and views are spectacular and we also could get out and walk around on one of the glaciers.
      Written 4 February 2024
    • steveholmes69
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      What an amazing experience!
      From start to finish, an absolutely amazing experience. The staff in the office so bubbly and personable, the pilot ‘Pete’ so knowledgeable and most importantly, a great pilot, and the flight, glacier landing and return was magnificent. An absolute must if visiting this stunning part of the world.
      Written 29 January 2024
    • Gregory B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic family experience
      A great experience with Glacier Helicopters from the office, the loading, the pilot and on to the flight. Beautiful flight up and onto the glacier. Thoroughly recommended.
      Written 17 January 2024
    • SoJoWo
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great flight but no as described
      Great views and definitely worth doing but total flying time 11 minutes from take off to landing (0927 to 0938). They confirmed the flight at 0800 but only after check in, weighing you and giving you wrist tags did they say it's not a 40 minutes flight but a 20 minute one with no landing. It then turned out to be 8 minutes something or other and 12 minutes actusl flight. They tell you this at the helicopter. I appreciate weather changes but even at a 'reduced rate' of NZ 290 each I feel short changed. Especially as it wasn't even 12 minutes. If I was on my own I'd have refused to pay as the service was not as described but with a family sometimes its best just to move on. They seemingly cannot fly through cloud which of course is fair enough so on a poor day I'd cancel and try again later. To be fair the woman at check in said this to some later customers. I suspect the staff are encouraged to get the punters to fly whatever. Pilot was great. I would ask them exactly the route to be taken and actual flying time. As long as you know this it should be fine.
      Written 11 January 2024
    See all 683 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles42 reviews
    Excellent
    40
    Very good
    2
    Average
    0
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    0
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    0

    CaseyG807
    20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2020 • Solo
    Would highly recommend Glacier Helicopters to anyone looking to make the most out of their West Coast experience.
    The Twin Glacier flight gave incredible views of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, along with Mt. Cook in the distance.
    The snow landing was a surreal experience - being able to touch the snow and be surrounded by the mountains was absolutely awe inspiring.
    Thanks again to the friendly Team!
    Written 24 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi there, thank you for taking the time to write us such a glowing review! You’ve summed up the highlights of our tours well- seeing our two famous glaciers up close topped off with the out of this world experience of our snow landings. We’re glad you had such a remarkable flight with us. Thanks again for the review, we hope you enjoy the rest of your time here on the West Coast.
    Written 9 February 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    CCNewZealand
    Riverhead, New Zealand21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2021
    We did this trip many years ago, and were so excited to go again. We flew over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, landed on Fox, flew right up to the divide and peeped over at Tasman Glacier.
    It is breathtakingly beautiful up there in the mountains, and being able to walk on a glacier is a special experience. The flight was reduced in price, so that made it even more appealing. It was a clear sunny morning (and I believe morning flights are better as the conditions are better earlier, so worth asking when you book) and we could see for miles.
    The chopper pilot Greg was great gave us lots of information about where we were and took photos of us. We had total confidence in his flying ability and the chopper was spotlessly clean.
    Written 19 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi CCNewZealand. What an fantastic review you have left us! It sounds like you had the perfect day to fly in. Each glacier is unique in its sheer size, being able to see the three largest glaciers in the country on one flight is an unforgettable experience! You’re right in your advice about the weather- morning is the time to go flying here. But every day on the coast is a new day! With the deals offered due to Covid, there has never been a better time to back your back yard. Thank you again for leaving us such a wonderful review, we will pass your kind words back to Greg and the team.
    Written 28 March 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kindness763
    Elk River, MN41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    The scenery was absolutely spectacular! We came to New Zealand to see it's natural beauty and this ride did not disappoint as we saw so much more than expected. Our pilot Tim was so upbeat and once out on the glacier shook our hands and thanked us for returning to New Zealand. We had 3 nervous people on board and his demeanor and the safety measure were reassuring. This was a once in a lifetime ride to see rising foothills, mountains and glaciers. Well done!
    Written 1 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Kia Ora, Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your experience and leave us a 5- star review. The views on our Twin Glacier flight are spectacular. We're glad you had such a great experience with our pilot, Tim. Thank you for joining us on your return to New Zealand. We appreciate your support.
    Written 3 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    scotsmont
    Melbourne, Australia77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a perfect day for our flight. The staff very friendly and well organised. Safety was a priority. Our pilot Greg was full of information during the flight, happy to take photos while on the glacier and the views were amazing. Don’t hesitate just do it.
    Written 17 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a good review. Sounds like you had a wonderful experience with us. You’re right, the views of the glaciers from one of our scenic flights are amazing. We’re glad to hear our staff took good care of you, we will pass your complements on to Greg. Thanks again for leaving us a review, we hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in New Zealand.
    Written 18 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Michael2810
    Hampton, Australia1,191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cannot recommend Glacier Helicopters highly enough. All the ground staff were great and explained that the route the flight would take was weather dependent. We took the two glacier flight with a landing at the top of Fox Glacier. Weather was perfect. As you can see from the photos, we could not of asked for more.
    Written 24 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Michael, Thanks so much for your outstanding review. We are so thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your experience with our team. We appreciate your recommendation. Thanks heaps for joining us.
    Written 27 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Jan H
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exhilarating once in a lifetime experience, loved every second. Slightly apprehensive but need not have worried, the staff put you straight at our ease. There is a safety briefing, questions answered & a thorough explanation of the trip. We flew over both glaciers, landed, took a short walk, a few photos & took in the majesty of the environment. A thrilling experience.
    Written 12 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for leaving such a lovely review. Its great to hear that you such an awesome experience during your scenic flight. The Twin Glacier Flight is our most popular trip. Safety is paramount here at Glacier Helicopters for all staff and clients. We are so pleased to hear that our staff made you feel comfortable during your trip. We will pass your great feedback onto our staff. The sky looks so blue in the pictures you took! Such a beautiful shot of Mount Tasman. The views truly are breath-taking. Thank you for your time and we wish you all the best for your time in NZ.
    Written 16 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    JessFree
    Dunedin, New Zealand85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023
    We really enjoyed our trip with Glacier Helicopters. The flight was just stunning, with good views of both Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. The snow landing was beautiful - there was no wind so it wasn't cold at all up there.

    Loved the commentary and the discussion with the pilot when we landed

    I'd also like to mention how accommodating the team was. I messed up and booked a trip from Fox Glacier and turned up to Franz Josef. I was so pleasantly surprised at how helpful the team was, rebooking us the next day onto a flight leaving from Franz Josef. Often with these sorts of mess ups it can be a "too bad" situation, but the team at Glacier Helicopters were nothing but kind and accommodating. Thank you so much!
    Written 2 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Kia Ora Jess, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very happy to hear you enjoyed the flight, our pilot and our staff. The team do our best to try sort something to ensure we have an alternative for all customers. Will pass along your feedback to our staff. Thank you for including us on your West Coast adventure.
    Written 20 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Grandma Ros
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Couples
    I was very apprehensive about going on a helicopter up to the glacier but I am so glad I did. It was the most fantastic experience I have ever had. Thanks to Sebastian for taking us up and showing us the wonderful views. Walking on the snow and ice was amazing when you know it I was hot and sunny down below. Thanks also to the guys in the office who were all lovely. Lovely memories made today xx
    Written 11 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for your great feedback. It’s a pleasure to hear that you had a fantastic time on your scenic flight. I’m sure you made some beautiful memories. We are lucky enough to have snow all year round, even on beautiful sunny days. The snow landing is often the highlight of our customers trip! We will pass on your kind words to Sebastian and to the rest of our staff. Once again, thank you for leaving such a kind review for us! We wish you all the best for the rest of your travels.
    Written 16 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Natchai S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    One of the top 3 things we have ever done in our lifes! We did a walk-in and had the most Wonderfull weather, clear sky with lots of sun.
    From the start we were helped by a lovely lady who was really amazing (even gave her own gloves when we had forgotten ours). The flight itself, with Tim Annett, was amazing! He did the extra mile with an extra landing below the Franz Josef Glacier, which gave us an excellent photo upwards with the glacier behind us.
    You really need to do this ones in your life!
    Written 3 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Kia Ora Natchais, Thank you for such a glowing review. We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your experience with us. We'll be sure to pass along your wonderful feedback to Tim. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another unforgettable adventure. Kind regards, The Helicopter Line
    Written 8 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    noelpip
    Belfast, UK25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most amazing experience ever. Luckily I was in the front seat so had the best view. Do not miss a chance to fly up the side of the valley to the first glacier, cross the rocky outcrops to land on top of the world. An amazing touch as we exited the flight. I won't spoil it 5 star
    Written 28 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Kia Ora, Thank you so very much for your lovely 5-star review. You've described a wonderful flight perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing. We appreciate your support.
    Written 5 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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