Franz Josef Tours
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)
5

Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)

By HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99, max of 300 per group
Duration: 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Pre-flight safety briefing
  • Entry/Admission - HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase) when conditions allow
  • Entry to Franz Josef Cinema to view WESTLAND WONDERLAND 40 minute South West New Zealand spectacular


Start:
  • 29 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49003P3

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or refund
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travellers can participate
    • 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 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: 49003P3

    From
    $430.78
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 29 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
    • 1
      Both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier locations include our scenic helicopter flight office, souvenir/gift store and cafe
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
      429
      Franz Josef, New Zealand
      Joined in June 2011
    • Guide49619826503
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Breathtaking glacial experience
      I took my young son on this flight, and it was perfect for us. A 5 minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef glacier to a snow landing whilst observing the glacier. Snowballs were thrown and a small snow man built before flying back down the glacier. Amazing experience.
      Written 12 January 2025
    • 100trudyr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Experience of a lifetime
      The trip was just phenomenal- words can’t really describe it. Rusty was an excellent pilot and we felt safe the whole time. Kids were nervous before we went but were absolutely fizzing within minutes and declared it was the best thing they had ever done. Snow landing and the time spent on the glacier was tops. 10/10 recommend, I just wish we had done the longer flight to spend more time in the air.
      Written 6 January 2025
    • dmhesse7760
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible flight to an awe inspiring site
      Landing on the glacier was the highlight of our 3-week trip. Unbelievable 360 views. Being an avid lifelong skier, this was awe inspiring. You don't realize just how small you are until you stand on these ice fields. So cool. A must do activity. Watch the movie at the office too - well worth it.
      Written 20 November 2024
    • dmhesse7760
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible trip!
      AWESOME is the one word I'd use to describe the flight. So many breathtaking photos and videos. Mind blowing vista. Best tour we took on the entire trip. Highly recommend.
      Written 11 November 2024
    • tanurags
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing view and experience!
      This is best experience I ever had. I got the twin glacier package which lasted around 30 minutes. The views were AMAZING, you could see mountain peaks you probably never seen before! By the way shout out to Jordey, probably best pilot and cameraman there is. What I thought was the best part was how the pilot flew the helicopter around 15 meters from the glacier, so you got a nice clear view. You could tell the pilots were experiencing because of how smooth they fly. It almost feels like you weren’t in the air if there was no noise. Some things they could improve on (but still did good on): Spend a little more time on the glacier- I know it’s risky and expensive but I would be willing to spend a few more for longer time on the glacier. Not rush at takeoff- the staff were super nice but were really in a rush as they only let you spend around 15 seconds to look at the helicopters. Switch around seats- I was sitting with my family in the back 4 seats which has an amazing view, but the 2 people at the front got an even better view twice which made me kind of jealous. Still an amazing view! Even though it was a hefty price the view and flight time made up for it. I would definitely recommend the twin glacier package for its value of money. Only thing that you should watch out for is the weather. I am not saying it’s the company’s fault but we were meant to go at 9:30 am but because of rain and fog it was delayed to 8:30am the next day then delayed again for 1 hour until we got the green light to go.
      Written 9 November 2024
    • GeorgiaRM2020
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible experience!
      From start to finish this experience was incredible! We went into the store and spoke to Dee who was lovely and so informative. She was able to book us onto a tour the following morning and answer all of our questions. We were then lucky enough to have her husband, Ken, as our pilot the next day! He was amazing and took some great photos of us too. Would definitely recommend!
      Written 12 September 2024
    • Rae088
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved it
      This was an incredible experience. Beautiful views! Staff were amazing too - shoutout to Tanya and our pilot Jessie ( I think that was his name!) We had an amazing time. If you're thinking about doing this, do it!!
      Written 12 August 2024
    • dianer631
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic way to see the glaciers with a great crew!
      Wow this was spectacular, the views, the landing, our pilot was helpful and gave a great commentary. This will be a highlight of this holiday. The check in and ground crew were also very helpful and considerate of my mobility issues. Couldn’t have been kinder.
      Written 22 May 2024
    • tmhutchinson
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Choose these guys for your tour
      From booking to arriving safely back, this was so easy. Staff, including ground crew and pilot were helpful, professional and knowledgeable. Views amazing - we ran out of adjectives.
      Written 1 April 2024
    • JHMTTL
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Spectacular Views of Mt. Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
      I wish I could give more than five Stars. Our helicopter departed from Franz Josef early in the morning before the clouds rolled in. It was a perfectly clear sky. We flew around Mt. Cook, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and did a snow landing. The ride was smooth and the views were spectacular. I strongly encourage everyone to take the Grand Tour.
      Written 15 March 2024
    • Wanderlustz123
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Expensive but good
      My elderly mum and I were very fortunate to have favourable weather for our trip. The route may vary subject to the number of other operators in the area. Your weight determines where you sit, the lightest get the front seats. You can only take a camera on board all.other items are left at the office. We flew early in the morning to give ourselves the option to postpone if the weather was poor. The pilot was very professional and the security briefing is taken seriously.
      Written 13 March 2024
    • BrentonM8
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Listen to the pilot.
      Sitting in the front of the helicopter with Ken was just amazing. Ken was so reassuring and professional the flight was smooth as it comes. The scenery and the experience of landing on the glacier was surreal and so worth the wait. Thank you so much.
      Written 23 February 2024
    • Alanar524
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magic
      Absolutely outstanding & a must do. Every staff member was exceptional. And this experience I feel is a must do. We were incredibly lucky with the weather. This goes down as one of the experiences I’ve lived to date. Chris and Dee you are awesome
      Written 20 February 2024
    • 936mikeh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Haast Helicopters
      Spectacular, Nathan took us on a magnificent flight from Haast, Along with the scenery that would be hard to surpass. Would highly recommend.
      Written 17 February 2024
    • 940leannea
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Exceptional operator - highly recommend
      When planning our South Island itinerary, a flight and snow landing on these magnificent glaciers was high on our list. The cloud cover was constantly changing and having had an earlier flight (with another operator) reduced to a flyover and the snow landing cancelled, we walked into the office of HeliServicesNZ to see if they could take us up and land on the glacier. Within 30 minutes we were in the air with an incredibly generous and experienced pilot who pointed out areas of interest and navigated the mountains and the changing clouds with ease. The sun was shining at the top of the glacier and the snow landing was epic. My brother-in-law had never seen snow before and with age and health issues, this was a bucket-list moment. Our pilot took great care that he was safe on the ice, provided excellent commentary on the flight, and afterwards back on the ground, as well as taking lots of photos of the two of us. He seemed to love being up there as much as we did. This was our holiday highlight and we are still talking about the generosity of our pilot with his time and care. We can't thank you enough for this experience of a lifetime.
      Written 4 February 2024
    See all 429 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.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    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 bubbles45 reviews
    Excellent
    42
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    2
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    0
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    Simrat S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    Our glacier helicopter tour was absolutely surreal and hands-down the best experience ever! Originally, we’d planned to take the flight the day before, but bad weather forced a cancellation. Lucky for us, the skies cleared up the next day, and we headed to the check-in centre, where the staff, especially Tanya, made everything smooth and easy.

    At 9:30, we were ready to go. From take-off to the snow landing, every moment was jaw-dropping. We did the twin glacier package, and the views were unreal! Jordy, our pilot, was incredibly professional, giving us commentary on each glacier’s story while making the entire experience feel effortless. The snow landing was something out of a dream, he touched down so smoothly you’d think we were landing on a fluffy pillow (even though, spoiler alert, that snow isn’t as soft as it looks).

    Jordy didn’t just fly us, he also acted as an unexpected photographer extraordinaire, helping us capture every angle. I swear he has a side gig as an Instagram content creator because he knew all the best angles (we had about 45 photos taken by him). Thanks to Jordy and Tanya, we had an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views, an epic snow landing, and a pilot who doubles as a glacier photo guru, this is the tour to book!

    10th November 2024
    Written 10 November 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.
    Wow such a wonderful description of your experience Guide26904547107 ! We really apprec your feedback and thank you for your 5 star rating! From the HeliServices Customer Service Team:)
    Written 14 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Geoff A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    We were booked to fly at 1:00 pm but it was too cloudy to make a landing. The staff were extremely accommodating and rebooked us for 2:30 pm as the clouds were expected to lift. I am so glad they were able to do this as the flight was amazing and landing on the glacier was awesome. I have flown in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon but this flight was far more spectacular. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone thinking of doing this, you will not regret it.
    Written 9 February 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.

    Jordan
    Brisbane Region, Australia51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic experience. Quite pricey for a 30 minute experience but we still think that it was worth it. The views are breathtaking and the opportunity for the snow landing was awesome. Our pilot Richard was really friendly and knowledgeable about the glaciers/mountains and kindly took photos of two groups in our flight. We purchased a $20 printed picture/fold out of the flight. To improve customer experience, it would be good to make this fold out cheaper/free (given the cost of the flight)
    Written 16 September 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.

    Beau_Ralph
    Caboolture, Australia12 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    Whilst it's a stunning experience, I would recommend to book with one of the numerous other operators.

    The weather was bad in the morning, and we were asked if we were open to delay. Yes, we can hang around for a few hours. We were also asked what direction we were heading after this, presumably so that they could service us at another heliport should the weather not clear. All good so far. Another group was waiting for the single glacier tour. We waited around for the weather to clear for about 10 minutes, then were instructed on to the helicopter before it had even cleared. We got on with the other group who only paid for the single glacier tour. We skipped Franz Josef Glacier, as it wasn't yet clear. I assumed we were going to do an anti-clockwise circuit instead. We arrived and landed near Fox Glacier. It was an amazing experience. But the fog hadn't yet cleared over the alps, including Franz Josef, so we had to detour over rural farms back to base due to weather.

    When we got back to base, and I was assuming that we'd be doing Franz Josef on a separate trip due to the weather. No. That's it. You're done. They told us that you were gone for 30 minutes, so that's what you get. They tried to tell us that we saw something else instead, but that wasn't the case, and wasn't what we were paying for. Also, I don't want to have an argument, just a good holiday, so I left.

    It's advertised as "Twin Glacier Franz and Fox with snow landing", and that's what I expected It would be a different story if it was advertised as "Gone for 30 minutes in a helicopter". If we were only getting Fox Glacier, I would've either chosen the cheaper flight, or not gone at all on that day. They were not willing to do anything at all to make it right. Not even "sorry". All I got was crossed arms, and "you were lucky you even got Fox Glacier". This is why I'd recommend to choose another operator so that you're not left with a sour taste in your mouth after an amazing experience.
    Written 19 October 2022
    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 Beau... and thank you for your feedback. It is an essential part of being informed and taking onboard all our customers experiences. I am sorry you felt you were placed with the incorrect group however that was not the case, which we can see on our manifest which is very detailed and clear in order to conform with strict Civil Aviation parameters. Safety first is paramount and we state in our conditions there can sometimes be a route change to ensure upmost safety for passengers and pilot. As you say "it was an amazing experience" and we strive to ensure an amazing experience for all.
    Written 20 October 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Amanda A
    40 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    We were booked in to fly around 10.30am and due to the weather the flight wasn't possible. HeliservicesNZ endeavored to take us at 4.30pm the same day, unfortunately that wasn't possible either. We were really starting to get upset at the prospect of possibly missing out. They said that we could try for 10.30am the following morning. The weather wasn't that great the next morning either so we were not hopeful. Luckily the weather was good enough for us to go in the helicopter. We couldn't do the flight that we wanted but we at least got to see both Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers and make a short snow landing. What a spectacle! Absolutely beautiful and definitely worth it.
    We wish that the weather would have been a bit better so that we could see all the colour and beauty but can't predict or change Mother Nature.
    We would love to go again and would hope to see the whole thing.
    HeliservicesNZ were amazing to deal with. The pilot was knowledgeable and everything was awesome.
    Written 13 October 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.
    Thank you Amand for your great review and star rating. Yes we are certainly at the mercy of the weather, and we encourage our customers to consider more than one flight time / day to get the best possible conditions while in the region. As a general rule the mornings are often better, however should weather conditions be suitable when you arrive in the afternoon, best not to wait as conditions can always change even if the forcast says otherwise.
    Written 14 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Quest49091892565
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    Very Professional and still able to keep everything going with a heap of clueless tourist like us.
    There are several tour operators and I am sure they are all as good as each other, but this one was recommended by a local so that was good enough.
    The whole process was seamless and with humor. Our pilot was just great (Richard) and we felt it was a great experience -- it even left a bit early.
    Written 27 February 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.

    Alexa K
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Friends
    On a cloudy day, we chose to fly over the 2 glaciers, and the very kind mr at the reception advised us to wait a bit for the departure in the hope of an improvement in conditions. We took his advice and did very well, because it allowed us to land a few minutes on the glacier fox. The pilot was very friendly, and he gave us lots of information. Big +: we were alone on board, and only helico in the glaciers which made the experience even more magical!
    Automatically translated
    Written 21 November 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.
    Thank you so much alexak913 for such wonderful feedback and for your excellent 5 star rating. From the HeliServices.NZ Fox Franz Haast Customer Service Team :)
    Written 14 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Liz N
    Timaru59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2021
    This was a new experience for me and I would highly recommend it to everyone
    getting to see both the Fox and Franz glaciers so close and landing on one was something I will never forget. Breathtaking views thanks to Rachel our pilot. Thanks Mike for organizing our flight and our Franz Joseph experiences. We had an amazing two days in Franz and will come back again.

    If you haven't been to Franz Joseph yet - go soon and enjoy
    Written 28 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.
    Thank you so much Liz N for such an amazing review. Really pleased you were able to see both the Fox and Franz Josef with snow landing, our most popular tour. I will pass on your feedback to the team at HeliServices.NZ : )
    Written 29 March 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    shannonobey
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    100% worth the cost. This was the MOST beautiful way to see the glaciers and the mountains. Landing on the glacier and being able to walk around on the virgin snow was amazing and like walking on the surface of the moon. The pilot was informative, and made us feel safe.
    Written 18 October 2022
    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.
    Thank you Shanno... for your wonderful 5 star rating and equally wonderful feedback. It was a pleasure to take you on "the most beautiful way to see the glaciers and mountains" and fantastic you felt so safe with your pilot.
    Written 20 October 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kim B
    Ottawa, Canada47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome bucketlist experience with our pilot/guide Jamie ! Informative and smooth flight/landing, I couldn't stop smiling the entire flight. The staff in the office and pre flight briefing were also well informed and efficient. We initially inquired at another flight service, but their customer service was poor. So glad we ended up with this professional group.
    Written 16 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.
    Thank you so much KiminOt... for such wonderful feedback and equally awesome 5 star rating. Customer service is paramount where ever you are and we strive to ensure we are always at our best. I am very pleased it was suh an awesome bucklist experience to take a heli tour with HeliServices.NZ
    Written 17 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef) provided by HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz

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