The GRAND TOUR, snow landing (allow 40 minutes - departing Franz Josef)
5
The GRAND TOUR, snow landing (allow 40 minutes - departing Franz Josef)
By HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
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About
Ages 0-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 40m
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 (are available to purchase) when conditions allow
- Entry to Franz Josef Cinema to view WESTLAND WONDERLAND 40 minute South West New Zealand spectacular
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 129 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New ZealandAlpine Adventure Centre, 29 Main Road, Franz Josef 7856, West Coast
- Option 244 Main Road, Fox Glacier 7886, New ZealandFox Guides Building, 44 Main Road, Fox Glacier 7886, West Coast
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: 49003P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- 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 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: 49003P5
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Our Fox Glacier and Franz Josef locations include our Helicopter scenic 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:
- Shannon M0 contributionsSo glad I did this experienceAmazing experience and best way to see the Franz Joseph glacier. Staff were helpful and kind. Easy to get to the heli. Everyone should consider doing this trip - it is well worth the money.Written 17 January 2025
- Guide496198265030 contributionsBreathtaking glacial experienceI 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
- 100trudyr0 contributionsExperience of a lifetimeThe 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
- dmhesse77600 contributionsIncredible flight to an awe inspiring siteLanding 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
- dmhesse77600 contributionsIncredible 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
- tanurags0 contributionsAmazing 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
- Guide269045471070 contributionsBest experience ever!!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 2024Written 9 November 2024
- GeorgiaRM20200 contributionsIncredible 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
- Rae0880 contributionsLoved itThis 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
- Quest490918925650 contributionsDon't think about it -- just do it.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 26 February 2024
- BrentonM80 contributionsListen 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
- Alanar5240 contributionsMagicAbsolutely 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 awesomeWritten 20 February 2024
- 936mikeh0 contributionsHaast HelicoptersSpectacular, 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
- Camper615503784600 contributionsWOWThis company is so easy to deal with the staff are awesome and the flight was WOW Richard the pilot gave an excellent overview as we flew over both glaciers and the weather was perfectWritten 10 February 2024
- 580geoffa0 contributionsAwesome experience, bucket list itemWe 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
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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5.0
18 reviews
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18
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Wanderlustz
Sunshine Coast, Australia114 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
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 14 March 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.
AndrewF76
Great Dunmow, UK136 contributions
A must do trip while in Franz. Great experience from start to finish. Booking desk we’re really good. They had to cancel our first flight due to bad weather, but we went the next day and seeing the glaciers up close was amazing. We had about 7 minutes on the ice with loads of photo opportunities
Written 7 November 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 so much Andy F for such wonderful feedback and 5 star rating. It is pleasing to hear you had such a great experience and thank you for choosing to fly with us.
Written 4 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
simana3493
Cambridge, New Zealand19 contributions
Apr 2022
We had already had a fabulous day on a glacier hike when the next day dawned equally still and sunny and we decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity for another flight. So we decided to do the Grand Tour visiting Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers as well as spectacular Mt Tasman and Mt Cook complete with a landing on Fox glacier which was incredible. The kids are still raving about it! Our pilot was fantastic and really informative and took some great photos for us on the glacier. The weather made this one out of the box and we are so happy we did it. Let's hope our kids kids will still be able to see these amazing glaciers!
Written 1 May 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.
Than you simana3493 for such wonderful feedback and a 5 star rating to boot. I am pleased you were able to take a scenic flight as well as the hike, two equally amazing activities.Thank you so much for for flying with us at HeliServices.NZ Fox and Franz Josef.
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane R
Tweed Heads, Australia26 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
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
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 dianer631 for your wonderful 5 stars rating and equally wonderful feedback. So pleased to hear the staff were so considerate for you and your heli/flight was the highlight of your holiday :)
Written 4 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JHMTTL
Woodbine, MD1,795 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
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
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.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,555 contributions
Was lucky to be able to do the grand tour of both glaciers including snow landing on one of the windiest days in the region. Customer service was extremely courteous at the counter and the Captain was efficient and friendly. The scenes were spectacular. Certainly would very highly recommend this helicopter company to any traveler in Franz Josef.
Written 30 November 2019
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 very much for your great review. We are so pleased to hear you had such an incredible experience and we hope is a memory you will never forget! The pictures you sent through are awesome! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share your special day with you!
Ngā mihi,
Cammy
Written 30 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Evan1988
Devonport, Australia74 contributions
Nov 2022
This was absolutely breathtaking, what an experience! Went with my wife and 3 yo daughter and did the Grand Tour from Franz Josef - wow, it was well worth the money!!! The views the entire time were so good and the experience was second-to-none!
From booking to check-in, to the actual experience, we could not fault this company. Wonderful staff for check in and safety brief, and our pilot was so personable and friendly it was just like chatting to a mate. He was very knowledgeable with the surrounds and always pointing stuff out to us, could tell he really loves his job (Easy to see why, though)
Would highly recommend this tour and this company to anyone travelling through Franz Josef, we didn't stop smiling the entire time!
Thank you for an amazing experience!
From booking to check-in, to the actual experience, we could not fault this company. Wonderful staff for check in and safety brief, and our pilot was so personable and friendly it was just like chatting to a mate. He was very knowledgeable with the surrounds and always pointing stuff out to us, could tell he really loves his job (Easy to see why, though)
Would highly recommend this tour and this company to anyone travelling through Franz Josef, we didn't stop smiling the entire time!
Thank you for an amazing experience!
Written 19 November 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.
Such fantastic feedback and wonderful 5 star rating thank you Evan1988. It is very pleasing to hear of all the great experiences you received through the booking process and the flight itself.. great feedback to present at our very next staff get together for exemplarary customer service. Thank you, thank you: )
Written 4 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excursion564453
21 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
We waited 3 days for the weather to improve and then we went on an incredible adventure in a helicopter up to view the 2 glaciers and the snow at the top of the mountain. It was like being in another world. Our pilot was so lovely - he is so passionate about what he does and made us feel very special. He told us interesting facts about the glaciers. We found this company to be very professional, meticulous about safety and determined to please!! Highly recommended!!!
Written 19 November 2018
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 Excursion564453 for your wonderful and detailed review. I am very pleased after patiently waiting 3 days you had such a wonderful flight. Thank you for your kind words regarding your pilot and I am pleased to hear your learnt some interesting facts about the glaciers. And thank you so much for commenting on our professionalism, meticulous safety and determination to please and especially thanks for your high recommendation.
Written 21 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidi F
Zurich, Switzerland193 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
Blue skies may be deceiving when then wind is blowing. On second attempt, I was able to do the 40 min tour - and even though it doesn't come cheap, this flight is in the all time top three of my travel experiences and worth every penny. Make sure you book ahead as they can get very busy, especially if they can't fly due to weather conditions.
Written 28 October 2018
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 Heidi F for your wonderful review. So exciting to be in your top three travel experiences and to hear your heli tour with HeliservicesNZ was worth every Penny. Good advice to book ahead.
Written 18 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey H
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK20 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
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
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 tmhutchinson for your wonderful feedback and inspiring 5 star rating. We are wrapped you found amazing views and found our crew and pilot so helpful, professional and knowledgeable. It has been the highlight of our first day of April! We are super wrapped! From the HeliServices.NZ customer Service team :)
Written 7 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Top rated
*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.