Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
4.9
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
By Glacier Country Helicopters
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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About
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 35m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Highlights
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
What's not included- Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg & over)
- Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade Request
- Start:
- 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New ZealandPlease check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Our only base operates from Franz Josef. Cancellations within 24hours due to customer booking the wrong location will not be refunded.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 113645P2- Most travellers can participate
- 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).
- 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 20 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: 113645P2
From
$450.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New ZealandPlease check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Our only base operates from Franz Josef. Cancellations within 24hours due to customer booking the wrong location will not be refunded.
- Pass byFranz Josef GlacierFox GlacierTasman Glacier
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Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- jwg800 contributionsRiding over and landing on the glaciers in a helicopter was a very memorable experience. The views were unbelievable!Amazing views going over the mountains and seeing 4 glaciers and landing on 2. It was a quick and easy way to check out the glaciers. We felt safe.Written 24 March 2025
- morrisbrian30 contributionsA Memorable Experience!An amazing trip! They were excellent to work with, and even pre-empted a bad weather period, by contacting us and re-arranging an earlier fight to avoid the low cloud. Sam was a great pilot and gave us a smooth flight with great commentary to label all we could see. Can't fault this trip!Written 24 March 2025
- Heidi C0 contributionsAmazingBooked the 45 minutes with snow landing. Weather not good was advised by email that this may have to be cancelled due to weather. Emailed back and re booked for the following day. Arrived and informed unable to do snow landing but could still do flight, or could cancel. Opted for the flight only and very glad we did. The pilot was informative and although no snow landing the views were amazing, the experience was wonderful. Would recommend.Written 18 March 2025
- Cristi M0 contributionsExtraordinaryThis is an experience you will do once in a lifetime and will chase you for the rest of your life. We feel lucky to be able to afford this. The landscape you will see during the helicopter flight is just mesmerising. Based on your weight, you will be distributed to bigger or smaller helicopters. The blue ones will accommodate 6 people, which means not all of them will share the same view. At the end of the tour, they will sell you a printed photo with a leaflet. Of course, it's not mandatory to buy, of course, but considering the cost of the trip, it should be included in the price. Still this experience deserves 5+ stars.Written 14 March 2025
- O5041TNerich0 contributionsGlacier chopper flightVery professional & well organised , checking in at their main office was easy . Modern & comfortable helicopter , Mike the pilot, gave an interesting commentary on the glaciers & the surrounding area . The snow landing was exciting as there was another chopper already there . We were very lucky with the weather as it was near perfect . Awesome flight 👌Written 13 March 2025
- Trip066074677760 contributionsThey stole our moneyAvoid at all costs - they will steal your money! Choose helicopter line! Entered the office in Franz Josef and the “manager” ( girl with terrible haircut, tattoos and lazy eye ) when asked can we book a helicopter flight answered “you can if you want” After receiving passive aggressive “customer service” our name was placed on a spot and told no charge to would be placed on the cc provided - it wasn’t an actually booking as it was pending weather A WhatsApp message was sent before a time slot and we said were essentially charged $1,200 and didn’t get on the actual flight because we missed checkin When we went to their office to try get on the flight, there were other customers on their way to the helicopter which we could have joined… When we tried to have a conversation as to why this was wrong, the “manager” did nothing but talk over us Chose another flight operator ( Helicopter Line) in town which have been nothing but pleasant to deal with - in comparison they don’t even take your card details in case the flight route changes and they charge you when you get back from you’re helicopter flight The credit card company will take care of it…Written 11 March 2025
- LSW730 contributionsAmazing experienceAmazing experience- really the only way to see the glaciers at close range. Stunning views, great pilot. The slightly longer flight time was well worth it with 2 snow landings.Written 10 March 2025
- IanG120 contributionsUnparalleled Views of the Alps and coastAbsolutely stunning. I was a little concerned that sitting in the back seats we wouldn’t get the best view, no need to worry it was magnificent. Unfortunately the wind picked up so we couldn’t go across to Tasman Glacier, regardless the views we unbelievable and thanks to the pilot for erring on the side of caution with our comfort and safety.Written 8 March 2025
- robertaC436BF0 contributionsGreat experienceUnfortunately, poor weather meant we got limited to about a 25-minute flight over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, with no landing. But the operator was really good about communicating with us and offering alternate options. The trip itself, however, was fantastic! Really amazing views of this amazing landscape. I would absolutely recommend -- even without a snow landing.Written 4 March 2025
- Bosswitch0 contributionsExcellent unforgettable experienceExcellent flight with Edie. Superb experience. Flight was delayed from day before due to very bad weather. Kept us informed and when weather changed unexpectedly they put our flight on straight away for us. It was expensive being a private flight but it was excellent and we felt it was worth the extra Everyone was incredibly professional and very friendly. Highly recommend.Written 26 February 2025
- I7093IFjulieg0 contributionsBucket list experienceTrip of a lifetime. Our pilot was so knowledgeable about where we were travelling over and skillful flying over the rugged peaks. The sky so blue, the snow so white a picture perfect trip crowned with a landing on the snow with time for photos as a momento. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend the staff for their friendly professional service.Written 25 February 2025
- Gwyn10610 contributionsSpectacularFantastic from the moment we set off. Good safety information. Pilot informative, scenery spectacular. Good landing on glacier though not Franz Josef because of the weather. I did have to upgrade because of the weather but it was certainly worth it.Written 23 February 2025
- 425shaynar0 contributionsHorrible customer service & communicationBad review mainly reflecting on 2 areas. 1. The bad overall customer service coming directly from Meaghan. From the moment we walked in (unfortunately 10 minutes late to the 30 min early check-in which we weren’t aware of! Here we were thinking we were early!) immediately met with YOUR LATE YOU MISSED YOUR FLIGHT- YOU MISSED YOUR FLIGHT … the irony being we were on a helicopter for our 9:15 departure as booked!!! Meagan was huffing and puffing and muttering to herself the entire time we were in the office. Some people aren’t cut out for customer service , and that’s okay so long as they don’t serve such a position. From my understanding it was her husband who was our pilot - lovely fella and great pilot! 2. The lack of communication. Regardless of being “late” communicating is important. We booked and paid for a 60 min flight - particularly because we wanted to have TWO snow landing and see particular items that are only offered in that flight option- lord of the rings item in particular. Weather had its own plans which happens and without notifying us prior or offering us which other option we’d prefer given the circumstances, we we’re just blindly put on a helicopter assuming we we’re doing what we paid for. Only once we landed did we realize our actual experience is not what we paid for. We brought it up then and we’re notified that we’d be reimbursed the difference. However even though everything we actually did would have been covered in the 25 min tour - or being generous on the 35 min tour, they said ur trip was 45 minutes cuz they left us on the landing standing there for 10 extra minutes. We did not do the TWO landings or the extra lord of the rings items, but we’re charged far more then we ever would have choosen to do if only someone bothered to COMMUNICATE. Again- pilot was lovely and trip itself was nice if we wouldn’t have been sneakily tricked . If I paid for the 25/35 min I would have been just fine with that. Calling to communicate about it and figure it out was met with rudeness from of course Meghan !!!!Written 19 February 2025
- marionbP5024XH0 contributionsAbsolutely amazingWe were absolutely thrilled with our trip. There were just three passengers and Gus our pilot, did everything possible to make sure each of us had a Birds Eye view of each glacier. The landing was amazing. It was okay for me to wander a very short way from the helicopter and to enjoy virgin snow where maybe no one has ever stood before. I tasted the glacier and it was wonderful. Gus showed us some deer on a ridge below the glacier on our flight down which was a real bonus. Thank you Gus.Written 17 February 2025
- chrishE7060KO0 contributionsGreat start, pity about the ending!It was a very professional and thorough preparation for our trip. We did not mind that the timing was slightly delayed and we enjoyed our outward flight, which was most impressive. But we felt our pilot, who was excellent, was under pressure to catch up time and our whole experience was barely 25 mins. We descended from the mountain extremely swiftly leaving you with the feeling, that the quicker they got rid of us the better. Having experienced 4 other similar helicopter trips this would have to be my least enjoyable.Written 17 February 2025
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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4.9
170 reviews
Excellent
159
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5
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Momelco
Denver, CO558 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I hesitated to book this reservation for a few reasons (dependent on weather with limited time, I live near the Rocky Mountains, and I used to fly smaller airplanes). I wasn’t sure if I would have the same experience as others have described or the wow factor I was looking for. I’m SO glad I decided to go and encourage everyone else to do the same if you’re debating or on the fence.
At check-in, you complete a form/waiver, they weigh you (for weight and balance), review a safety video, and get your assigned seats for the helicopter. Your group takes a shuttle for a quick 5-minute drive to the helipad.
The weather (maybe aircraft traffic) determines which glaciers you get to see. Our pilot, Poppy, pointed out the areas to focus our attention on and took pictures for us once we landed. She took a picture of everyone with her camera and printed them onsite (on the glacier) and put it in a brochure that you can purchase (for $20 at checkout) or you can give it back.
The views were incredible and I was pleasantly surprised how smooth the ride was. I expected it to be a bit choppy since we were flying through the clouds and over mountains, but it was smooth sailing!
Definitely recommend this tour if you can fit it in your budget.
Note: You cannot take any bags, backpacks, etc. with you as it would increase the weight. You can either leave it in a open locker (not locked) that is only accessible by the staff or you can lock it in your car.
At check-in, you complete a form/waiver, they weigh you (for weight and balance), review a safety video, and get your assigned seats for the helicopter. Your group takes a shuttle for a quick 5-minute drive to the helipad.
The weather (maybe aircraft traffic) determines which glaciers you get to see. Our pilot, Poppy, pointed out the areas to focus our attention on and took pictures for us once we landed. She took a picture of everyone with her camera and printed them onsite (on the glacier) and put it in a brochure that you can purchase (for $20 at checkout) or you can give it back.
The views were incredible and I was pleasantly surprised how smooth the ride was. I expected it to be a bit choppy since we were flying through the clouds and over mountains, but it was smooth sailing!
Definitely recommend this tour if you can fit it in your budget.
Note: You cannot take any bags, backpacks, etc. with you as it would increase the weight. You can either leave it in a open locker (not locked) that is only accessible by the staff or you can lock it in your car.
Written 1 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.
Maria V
Venice, FL15 contributions
The tour company was great to work with. They contacted us to offer moving us to an earlier time which allowed us to see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in the morning light. Beautiful. Our pilot Poppy was awesome, flying us over the mountain ranges and glaciers telling us the names as she went. We had a great spot to land and take pictures. The outfitter provided us with a souvenir picture on the glacier for a small fee. Would highly recommend this tour.
Written 28 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.
Outandabout
Greater Sydney, Australia44 contributions
Mar 2023
I did a lot of research into which helicopter company and flight would best suit the 2 of us when on a holiday on the West Coast. I ended up booking with this company and this flight as it ticked all the boxes, even though there were a number of other companies competing at this location. We were fortunate with the timing of our booking time of 1.00 pm as all the morning flights were cancelled due to the weather. Our booking had to be pushed back about an hour, but without the snow landing. We were not charged the full price because of the reduced flying time and I thought it was fair under the circumstances. The flight was great and the scenery was to die for, so we were very happy with the experience. The pilot was very good and wouldn't take off unless we were all strapped in and 100%, which is always a good thing with anyone in control of an aircraft. I would fly with them again.
Written 20 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.
Simon S
Bristol, UK14 contributions
We had a lovely smooth flight up onto the glaciers. The team were very good with managing the bookings as our original flight time had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. Great to have two front seats for the spectacular views.
Written 31 January 2025
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.
dave r
55 contributions
My wife and I went on this tour with our friends and several of the group were nervous as they had not flown on a helicopter before. Poppy our pilot was amazing and very calm and re-assuring. The whole
Experience was a delight and could not have been any better. 35 mins experience went in a heartbeat; the views and snow landing were expertly narrated by our poppy.
I would highly recommend this to anyone; we felt
completely safe and overwhelmed by the whole
Experience. Thanks Poppy.
Experience was a delight and could not have been any better. 35 mins experience went in a heartbeat; the views and snow landing were expertly narrated by our poppy.
I would highly recommend this to anyone; we felt
completely safe and overwhelmed by the whole
Experience. Thanks Poppy.
Written 4 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.
Leanne A
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
When we were advised on arrival for our flight that cloud cover had impacted the ability to undertake a snow landing (operator's landing site at Shackleton glacier was closed due to clouds), we almost gave up the flight. So glad we didn't! The modified (and reduced price) flight over the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers was absolutely stunning and highly recommend. Friendly ground team ensured we were all relaxed before boarding. A bit more commentary from the pilot would be welcomed. The weather here is fickle. Take your opportunity when you can.
Written 5 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.
Raoul M
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
I can’t say enough about this trip and Glacier Country Helicopters. We booked our trip and they emailed us a day prior to tell us that conditions would be better earlier in the day. We moved our drive up, got there just in time, and had the most amazing experience. We literally watched the clouds fill in behind us just like they said they would. They could have just kept our booking - they would have made the same money - but they went out of their way to make sure we got to see the glaciers and Southern Alps under the best conditions. I cannot recommend them enough. Oh, and the glacier itself, it should go without saying, is a genuine bucket list item.
Written 20 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.
anne w
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Fantastic experience I would recommend this as a must do if you are visiting Franz Josef. Our original booking was cancelled due to the weather and we went the following morning. It was magic a blue sky we had the front seats which were awesome we also had a very knowledgable pilot with heaps of experience.
I would book for the morning if you are going to do this
I would book for the morning if you are going to do this
Written 14 January 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.
ModerationForMe
Charleston, SC500 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great experience. It did start off with an 08:30 email letting us know that all flights were on hold due to low clouds. Clearly they have no control over the clouds but did communicate. We went ahead and arrived at 09:00 as planned to check-in and see. They informed us that we could not do a snow landing so we could get a refund or we could do a 25 minute flyover for a reduced price, if the helicopter met minimum capacity. Fortunately another group was willing to do the same.
It's about a 10 minute drive to the helicopter and the clouds cleared even more. Our pilot Dion was great. Fortunately, the clouds continued to lift and Dion knew he could land safely, so we were able to make the snow landing after all.
I appreciated the honest communication, but yet the continued desire to give us the trip we all hoped for.
It's about a 10 minute drive to the helicopter and the clouds cleared even more. Our pilot Dion was great. Fortunately, the clouds continued to lift and Dion knew he could land safely, so we were able to make the snow landing after all.
I appreciated the honest communication, but yet the continued desire to give us the trip we all hoped for.
Written 17 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.
Elliot J
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Arrived a day early and found out weather was likely to cancel the tour we had scheduled. Without prompting the staff worked to get us on a flight that was open before weather canceled the remaining flights. Could not be more grateful for it. The views are spectacular and well worth the cost
Written 18 December 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.
Hi, the snow landing was about 20 minutes. We had plenty of time to take our own photos, the pilot took a couple with our camera, and then used her camera and the wi-fi printer mounted in the aircraft - a very neat set up and a great photo to save.
Written 1 January 2023
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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.