Adventure Tours
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$436
per adult
Glacier Helicopters
Glacier Helicopters
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Glacier Helicopters offers a range of scenic helicopter flights from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Charter flights are available and can vary from 20 minutes to several hours duration. Flights depart from Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Our flights encompass the Mount Cook National Park, and both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Glacier landings are our specialty. Our helicopter flights allow people with limited time to “get away from it all” and experience area of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
Tours and Tickets by Glacier Helicopters
Adventure Tours
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$436
per adult
Adventure Tours
20 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$339
per adult
Adventure Tours
20 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$339
per adult
Adventure Tours
40 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$595
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
685 reviews
Excellent
611
Very good
49
Average
8
Poor
8
Terrible
10
Charlotte
18 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We planned an impromptu loop around the South Island but I didn't decide we wanted a helicopter trip until the night before.
I called Glacier Helicopters at 6:50PM!!! AND BEL PICKED UP THE PHONE. If she hadn't, we wouldn't have had the experience we did. Bel's beautiful service, wicked sense of humour, helpfulness and willingness to go the extra mile for a late night caller meant that we had a wonderful trip.
We booked the accommodation + fox glacier flight for two, which was a great option since our first flight time didn't work in with the weather conditions. The next morning we had a wonderful trip and Clark our tahr-hunter (i mean pilot) gave us a wonderful flight!
Better yet Bel got to get out of the officr and joined us! Thanks Brendan!
I called Glacier Helicopters at 6:50PM!!! AND BEL PICKED UP THE PHONE. If she hadn't, we wouldn't have had the experience we did. Bel's beautiful service, wicked sense of humour, helpfulness and willingness to go the extra mile for a late night caller meant that we had a wonderful trip.
We booked the accommodation + fox glacier flight for two, which was a great option since our first flight time didn't work in with the weather conditions. The next morning we had a wonderful trip and Clark our tahr-hunter (i mean pilot) gave us a wonderful flight!
Better yet Bel got to get out of the officr and joined us! Thanks Brendan!
Written 4 December 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.
Kia ora Charlotte. It sounds like you had an excellent experience here with us at Glacier Helicopters! We strive to deliver consistently high level of customer service and satisfaction, we’re thrilled to hear that Bel hit the mark. The photos you’ve added of your landing at Chancellor Shelf are beautiful! But we’re sure you’d agree that they don’t compare to being there in person! Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we’ve passed your praise back to Bel and we all hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Written 13 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rooffio
Flitwick, UK38 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We decided to view these amazing glaciers from the air , having walked up to the glacier as far as possible and , unable to fit in a glacier Heli hike into our schedule
We were not disappointed.
The booking process on line was simple, and email confirmation clearly stated that there may be need to reschedule etc, due to combined weight of booked passengers, or weather .It was reassuring to know this for sure.
On the morning of our 10.30 flight , the fog in Franz Josef meant that it would not be safe for take off. The amazing silence in the skies was well worth noticing and enjoying , as there are many helicopter flights around.
We went to the centrally located office as instructed at 10am , and were greeted with very helpful and cheery staff, I think her name was Nat ? I'm not 100% on that , but all the staff seemed to be helpful in their attempts to rebook the first few flights of the day . It was rescheduled with ease into an evening flight with a back up for our last morning at Franz Josef , just in case.
The 6.30 pm flight was amazing , fab view of both glaciers and the commentary from the pilots about the geology and glacier history was great. We landed on Franz Josef, and as we were the last flight, we had the palace to ourselves . Well 5 of us 😌. An amazing experience for sure. Well worth it , Always in awe of nature .
We were not disappointed.
The booking process on line was simple, and email confirmation clearly stated that there may be need to reschedule etc, due to combined weight of booked passengers, or weather .It was reassuring to know this for sure.
On the morning of our 10.30 flight , the fog in Franz Josef meant that it would not be safe for take off. The amazing silence in the skies was well worth noticing and enjoying , as there are many helicopter flights around.
We went to the centrally located office as instructed at 10am , and were greeted with very helpful and cheery staff, I think her name was Nat ? I'm not 100% on that , but all the staff seemed to be helpful in their attempts to rebook the first few flights of the day . It was rescheduled with ease into an evening flight with a back up for our last morning at Franz Josef , just in case.
The 6.30 pm flight was amazing , fab view of both glaciers and the commentary from the pilots about the geology and glacier history was great. We landed on Franz Josef, and as we were the last flight, we had the palace to ourselves . Well 5 of us 😌. An amazing experience for sure. Well worth it , Always in awe of nature .
Written 27 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.
Hello,
Thank you for your positive feedback!
It’s great to hear you enjoyed your flight! Our online booking system is designed to be a fast and simple way to book so we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the booking process.
Customer service is one of our top priorities here at Glacier Helicopters, so we are happy to hear that we reached our expectations! We will pass your kind words on Nat.
Flights later in the afternoon can sometimes be the best time of day as the day quietens down and the winds calm. The photo that you attached looks like you were blessed with great weather and beautiful views.
Again, thank you for your great feedback. We wish you all the best for the rest of your travels in NZ.
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen F
14 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
The reception lady was brilliant, keeping us informed of the flight conditions before we flew, also mentioning that due to weather conditions, the pilot may not be able to land on the glacier.
We decided to go ahead, and I glad we did, there was 6 of us, and you get told based on weight, who is sitting in the front, this negates any arguments.
I sat in the middle at the back, but the view was amazing and not compromised at all. We all put on headsets and seatbelts then up we went. What spectacular views, I absolutely loved it even though I am scared of heights.
Icing on cake when pilot landed on the glacier and we all got out to experience the beauty first hand.
If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend this trip of a lifetime.
I would say, check weather, I wore long trousers as advised in the UK, but shorts would have been just fine.
Remember, no bags, camera bags, drones or selfie sticks allowed on the helicopter, but you can leave them behind the reception. Honestly, best not to take with you.
We decided to go ahead, and I glad we did, there was 6 of us, and you get told based on weight, who is sitting in the front, this negates any arguments.
I sat in the middle at the back, but the view was amazing and not compromised at all. We all put on headsets and seatbelts then up we went. What spectacular views, I absolutely loved it even though I am scared of heights.
Icing on cake when pilot landed on the glacier and we all got out to experience the beauty first hand.
If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend this trip of a lifetime.
I would say, check weather, I wore long trousers as advised in the UK, but shorts would have been just fine.
Remember, no bags, camera bags, drones or selfie sticks allowed on the helicopter, but you can leave them behind the reception. Honestly, best not to take with you.
Written 24 February 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 Karen, Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review. We're so glad to know how much you enjoyed your experience with our team. How wonderful the weather could hold out for you to land on the glacier. We hope you took many photos to remember your experience. We thank you for joining us for your flight.
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StaceyCheer
Arapuni, New Zealand160 contributions
Jul 2021
After our booked flight (with another company) cancelled due to lack of numbers, we were lucky enough to book a flight with Glacier Helicopters last minute. What an amazing experience! We couldn't have had better weather, cold but sunny. The glacier is beautiful, and landing on it is an experience not to be missed. The land crew were great, and our pilot Andy was brilliant - knowledgeable, experienced, with a great sense of humor. We did a lot of different activities on this South Island holiday, but the heli flight and glacier landing were definately the highlight!
Written 6 July 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.
Kia ora Stacey,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great review! It sounds like you had a perfect day, we’re thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time on the snow landing. Andy is a joy, and we all take great pride in delivering the best of the West Coast on each flight. Thank you again for leaving us a review, we hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday.
Kind regards
The Helicopter Line
Written 8 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Warren Turner
12 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This was the best experience ever. We flew over the glacier and landed in the snow above the glacier and at the foot of Mt. Tasman.
The whole experience was good from the time we arrived at the office. We were served by Jess and then driven to the helipad by Vicky who loaded us onto the helicopter.
Once we were in the air the pilot Kody gave us informing commentary about the glacier and the surrounding area.
We would highly recommend this experience.
Thanks again to Vicky, Kody and Jess. Very professional.
The whole experience was good from the time we arrived at the office. We were served by Jess and then driven to the helipad by Vicky who loaded us onto the helicopter.
Once we were in the air the pilot Kody gave us informing commentary about the glacier and the surrounding area.
We would highly recommend this experience.
Thanks again to Vicky, Kody and Jess. Very professional.
Written 17 July 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 Warren Turner. The Fox Neve, where you landed, is one of our spectacular snow landing sites. Standing in all that fresh snow above the glacier, with a view out to the Tasman Sea is an incredible experience that would be hard to forget! We’re glad you had such a wonderful time. Thank you for writing us a positive review, we will pass your praise back to our team and Vicky, Jess and Kody. Safe Travels home.
Written 28 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sassyaston75
Wellington, New Zealand15 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Absolutely worth every penny. If you can spare the dollars don’t miss this. Flying over and then standing on a glacier thousands of years old is truly breathtaking and definitely bucket list material.
The whole experience was outstanding. Ground crew Jaclyn told us everything we needed to know and prepared us with good humour and top service. Greg the pilot was a legend. Such a pro and a good bugger to fly with.
Our five year old loved it and was given special ear muffs for entry and exit and could also wear the proper headset on board so she got the full experience too.
Felt like a good amount of time on the ice. Enough to take pictures, then put the camera away and just walk about, touch the ice and breathe the moment in.
We are not made of money but decided this was money well spent. No regrets! Also, buy the photo they take of you. Greg snapped a great pic and had it printed by the time we boarded the chopper to leave the glacier- smooth! Only $20 and basically a tip for the team that we were happy to pay.
Do this!!!
The whole experience was outstanding. Ground crew Jaclyn told us everything we needed to know and prepared us with good humour and top service. Greg the pilot was a legend. Such a pro and a good bugger to fly with.
Our five year old loved it and was given special ear muffs for entry and exit and could also wear the proper headset on board so she got the full experience too.
Felt like a good amount of time on the ice. Enough to take pictures, then put the camera away and just walk about, touch the ice and breathe the moment in.
We are not made of money but decided this was money well spent. No regrets! Also, buy the photo they take of you. Greg snapped a great pic and had it printed by the time we boarded the chopper to leave the glacier- smooth! Only $20 and basically a tip for the team that we were happy to pay.
Do this!!!
Written 10 January 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 Sassyaston75
We’re thrilled you had such a great experience with us here at Glacier Helicopters. We go out of our way to make each flight special- it’s great to see that Jaclyn and Greg hit our high standards and helped you create some life long memories of our beautiful backyard. The photos that our pilots print out make excellent souvenirs of your time on the snow.
Thank you for leaving us such a great review, we hope to see you back on the coast again!
Written 25 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Delwyn L
143 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Had booked to fly the next morning but they phoned to ask if we could do it earlier. We had just had lunch at a wee cafe just next door so we grabbed our jackets (only to be told we definitely wouldn’t need them)... jumped into the van with our lovely host.
Boarded the helicopter with two other couples and had an amazing flight to both glaciers and a snow landing on Fox Glacier.. a perfect flight on a perfect West Coast day.. blue sky sunshine and about 23 degrees...
Boarded the helicopter with two other couples and had an amazing flight to both glaciers and a snow landing on Fox Glacier.. a perfect flight on a perfect West Coast day.. blue sky sunshine and about 23 degrees...
Written 30 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 Delwyn L.
It sounds like you had a fantastic experience! Landing at the Fox Neve is a highlight of our tours. Standing in the shadow of Mount Tasman and taking in the mountain air is an experience we take great pride in delivering.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a positive review, we hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Written 19 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Manny-C
Brimpton, UK680 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We were due to fly to the Franz Josef glacier, which was cancelled due to torrential rain and a very low cloud base.
So you might ask, why am I writing a review?
Tee (sorry I don’t know how to spell her name) and check in gave us some excellent advice where to ho instead. She went out of her way to send us to some really interesting places.
Sad to miss the helicopter flight, but it was clearly impossible, but she made our day a success.
Thank you Tee!
So you might ask, why am I writing a review?
Tee (sorry I don’t know how to spell her name) and check in gave us some excellent advice where to ho instead. She went out of her way to send us to some really interesting places.
Sad to miss the helicopter flight, but it was clearly impossible, but she made our day a success.
Thank you Tee!
Written 3 February 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 Manny,
Thank you so very much for your review. We're so glad you got to meet Tiana and hear her local recommendations. We hope you enjoyed your time on the West Coast. We hope to see you on your next visit for a flight.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bhavna M
6 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
My boyfriend and I were traveling through to Haast and stopped in Franz Josef town to check what deals they had going due to covid.
We dealt with Nat, Viki and Neeraja. Awesome girl squad who clearly value their job and customers. Very warm, welcoming and friendly bunch. The pilot Clark was no less. Swift landings, super knowledgeable of the area and friendly too. Highly recommend these guys to anyone. Well worth your time and money. Thanks a bunch for an awesome experience from start to finish!!
We dealt with Nat, Viki and Neeraja. Awesome girl squad who clearly value their job and customers. Very warm, welcoming and friendly bunch. The pilot Clark was no less. Swift landings, super knowledgeable of the area and friendly too. Highly recommend these guys to anyone. Well worth your time and money. Thanks a bunch for an awesome experience from start to finish!!
Written 11 July 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.
Kia ora! A flight to the glaciers with a snow landing is well worth the stop if you’re passing through the West Coast, especially if the weather is as good as it looks in your photo! You can see a smaller glacier working it’s way up the mountain on the top left of your photo. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s hard to grasp the scale of the glaciers, valleys and the Southern Alps until you are right up close to them on one of our scenic tours. Here at Glacier Helicopters we take pride in our work from start to finish. We are thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time with Vicky, Nat, Neeraja and your pilot Clark. We will pass your amazing feedback to all the team, and we all hope you had a safe journey home.
Written 16 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna
6 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We were gutted when our trip the day before was cancelled due to weather. Luckily we had about two hours of good weather the next morning. All the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Truly a once in a lifetime flight and we were so grateful to experience it.
Written 9 September 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 Jenna! Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We are so glad that you were able to experience a flight with us at Glacier Helicopters. Unfortunately sometimes the weather prevents us from being able to fly, so we are glad you were able to reschedule and there was a clearing in the weather for you to be able to have your flight with us. Thank you again and we hope you had a spectacular experience on the West Coast.
Kind regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonjour
Est il possible de faire le vol en famille sur la même rotation ? 2 adultes + 3 enfants ?
Merci
Written 25 January 2020
Hi there,
Yes we can fly a family of 2 adults & 3 children. Our helicopters hold a total of 6 passengers (weight dependant). The children will be seated next to a parent away from the doors. It is a fantastic opportunity to get a family photo up on the snow 😊
Written 27 January 2020
Hi. we are planning to do the Franz Josef Heli Hike in September this year and I was wondering if there are any suspension or similar bridges to cross when up on the glacier.
Written 23 June 2019
Hi, I hope you are getting excited for your travels. I only did the helicopter ride, but I don't recall seeing any bridges when flying up from the helipad. You could ask/check with the organisation whether they are any bridges, as they will be able to answer this question better than myself. I can tell that the views are scenically stunning and it's well worth doing the helicopter ride. I hop this helps, but apologies for being unable to answer the questions about the bridges.
Written 24 June 2019
We are two adults heading to Fox in Feb 18th, for 2 nights (middle of the week). Do we need to book a heli in advance?
Written 12 January 2019
I would defo book in advance - when we were there several walk-ups were declined.
Written 15 January 2019
I am taking the helicopter ride at Frank Josef in mid-March. Please give me a few tips, when is the best time of day to do helicopter flight? Late morning, midday or early afternoon?
Written 1 January 2019
Morning, or midday, as it can get cloudy later in the afternoon.
Written 2 January 2019
Is it still worth doing the glacier helicopter rides and hikes in November? I’m planning on a South Island trip End if Oct- Nov this year.
Written 12 September 2018
I would say definitely yes this is an amazing experience just be aware that there had to be at least 3 for the flight to go ahead enjoy - you will be so pleased you did 😀
Written 12 September 2018
I am planning to take a group of 35 adults for the snow landing flight from Franz Josef in the third week of May 2018.
Will there be enough helis. to do the snow landing for all? We will be there by 2 PM and plan to stay overnight in FJ. Any group concession? Any free trip for the group leader & tour manager? Any special rate for children under 12 ?
Written 21 August 2017
We were a group of 36. We stayed overnight in FJ and went up in the helicopters early a.m.
Written 21 August 2017
I am currently organising a trip for 8 adults ..Is it possible to accommodate all of us for a helicopter tour at the same time..how many people do the helicopters seat.?
Written 31 July 2017
Hello,
We went as a couple, but we were one of 4 helicopters that went up for our time slot. They then divide the groups. They would definitely be able to accommodate you. You just may be split between 2 helicopters.
Written 16 August 2017
Hallo Nelly, Wat wil je weten over deze attractie?
Met hoeveel personen zit je in de helikopter?
Heb je altijd een plek aan het raam?
Written 29 July 2017
Wij vlogen met 4 personen ( 2 stellen)
Vanaf start tot bovenop de gletsjer zaten mijn man en ik voor naar de piloot.Schitterend uitzicht. Tijd op de gletsjer is afhankelijk van de prijs. 5 min of langer. Op de terugvlucht zat het andere stel voor en hadden wij allebei een zijraam waardoor we voldoende zicht hadden op de omgeving. Geniet ervan!
Written 30 July 2017
What happens if you have paid on line and the weather prevents the tour proceeding? I am only in town for 1 day...
Written 1 April 2017
They don't take your money online, just block it and release it if you don't fly
Written 3 April 2017
horsey200
Adelaide, Australia
Hi, we will be travelling from Wanaka (early / first light to the West coast) on 3rd August this year. We anticipate arriving at Fox after lunch / early afternoon. We would like to do the twin glacier landing flight (2 adults). Does not seem to be a time booking. Is it a matter of book for the actual day and turn up / jump on the queue? Fully understand that weather / visibility need to be factored in.
Written 13 March 2017
I would suggest trying to book a back up flight the following day if you are able. The weather is unpredictable and you would not want to miss this!!!
Written 31 March 2017
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