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
$337
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.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$434
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
$592
per adult
Adventure Tours
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$434
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
$592
per adult
Travellers talk about
(31 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
659 reviews
Excellent
588
Very good
48
Average
7
Poor
7
Terrible
10
Leslie P
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
The trip was fantastic, the views were spectacular and the staff at Glacier Helicopters were very professional. Loved it❤️
Written 9 December 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.
Trish S
11 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Absolutely amazing. Thanks also to Megan. I had a question about a credit card charge and emailed from Canada. I received an immediate response and a clarification of the charge. Well done. Great customer service.
Written 29 November 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 Trish,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us and glad to hear your staff were able to help you out with your queries. We hope you enjoyed your time in the West Coast.
Written 3 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victoria
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great experience, super friendly staff on ground and in the air, we had a breathtaking experience, would recommend to anyone visiting.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your 5-star review and recommendation. Will be sure to pass along your feedback to our staff. Thank you for including us on your West Coast adventure.
Kind regards,
The Glacier Helicopters Team
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie H
Swanton Morley Norfolk4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I was sceptical as I do not like flying, but the trip was AMAZING. The scenery is out of this world, got to walk and pose for pictures on top of glacier. It really was the best thing I've ever done in my life. Well worth the money.
Written 5 October 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 Julie, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review and sharing your experience. The views from above are stunning and there's really nothing that compares to landing on a glacier. We're thrilled to be the best thing you've done so far. We appreciate your recommendation. Thank you for including us on your West Coast adventure.
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dinerdoll
Norwich, UK52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Was booked on trip for tomorrow, advised weather might get postpone flight. Young lady was very accommodating and found us a flight today. Wow what a result, firstly throughly professional as soon as we arrived for briefing, she had lovely manor and introduced us to Kody the pilot. He had a sense of humour and could he fly that bird. Running commentary and flying the best we’ve seen, snow landing magic as we’re the sights and then his photography. You really can’t miss this trip and Glacier Helicopters are the real deal. Thanks everybody involved you made our day Paul & Sally AKA Dinerdoll
Written 4 October 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 Paul and Sally,
Thank you so very much for your 5-star review and kind words. How great to have your flight rescheduled to a better weather day. We are so happy to know how much you enjoyed your experience with our team. The views from a helicopter on the West Coast are unmatched. Thank you for joining us and for your wonderful recommendation. We appreciate your support.
Kindest regards,
Glacier Helicopters
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mikeprescy
Canberra, Australia19 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Our amazing Pilot Jeremy took us on a breathtaking tour of the beautiful snow capped mountains on a clear blue sky day.
The views and how close you get to the mountains make it better than small planes coupled with being able to land on the snow and take photos, mind blowing.
A treasured memory of our NZ trip.
The views and how close you get to the mountains make it better than small planes coupled with being able to land on the snow and take photos, mind blowing.
A treasured memory of our NZ trip.
Written 26 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.
Kia Ora Mike,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We're so happy to hear how much you enjoyed your flight with Jeremy. Thank you for joining our team on the West Coast.
Written 5 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen k
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This has been one of the most amazing experiences. From Kaitlyn (ground support) to Clark (Pilot), they were enthusiastic, genuinely helpful individuals who ensured our flight was safe, informative, and fun.
Clark certainly made us feel special and landed us on fresh, untouched snow.
Thanks for the unforgettable flight.
Clark certainly made us feel special and landed us on fresh, untouched snow.
Thanks for the unforgettable flight.
Written 15 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.
Kia Ora Jen,
Thank you for leaving us a wonderful review and for sharing your experience. It is great to hear our pilot and ground crew made your experience even better. Thank you for sharing the pictures, they are great. We thank you for joining Glacier Helicopters in Franz Josef.
Written 25 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trav24
Grafton, Australia25 contributions
A truly magical experience getting a bird's eye over the fox glacier is something I'll never forget we were fortunate enough to get good weather seeing the snow overspilling the mountains and the ne'ves running down the mountain into the river, staff were friendly & informative also 10/10.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey36979649387
Kia Ora Trav24, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We love hearing how much our customers enjoy their experiences with us. The views are stunning and it's always a treat when the weather is perfect. Sounds like you had the perfect day for it. Thanks so much for acknowledging the work of our staff. We appreciate your support and hope to see you for another flight in the future.
Written 6 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dianne B
Brisbane, Australia55 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is a once in a lifetime experience- we did the 40 min tour and flew around Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
Also the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers.
The views were breathtaking.
Our pilot, Richard was very skilled friendly and informative.
The staff back at the base were also very friendly, efficient and accommodating.
I would highly recommend this tour and this company
Also the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers.
The views were breathtaking.
Our pilot, Richard was very skilled friendly and informative.
The staff back at the base were also very friendly, efficient and accommodating.
I would highly recommend this tour and this company
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey36979649387
Kia Ora Dianne, thank you for leaving us a 5-star review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your trip with us around Mount Cook and the Glaciers with Richard and our ground crew staff. They'll love hearing how much you appreciated their efforts. Thank you for flying with us.
Written 6 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JessFree
Dunedin, New Zealand87 contributions
Jul 2023
We really enjoyed our trip with Glacier Helicopters. The flight was just stunning, with good views of both Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. The snow landing was beautiful - there was no wind so it wasn't cold at all up there.
Loved the commentary and the discussion with the pilot when we landed
I'd also like to mention how accommodating the team was. I messed up and booked a trip from Fox Glacier and turned up to Franz Josef. I was so pleasantly surprised at how helpful the team was, rebooking us the next day onto a flight leaving from Franz Josef. Often with these sorts of mess ups it can be a "too bad" situation, but the team at Glacier Helicopters were nothing but kind and accommodating. Thank you so much!
Loved the commentary and the discussion with the pilot when we landed
I'd also like to mention how accommodating the team was. I messed up and booked a trip from Fox Glacier and turned up to Franz Josef. I was so pleasantly surprised at how helpful the team was, rebooking us the next day onto a flight leaving from Franz Josef. Often with these sorts of mess ups it can be a "too bad" situation, but the team at Glacier Helicopters were nothing but kind and accommodating. Thank you so much!
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey36979649387
Kia Ora Jess, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very happy to hear you enjoyed the flight, our pilot and our staff. The team do our best to try sort something to ensure we have an alternative for all customers. Will pass along your feedback to our staff. Thank you for including us on your West Coast adventure.
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonjour
Est il possible de faire le vol en famille sur la même rotation ? 2 adultes + 3 enfants ?
Merci
TotallyTourism
Queenstown, New Zealand1 contribution
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 😊
LoveToTravel1910
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
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.
Elcowen75
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam27 contributions
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.
Anteater222222
London, UK323 contributions
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?
tatoland
Syracuse, NY129 contributions
Morning, or midday, as it can get cloudy later in the afternoon.
Karishma
Melbourne, Australia91 contributions
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.
Shirley O
Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributions
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 😀
Jikku
Madurai27 contributions
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 ?
Bonnie K
Jerusalem, Israel332 contributions
We were a group of 36. We stayed overnight in FJ and went up in the helicopters early a.m.
jojo255061
Wagga Wagga, Australia353 contributions
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.?
nwallington
Christchurch, New Zealand133 contributions
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.
Learick
Sint-Oedenrode, The Netherlands32 contributions
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?
jopie-jo
Beuningen, The Netherlands37 contributions
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!
MargaretRD
Camberwell, Victoria, Australia1 contribution
What happens if you have paid on line and the weather prevents the tour proceeding? I am only in town for 1 day...
Moosie57
London, UK2,097 contributions
They don't take your money online, just block it and release it if you don't fly
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.
davidretired
England, UK83 contributions
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!!!