We had booked a 45 minute tour to take us from Franz Josef, over both glaciers and around Mount Cook with a snow landing. This was the longest and most expensive trip. When we arrived, in plenty of time for our 10:20 flight, the weather was cloudy after overnight rain and we were prepared to be disappointed, but after a short wait and the arrival of another couple who wanted the same deal, we were able to take off. Due to weight restrictions there were only the four of us, which was fantastic.
We soared up the Franz Josef Glacier, looking down on the crevasses and seeing how 'ice-blue' it was, circled the peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, before landing on a snowfield that was so huge the other helicopters looked like toys! They took off and we were completely alone. Fantastic! The pilot took our photo with our own camera, and also one for the souvenir folder (which cost an extra $20).
The scenery was out of this world; the pilot was friendly and very informative; we didn't feel rushed; the sun above the clouds shone in a clear blue sky and it was an experience of a lifetime!
I would thoroughly recommend you choose this activity.
My only disappointment was that I couldn't take my iPad on board so had to rely on my husband's photos.