New Zealand · HELICOPTER TOURS IN FRANZ JOSEF & THE WEST COAST
The 15 best helicopter tours in Franz Josef & the West Coast you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, with a 10-minute snow or alpine landing for photos. $230, weather dependent.
“Absolutely brilliant, Poppy was the perfect pilot- so glad we did it”
35-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef plus Fox or Tasman glaciers, with a 10-minute snow landing and live pilot commentary.
“Wonderful trip. Our pilot/guide was fantastic. Our trip was well planned and we flew over dramatic landscapes.”
Helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with a snow landing and pilot commentary. Panoramic Southern Alps views in 35 mins.
“We were lucky to have a great day for the helicopter ride which I’m sure makes all the difference.”
Franz Josef heli-hike: fly by helicopter to the glacier, strap on crampons, and take a guided walk through crevasses, caves, and ice.
“We have wanted to do the Heli-hike on Franz Joseph since 2019 when our trip was cancelled due to bad weather. To say we were excited this time around was an understatement we absolutely had the most amazing day. Our guide was ABBEY she was a bundle of energy and a wealth of knowledge on the history of the Glacier, and we felt we were in great hands. Our helicopter ride up the mountain was amazing it's one of the experiences in life that you MUST do. We had the most spectacular weather with not a cloud in the sky making for sensational photos that we will treasure forever. We…”
Fox Glacier heli-hike with two flights and up to 3 hours on ice caves and arches. Gear and guide included, 4 hours.
“Really enjoyed the experience. I was lucky to be in the front seat so had excellent views on the flight. Lovely features to explore on the ice and great equipment provided. Would have been nice to cover a bit more ground up there - not really a ‘hike’ - but a really cool experience in every way!”
25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 10-minute alpine landing stop, dramatic West Coast views included.
“A different and experience. Rachel the pilot was perfectly fine and gave a sense of security. Megan the receptin girl works with tourists and should make an effort to be nicer and more helpful.”
25-minute Franz Josef glacier helicopter with snow landing. Step onto an icefield, spot crevasses from above, and snap photos fast.
“Our 2pm flight was canceled due to cloud cover but the staff were able to put us on an 8am the next day. We had blue skies and wonderful conditions. It’s only a very short amount of time out of the helicopter, just enough time to get some pics and head back down. The flight itself was amazing, flying low over the glacier and up close to the waterfall.”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight in Franz Josef with snow landing on the ice, plus Fox Glacier views from the air and pilot narration.
“Waking to cloud cover only to see the skies clearing just in time to lift off and be able to land on the glacier..a stunning view of snow and ice and a truly amazing experience. Tim was our pilot and gave us an unforgettable and joyous trip.”
Fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers, land on snow for 15 minutes, and enjoy pilot commentary in 45 minutes.
“Our flight was Cancelled the day before due to weather but they contacted us the day before and we Moved it without any fuss . Great service and experience”
Franz Josef helicopter over Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef, with icefall views and a short snow landing. 30 minutes.
“We loved our tour of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. They were absolutely magnificent. Despite some poor weather that nearly cancelled our tour, our amazing pilot Ken managed to navigate the clouds to get some spectacular views. It’s a once in a lifetime memory that will stay with our family forever. Well worth the cost!”
25-minute Fox Glacier helicopter flight with an on-snow landing, expert pilot commentary, and big Southern Alps views for about $230.
“Great trip and I was surprised to be upgraded at the last moment. Jay was a great pilot and gave us just enough info to further enhance the trip.”
A 20-minute helicopter ride from Franz Josef with a glacier snow landing, headset commentary, and Southern Alps views of the South Island.
“It was absolutely stunning! We were so lucky that the weather was perfect. I am so happy that we have booked this activity as it is one of the highlights of our trip. Our pilot was very nice and he made us feel really comfortable all throughout the flight! We highly recommend this activity!☺️”
See Franz Josef Glacier from above on a 20-minute helicopter flight, including a snow landing for close-up views of icefalls.
Helicopter over Fox Glacier plus a snowfield landing and Mount Cook fly-past from Fox Glacier Village in about 35 minutes.
“Die mangelnde Transparenz über Kosten und wirkliche Flugdauer. Wir haben einen 35-minütigen Flug für knapp 500 Euro gebucht. Wegen schlechter Wetterbedingungen würde aus 35 Minuten 12 Minuten. Der Veranstalter hält eine Entschädigung von 117 Euro für angemessen. 370 Euro für 12 Minuten sind das Ergebnis. Dem hätte ich niemals zugestimmt. Statt Mount Cook und den Fox Gletscher würde eine kleine Schleife nur über den Fox Gletscher geflogen. Der Franz Josef Gletscher würde auch nicht als Ersatz für den nicht angeflogen Mount Cook, angeflogen. Das finde ich nicht in Ordnung.”
One hour by helicopter over four glaciers in Franz Josef, with two snow landings for photos, narration, and jaw-dropping Southern Alps views.
“Mark was great, he gave a narrative of what we were seeing and the different geographical formations we saw! 10000/10”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
