Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
4.5
Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
By The Helicopter Line West Coast
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About
Fly over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on a spectacular helicopter tour that includes a landing right on the snow. Seeing both glaciers on a single helicopter flight offers incredible perspective and understanding of New Zealand’s massive rivers of ice, and you touch down on one of the glaciers to snap up-close photographs of the frozen terrain.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Spectacular aerial views of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
- Live pilot commentary points out landmarks and unique features below
- Walk out onto the snow after an exciting glacier landing
- Bring home photographs of the glaciers and the stunning Southern Alps
- Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes)
- Pilot guide
- Informative commentary during the flight
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Make your way to the Franz Josef helicopter base, then step into your helicopter for a flight over the icy landscape. Spot deep crevasses and icefalls far below as you soar across Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier; watch for the differences between the two maritime glaciers. As you fly, your pilot shares commentary on the glaciers, then guides the helicopter down toward the snow for an exciting glacier landing. This is a great time to snap dramatic on-ice photographs and to get shots of the Southern Alps’ beautiful mountain scenery. Following your time on the glacier, return to the helicopter for your flight back to the helicopter base, where your 2-glacier tour concludes.
- Start:
- The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Heli Hike, Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New ZealandWeather check – due to very changeable weather conditions your weather is at same time as check-in. Check-In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- 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: 3434WHO_HLF4- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult, Children weighing less than 15kgs are required to sit on a parents lap.
- It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures
- Passengers MUST advise individual weight at time of booking
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- 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: 3434WHO_HLF4
From
$274.02
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Main South Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New ZealandWeather check – due to very changeable weather conditions your weather is at same time as check-in. Check-In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
- Pass byFranz Josef GlacierFox Glacier
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Timb6bedfordshire0 contributionsStunning tripWe decided on the spur of the moment to book a flight from the Glentanner Holiday park to Mount Cook with landing on the Tasman Glacier. What an excellent trip and views to die for. So pleased we did it and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.Written November 18, 2024
- 571gilld0 contributionsAmazing experienceWhat an experience- Simon was our pilot - very knowledgeable about the area . Would like to acknowledge the lovely Wiko who was very helpful in making our booking super easy. Thanks to everyone of the team for all their help .Written November 12, 2024
- T182IGadamz0 contributionsScenic Flight from Mount CookThis was an unbelievable experience that is well worth the money! I’m so grateful for the entire crew’s professionalism. We got some incredible photos and experienced views that we could never see anywhere else. I highly recommend this trip to anyone in NZWritten November 7, 2024
- gregoryupnorth0 contributionsÀ heli hike of an experienceAmazing experience and one we will never forget. Staff all very professional and Abby our guide was outstanding. Lucky that our second attempt the weather worked our wayWritten November 7, 2024
- 382elainew0 contributionsOther worldly!We had a little check-in location snafu at first because of a previously cancelled trip, but The Helicopter Line helped us to quickly sort it out and got us to the right place for the heli tour (Franz Josef). Staff is open and honest about possibly having to cancel or change up the route because of the weather, which is obviously out of their control. Clouds were moving in so they allowed us to go or not go. We were all in so we went and WOW, so glad we did! As for the glacier tour itself, it was out of this world! The scenery is breathtaking at every turn. The pilot, Simon, was a great guide, telling us about the glaciers. The glacier landing was short, but we had time for photos, throw snowballs and make snow angels. Would highly recommend this trip!Written November 6, 2024
- AnnMarie3030 contributionsSuper experienceGreat staff excellent trip for what we could afford and the day was just stunning for weather, great location and wee cafe too, for before and afterwardsWritten November 4, 2024
- gregrQ6676WJ0 contributionsThe bestAn amazing flight. The landing on a snow top mountain without a breath of wind was surreal Our pilot Greg was fantastic and very knowledgeable.Written October 26, 2024
- R7813JDjon0 contributionsFox glacier helicopter flightFantastic experience! The highlight of our New Zealand trip. The staff were friendly and communicated clearly about all aspects of the trip. We felt safe and the staff made our flight thoroughly enjoyable. Landing on a glacier is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so glad we did this!Written October 23, 2024
- Chris O0 contributionsDon’t hesitate to do this flightBrilliant experience, the weather was perfect so made the experience outstanding, Gregg the pilot was great fun to be with and provided brilliant and informative commentary. Landing on pristine snow was a bonus and the photos we will treasure forever. Highly recommend this company and the staff.Written October 15, 2024
- susanbJ3593RX0 contributionsExcellent mountain flightWe flew from Queenstown over Milford Sound, landing once on snow and later on a mountain ridge. Views were amazing and the pilot was extremely helpful and friendly. An excellent company to fly with.Written October 2, 2024
- 276geetak0 contributionsAn unforgettable experience!An exhilarating, memorable and fantastic ride! Bill was super competent, helpful and an amazing tour guide. We landed on the snow peak. It was an unforgettable experience!Written September 25, 2024
- jesscM9104ZX0 contributionsThe most amazing experience!Our flight nearly didn’t go ahead because there was only two of us booked on and we needed a minimum of three. The staff did everything they could to ensure we could fly, they were so so helpful. We managed to change from Franz josef glacier to Fox glacier. It was amazing, the flight was so cool and landing on the snow was beautiful. Definitely worth the money!! Our pilot Tim was great and Hannah (I think that’s her name?) at the office was so helpful with sorting our flight.Written September 24, 2024
- pkh2130 contributionsBeautiful Franz Josef Glacier!Since our Heli Hiking trip was cancelled the day before for rain, we took a short flight up and over Franz Josef Glacier, and landed in the snow for seven minutes. It was a beautiful experience, and gives you another perspective of this famous glacier. So glad we were able to book it.Written September 18, 2024
- jasonfD2739JF0 contributionsA+ ExperienceHad a great time taking a flight recently out of Queenstown. Everything was excellent - our guide was informative and funny, the experience of riding in a helicopter and both seeing and landing on a glacier was amazing, and all the logistics around pickup and drop off to the city center were wonderful. A+Written September 4, 2024
- Stay120165260350 contributionsPilot's Choice flight out of Queenstown - EPIC!!The staff were incredible from start to finish with pick up from Queenstown central and drop off afterwards. Our pilot Charlotte was friendly, informative and a great photographer - we really enjoyed our trip!Written July 4, 2024
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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
61 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
5
hodgesne118
Hamilton, New Zealand7 contributions
Jun 2020
Paid the same as everyone else on the flight but they sat me on the back seat between two strangers so it was pretty much impossible to take photos or get a good view out the windows. Not very fair.
In hindsight when they told me where I would be sitting I should have said no thanks and gone somewhere else.
The landing on the mountain was good but the flight was disappointing.
Was looking forward to this but it turned out to be a waste of money. Feel ripped off!
In hindsight when they told me where I would be sitting I should have said no thanks and gone somewhere else.
The landing on the mountain was good but the flight was disappointing.
Was looking forward to this but it turned out to be a waste of money. Feel ripped off!
Written June 25, 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 hodgesne118, thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience in the helicopter was not what you had hoped for. When seating clients in the helicopter we must balance the aircraft. We take great pride in making sure that everyone gets great views and a great experience, We do hope you enjoy the rest of your time in our beautiful part of the country and had a safe journey. Please contact us directly if you would like to discuss further on franz@helicopter.co.nz.
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgia P
6 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
My experience with @thehelicopterline was incredible. From the customer service, friendliness and efficiency of the ground team Vicky, Gordana and Brenden in Franz Josef Glacier town to the pilot in the helicopter - it was seamless. The experience was one of the best things I've ever done. Absolutely beautiful. The helicopter was really graceful and the whole thing was just jaw dropping. Thanks soooo much guys!
Written June 2, 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 there, thank you for your generous review. We are so happy to be able to share our beautiful backyard with you. We are extremely pleased to hear that Vicky our Heli base Manager, Gordana and Brenden were top notch, They are all so happy you enjoyed their friendliness and efficiency. They are key members of this team so we will make sure to pass on your kind review. We could not agree more, Hine Hukatere is such a beauty and we are pleased you got to experience it. Thank you once again for your kind words and hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in our lovely town.
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve D
Taupo District, New Zealand19 contributions
A brilliant experience provided by a great crew.
From arrival the ground crew Katie and Drey were attentive and helpful and the pilot Dion was really good. The flight was for 30 minutes but seemed longer. Dion provided commentary on points of interest. Landing on the glacier was really special. I fully recommend this trip. Great value for money. AAA+++
From arrival the ground crew Katie and Drey were attentive and helpful and the pilot Dion was really good. The flight was for 30 minutes but seemed longer. Dion provided commentary on points of interest. Landing on the glacier was really special. I fully recommend this trip. Great value for money. AAA+++
Written June 23, 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 there and thank you so much for such wonderful feedback. Franz & Fox glacier are 2 of 3 glaciers located in the middle of a rainforest; so, we are thrilled you were able to explore both with us. The team in the office and your pilot are top notch and will appreciate your kind words. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Franz Josef.
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MJoanna
Ghent, Belgium7 contributions
We went to the office in the morning. Dre was super helpful and gave us information on all the options. We were able to book a nice deal the same day!!!
The flight was just AMAZING!!! I could almost cry about how beautiful everything was. We landed on top of the glacier, where we could take pictures and walk around. The pilot, Tim, even took pictures of my friend and me together! He was really relaxed which made me feel safe during the whole flight. Also I didn’t feel sick at all and I’m a little sensitive to feeling nauseous on planes, boates, cars, ...
I’m still superexcited about the scenery and I’m so happy with all the videos and pictures I took. This is really one of the most memorable things I did in NZ.
Big thank you to the company 🙏🏻
The flight was just AMAZING!!! I could almost cry about how beautiful everything was. We landed on top of the glacier, where we could take pictures and walk around. The pilot, Tim, even took pictures of my friend and me together! He was really relaxed which made me feel safe during the whole flight. Also I didn’t feel sick at all and I’m a little sensitive to feeling nauseous on planes, boates, cars, ...
I’m still superexcited about the scenery and I’m so happy with all the videos and pictures I took. This is really one of the most memorable things I did in NZ.
Big thank you to the company 🙏🏻
Written June 8, 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 there, thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review. We are happy to hear that your experience from beginning to end was on point. Flying around both Franz & Fox Glacier is stunning, and we are glad you got to experience this with one of our amazing pilots. We will make sure to pass on your feedback to both Dre in the office and Tim your pilot, they will be happy to know you had such a successful experience.
We are glad that the helicopter ride was smooth and did not make you feel nauseous; makes the experience 10x more enjoyable. Please feel free to tag us in your photos/videos, we would love to see your footage. Once again thank you so much for flying with us and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels around this beautiful country!
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosemary C
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
I did the helicopter hike with Helicopter line, booked very last minute with just one days notice and this is hands down the best thing I did in New Zealand! I could harp on about the experience which I just have no words for but I want to recognise the amazing crew this company has. From start to finish arriving and being helped by the desk staff, the pilots and to the amazing guide we had who really made the trip! Thank you Ejule you were so fun and so obviously love what you do that it could be felt through our time on the mountain. I particularly loved the blessing you said before our trip in Māori, all nerves just disappeared. So thank you again everyone for a once in a lifetime experience <3
Written May 22, 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.
Kia Ora,
Many thanks for your wonderful 5-star review. We're thrilled you enjoyed your adventure with our team. We'll be sure to pass along your fantastic feedback to Ejule and the rest of our team. The views from our backyard are spectacular and we are proud our team made your experience even more special. Thank you for joining us on the West Coast.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Written May 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cassandraw224
Christchurch, New Zealand13 contributions
Apr 2021
We didn't actually get to do this activity because although the weather was balmy and in the 20s at ground level, the cloud was coming over the mountain so our trip was canned and we were rebooked for the following morning. The next day was no better with cloud covering the mountain.
What we want to say is we had an amazing experience with the reception staff. They were very helpful and very apologetic about the cancellations. We would have no hesitation in booking with the company again.
Their office is on the main street and easy to find.
What we want to say is we had an amazing experience with the reception staff. They were very helpful and very apologetic about the cancellations. We would have no hesitation in booking with the company again.
Their office is on the main street and easy to find.
Written April 15, 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 cassandraw224
We’re disappointed the weather didn’t play ball, however we’re pleased to hear you had great interactions with our staff. If the weather doesn’t permit flying, we do our best to reschedule flights for customers as often as possible. Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, we would love to see you again in the future to finally show you just how nice our back yard is!
Kind regards
The Helicopter Line
Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marilyn M
Columbia, MD127 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The helicopter flight and glacier landing was thrilling. It was amazing to be on the glacier with jagged mountains all round. The entire trip was 30 minutes with 5-8 minutes on the glacier. This was my first helicopter ride and I felt very safe. There was a safety briefing before walking to the pad. The pilot and ground crew checked things pre-flight. Also before taking off from the glacier, the pilot did a walk around pre-flight check. There are several other trips that we weren’t aware of because our travel agent didn’t give us a choice. We would have enjoyed a longer flight.
Written June 6, 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 Marilyn,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a wonderful, 5-star review. We are happy to read about your experience with us. Our pilots and ground crew take great care to ensure our guests feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey. We do appreciate your feedback and will pass this along to our ground crew. Thank you for joining us in Franz Josef. We look forward to seeing you for a longer flight in the future.
Written July 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cagechop
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Originally booked for the afternoon before but rescheduled due to bad weather.Next day 8am departure for 30 minute flight to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Landed and walked on Fox Glacier after 10 minute flight over the Franz Josef Glacier. 6 passengers in total. Two in front with Pilot, four in back. Good line of sight for most passengers although best in front seat. Landed and walked on glacier - fly back over Fox Glacier. Knowledgeable and friendly pilot. Great experience.
Written January 12, 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 there,
Thank you for leaving us an awesome review.
We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and that despite being cancelled for weather for your initial booking, we were able to accommodate you the following morning. Our helicopters do seat six passengers and are loaded for weight and balance. The landing is a special part of the experience, the view incomparable.
Wishing you a safe journey home.
Kind Regards,
The Helicopter Line, West Coast.
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
736ptl
Phoenix, AZ8 contributions
Booked a flight. Arrived and was told ‘flight was cancelled, sorry’ assuming due to weather. No offer to rebook later that day.
I asked if they normally contacted clients to let them know in advance of a cancellation and they said ‘nope’.
Pretty much no one cares. Absolutely terrible customer service.
Don’t waste your time with this corporate entity and instead book with Glacier Country Helicopters who are a locally owned operator. Customer service with Glacier Country Helicopters was excellent.
I asked if they normally contacted clients to let them know in advance of a cancellation and they said ‘nope’.
Pretty much no one cares. Absolutely terrible customer service.
Don’t waste your time with this corporate entity and instead book with Glacier Country Helicopters who are a locally owned operator. Customer service with Glacier Country Helicopters was excellent.
Written December 3, 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.
Thank you for your review. On behalf of our team, I would like to apologise for the lack of communication and empathy when your flight was cancelled due to weather. The final call for whether the flight is cancelled or going ahead is made 30 minutes prior to your flight departure at check in time. This is to ensure our pilots have the most correct and up to date weather call. There is no excuse for the communication you received as that is not how we like our customers to go away feeling. I have passed this feedback onto our team to discuss. We strive to go above and beyond to ensure our customers have a positive and safe experience. Once again, we apologise for the experience you received from us, but I am pleased to hear you had a great experience seeing the spectacular background we have here on the West Coast.
Written March 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterODover
Dover, DE128 contributions
Nov 2022
Once we had booked our time and date, we received regular communication from the company as to what to expect, etc. Once we arrived, the process was very courteous, friendly and efficient. After receiving a thorough briefing were escorted to the helipad and off we went. The flight was exceptional. The pilot was competent and very helpful. The whole experience was just wonderful. Thank you.
Written November 18, 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.
Kia Ora Peter,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review and share your experience. It sounds like you were very prepared for your flight. Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your support of The Helicopter Line.
Written March 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can i get full.refund if the weather does not permitted to flight?
Thank you
Written January 19, 2021
Hallo ,kann man die Abflugszeit im Voraus bei der Buchung mit angeben?Wir sind eine Gruppe von vier Personen und wollten gegen 11:00 fliegen .
Written July 4, 2019
Sorry falschen Butten gedrückt.Die Antwort war sehr hilfreich ....Danke !!!
Written July 5, 2019
How many seats in a helicopters? We are a group of 7 adults. Can we have flight altogether?
Written March 17, 2019
We were six on our trip, and I did not think there was room for any more.
Written April 3, 2019
We are due to fly with your organisation on 3 February. Can I ask about the seating arrangements on the helicopter. Unfortunately when I usually take helicopter flights either myself or my husband (usually me) are put in a seat in the middle of the helicopter & don't get to see anything. So I'm asking what is the seating arrangements on your helicopters. I look forward to your response.
Written January 23, 2019
Two people sit up the front with the pilot. They have a great; uninterrupted view. Four people sit in the back seat. The two at the window seat have a very good view out of the side. The two in the middle can see quite well out of the side windows and through the front windows. The only issue with the middle seats is that you can’t see straight down. If you are seated in the back, one of you will receive a window seat and the other a middle seat. You can ask to swap positions on the return flight after the landing. We travelled as four and were seated at the back. We swapped seats after the landing and none of us felt like we missed out. It was absolutely brilliant.
Written January 23, 2019
Unfortunately when I usually take helicopter flights either myself or my husband (usually me) are put in a seat in the middle of the helicopter & don't get to see anything. So I'm asking what is the seating arrangements on your helicopters.
Written January 11, 2019
Hello, you'd have to speak to the company about how they work out who sits where. I know it can have something to do with weight, but I've asked to be moved on a previous trip and they accommodated me.
Written January 21, 2019
Hi, We are family of 5 adults and 2 kids. Is this helicopter flight tour available for kids age 7 and 6? thanks
Written May 22, 2018
I thing age 6 and 7 should be fine. For 100% sure, better visit those helicopter website to confirm. Family 5 adult + 2 kids may be just your family fly 1 helicopter, no need to share with other tourist.
hope good luck have a nice weather to allow walking on mountain top glacier. Enjoy the flight, it is amazing !
Written May 23, 2018
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