Soar over glaciers and mountains on a helicopter tour that unveils Glacier Country’s breathtaking beauty. Two snow landings and panoramic views make this a must-do adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most travelers.
Wildlife
History
The glaciers and mountains have featured in Māori legends for centuries, symbolizing ancestral guardianship.
Conservation
Tour operators follow strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact and preserve the fragile ice and mountain ecosystems.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Soar over glaciers and mountains on a helicopter tour that unveils Glacier Country’s breathtaking beauty. Two snow landings and panoramic views make this a must-do adventure.
Glacier Country Helicopters is a Franz Josef, West Coast based helicopter operator offering scenic glacier flights, private transfers, and charter services across New Zealand's Southern Alps. The company specialises in point-to-point transfers such as Mount Cook to Franz Josef, Wanaka to Franz Josef, Christchurch to Franz Josef, Greymouth to Franz Josef, and Queenstown / Milford Sounds to Franz Josef, with published flight durations including 30 minutes, one hour and 1.5 hours depending on route.
In addition to private transfers, Glacier Country Helicopters operates a range of scenic experiences over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers including the Twin Glacier overflight (16–20 minutes), Glacier Explorer (25 minutes), Ultimate Discovery (45 minutes), and Mt Cook Supreme (60 minutes) with options that include snow or alpine landings. The operator also lists dedicated private charter options, proposal flights, shuttle links between Franz Josef and nearby airports such as Hokitika and Greymouth, and special packages like the Helicopter & Hummers – Fly & Dine Package.
Departure points referenced in trip descriptions include Mount Cook Airfield, Wanaka Airport, Christchurch Garden City Heliport and local Glacier Country Helicopters offices at Franz Josef. All trip summaries describe private or small-group helicopter operations tailored to transfers or scenic sightseeing. Glacier Country Helicopters provides a range of flight lengths and private charter options to suit traveler itineraries across the West Coast and Southern Alps.
Location
Franz Josef, West Coast
Central hub for glacier flights
Tours Offered
22
Range of transfers and scenic flights
Flight Times
16–90 min
Short overflights to hour-plus tours
Private Charters
Available
Custom flights and transfers offered
Secure a private transfer or scenic glacier flight — check availability for Mount Cook, Wanaka, Christchurch and regional transfers and charter options.
Book in clear weather
Opt for sunny days to get the best visibility and photographic opportunities.
Bring warm layers
Even with a helicopter, temperatures at altitude can be chilly, especially during winter.
Secure all loose items
Hold onto personal belongings to prevent them from flying out during the flight.
Practice safety protocols
Follow all instructions given by the pilot to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Camera
Capture the stunning vistas from the helicopter with a secure, easy-to-handle camera or smartphone.
Warm jacket
Layered clothing keeps you comfortable during the aerial ride, especially in colder months.
winter
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare and wind while flying.
summer
Hat
A hat with a brim can help shield your face from wind and sun.