Skip long road trips with Glacier Country Helicopters’ private transfer from Franz Josef to Hokitika Airports. Travel comfortably through New Zealand’s Glacier Country, saving time for the outdoor adventures ahead.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
The West Coast’s settlement grew around gold mining in the 19th century, influencing local towns like Hokitika.
Conservation
Glacier Country Helicopters support sustainable tourism practices designed to minimize environmental impact while promoting awareness of fragile glacier ecosystems.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Skip long road trips with Glacier Country Helicopters’ private transfer from Franz Josef to Hokitika Airports. Travel comfortably through New Zealand’s Glacier Country, saving time for the outdoor adventures ahead.
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.
Confirm baggage restrictions ahead
Private transfers have limited baggage allowance; call Glacier Country Helicopters to discuss if carrying more than one small personal item per person.
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early at Glacier Country Helicopters’ office to allow ample time for briefing and boarding.
Dress for variable weather
The West Coast can be unpredictable; layers and waterproof gear ensure comfort during airport transfers.
Communicate special needs in advance
Notify the company ahead if you have mobility or special assistance requirements for the transfer.
Layered Clothing
Helps adjust to changing temperatures during the transfer and at departure points.
spring
Rain Jacket
Protects against the frequent rain typical of the West Coast environment.
fall
Comfortable Footwear
Suitable shoes make moving through airport terminals and boarding easy and safe.
Daypack
Ideal for carrying personal essentials during the transfer and onward adventures.