Adventure Brief
Skip the long road journey and take a private helicopter transfer from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Experience stunning alpine views and a comfortable flight with Glacier Country Helicopters.
1 hour
easy
From NZ$9,469.57
Family Friendly
Skip the long road journey and take a private helicopter transfer from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Experience stunning alpine views and a comfortable flight with Glacier Country Helicopters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
The Franz Josef Glacier is named after Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria and has drawn explorers since the 19th century, while Wanaka developed as an alpine hub during the early 20th century.
Conservation
Glacier Country Helicopters prioritizes minimal environmental impact by adhering to strict flight paths that reduce disturbance to wildlife and preserve the pristine South Island wilderness.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Skip the long road journey and take a private helicopter transfer from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Experience stunning alpine views and a comfortable flight with Glacier Country Helicopters.
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.
Pack Light for Your Flight
Baggage allowance is limited; contact Glacier Country Helicopters in advance if you have more than one small bag per person.
Arrive Early to the Office
Plan to reach the Glacier Country Helicopters office before your flight for a smooth check-in and briefing.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary during flight; wearing layers helps ensure comfort in changing conditions.
Bring a Camera
The aerial views of glaciers, valleys, and alpine peaks are spectacular; have your camera ready for photos.
Layered Clothing
Adapts to temperature changes during the flight for comfort.
all
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Protects from glare and UV exposure in bright alpine conditions.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Captures the stunning aerial landscapes.
all
Compact Personal Bag
Fits within baggage allowance and keeps essentials handy.
all