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Discover the majestic glaciers of New Zealand's West Coast from above with INFLITE’s Grand Circle tour. Land on a glacier, snap stunning photos, and see towering ice formations in a way few can experience.
Discover the majestic glaciers of New Zealand's West Coast from above with INFLITE’s Grand Circle tour. Land on a glacier, snap stunning photos, and see towering ice formations in a way few can experience.
Book with INFLITE - West Coast
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by INFLITE - West Coast · Franz Josef / Waiau, West Coast
Located on New Zealand's South Island, the West Coast is renowned for its rugged wilderness and legendary glaciers. The INFLITE Grand Circle tour offers an immersive experience through some of the region’s most striking icy landscapes. Starting from the charming town of Franz Josef, this journey takes travelers over the breathtaking La Perouse and Balfour Glaciers, with in-flight views that reveal intricate crevasse patterns and towering ice formations. The tour also includes a landing on the Tasman Glacier, where visitors can step out onto the vast, serene surface, capturing photos of surreal blue ice and rugged, snow-capped peaks. The lush rainforests below and the imposing Aoraki Mount Cook in the distance create a dramatic contrast, making this trip a photographer’s dream. Such close encounters with ice and mountain scenery are rare, and the perspective from above offers a comprehensive look into these ancient glaciers formed over thousands of years. The region’s volcanic origins and frequent weather changes add to its unpredictable charm, making each flight a unique adventure. Whether it’s your first time flying over glaciers or a repeat expedition, INFLITE's knowledgeable guides ensure a safe, informative, and exhilarating experience. The West Coast's rugged beauty and the pristine, sculpted ice of the glaciers make this tour a standout highlight in New Zealand’s outdoor adventure offerings, perfect for those craving awe-inspiring vistas and a deeper connection with nature’s icy giants.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
Yes, INFLITE operates with strict safety standards and experienced pilots dedicated to passenger safety.
The landing on the Tasman Glacier typically lasts around 20-30 minutes, allowing ample time for photos and exploration.
Wear layered clothing suited for cold conditions, including windproof jackets and sturdy footwear.
This tour requires moderate walking; please contact INFLITE for specific accessibility accommodations.
Yes, there are weight restrictions for passenger safety; check with INFLITE at booking.
In case of bad weather, tours are rescheduled or refunded, depending on the booking policies.
The glaciers have shaped the landscape over thousands of years, revealing a dynamic natural history since the last ice age.
INFLITE participates in environmental practices that prioritize minimal impact, including strict flight altitudes and eco-friendly operations.
INFLITE - West Coast operates from Franz Josef / Waiau on New Zealand’s West Coast and offers helicopter sightseeing, glacier landings, alpine picnics and tandem skydives across the Southern Alps. The business provides a range of guided aerial experiences that showcase Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers, as well as views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding peaks. INFLITE’s program includes 30-minute scenic flights such as the Tasman Experience, extended circuits like the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers Grand Circle, and private glacier landings for picnic experiences on the Tasman Glacier. For adrenaline seekers, INFLITE offers tandem skydives at multiple altitudes — options include 10,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft and 18,000ft — plus combo packages that pair a helicopter glacier landing with a 13,000ft skydive. All operations are based in Franz Josef / Waiau and focus on delivering aerial sightseeing and tandem skydive experiences in the Westland and Aoraki/Mount Cook regions. Trip itineraries cover glacier overflights, ice landings, and scenic approaches that reveal lakes, rainforests and alpine terrain. Specific durations and freefall times vary by jump altitude (for example, the 13,000ft skydive includes about a 45-second freefall and the 18,000ft option includes about an 85-second freefall). Prospective guests should review official trip listings for current availability, altitude options, and booking details.
Book with INFLITE - West Coast