What is the cancellation policy?

Flights are subject to weather conditions; cancellations or rescheduling options are provided when necessary.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes, for safety reasons, weight limits apply. Contact the company directly for specific details.

Can I bring a child on this flight?

Children are welcome but must meet minimum age and safety requirements; confirm ahead with bookings.

What should I wear during my flight?

Dress in warm, layered clothing with sturdy shoes suitable for cold and windy alpine conditions.

How close does the helicopter land to the glacier?

The 10-minute landing places you on an alpine or snowfield near the glacier, providing an immersive close-up experience.

Are photography or video devices allowed onboard?

Yes, cameras and smartphones are encouraged to capture the stunning scenery, but secure devices during takeoff and landing.

Helicopter Glacier Flights with Glacier Country Helicopters | Air Activities | Sightseeing Tour

Adventure Brief

Take to the skies above New Zealand’s Franz Josef Glacier on a thrilling 25-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Country Helicopters. Witness glaciers, rainforests, and alpine peaks from an unmatched vantage point—complete with a breathtaking snow or alpine landing.

25 minutes

easy

From NZ$415.61

On New Zealand’s rugged West Coast, Glacier Country Helicopters offers a 25-minute helicopter flight that delivers a commanding view of some of the planet’s most dramatic alpine landscapes. Departing from Franz Josef / Waiau, this short but remarkable ride reveals the icy expanse of the Franz Josef Glacier, the sweeping Southern Alps, and the lush rainforests that thrive in the region’s temperate climate. The journey climaxes with a 10-minute alpine or snow landing, placing you amid towering peaks, where you can feel the crisp mountain air and appreciate the scale of these ancient glaciers up close.

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into a temperate rainforest, creating an extraordinary contrast between ice and verdant forest. Helicopter flights allow visitors to surpass the limits of hiking trails and road access, offering perspectives of jagged ice formations and glacial valleys carved over millennia. This adventure touches on the remote Mt Ellie de Beaumont, a notable peak within the Southern Alps, reinforcing the area’s geological grandeur.

Glacier Country Helicopters stands out as a vital conduit between travelers and this wild landscape, combining local knowledge with expert piloting skill. Their commitment to safety and environmental care ensures that each flight minimizes its ecological footprint, protecting this fragile environment for future adventurers.

While the West Coast experiences variable weather that can affect flight schedules, the company operates with genuine flexibility and professionalism. Their close connection to the region makes this short flight a must-do for anyone eager to engage with New Zealand’s alpine wilderness in a time-efficient and awe-inspiring way.