How long is the Glacier Explorer flight?

The private charter flight lasts approximately 25 minutes, including a 10-minute snow or alpine landing.

Is the snow landing guaranteed on all flights?

Snow landings depend on seasonal snow cover and weather conditions and are not guaranteed year-round.

Do I need to have prior experience for this helicopter flight?

No experience is required; the flight is suitable for most ages and abilities with safety briefing provided.

What should I bring on the flight?

Bring warm layered clothing, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and a fully charged camera or smartphone.

How do weather conditions affect the flight?

Weather can cause last-minute cancellations or changes to flight paths, particularly affecting snow landings.

Can I bring children on this tour?

Yes, but all passengers must meet weight and safety guidelines provided by the company.

Glacier Country Helicopters: Franz Josef Glacier Flight | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

On New Zealand's dramatic West Coast lies Franz Josef / Waiau, a gateway to one of the planet’s most dynamic natural wonders: the Franz Josef Glacier. Glacier Country Helicopters brings this extraordinary landscape into sharp focus with their Glacier Explorer private charter—a 25-minute helicopter flight that transforms sightseeing into an intimate, high-altitude adventure. From the moment you lift off, the towering Southern Alps unfold beneath you, their jagged peaks punctuated by sprawling ice fields and alpine valleys carved over millennia.

This private flight delivers more than just aerial views. With seating designed for personal comfort and privacy, every traveler gets an unobstructed vantage point to capture the glacier’s deep crevasses, glacial lakes, and rugged snow-capped peaks. The flight includes a distinctive 10-minute snow landing, offering the rare opportunity to step onto the icy surface or alpine terrain, depending on seasonal conditions. This is not just a photo op—it’s a direct connection to a living river of ice nestled within New Zealand’s famed temperate rainforest.

The Franz Josef Glacier is unique for its rapid flow and accessibility, descending from the Southern Alps to near sea level. Nearby peaks like Mt Ellie de Beaumont add to the dramatic scene, offering complex geological contrasts between ancient rock formations and ever-changing ice. This area is steeped in Māori history and local lore, where glaciers and mountains hold cultural significance that continues to inspire reverence.

Glacier Country Helicopters stands out in this rugged recreation landscape for combining safety, expert piloting, and flexible private charters that deeply enhance visitors’ connection to the environment. Given the delicate ecological balance and frequent weather shifts of the region, these flights demand precision and respect for local conditions. For visitors keen to witness one of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers from above and up close, the Glacier Explorer charter is an unmatched entry point into the wild heart of the Southern Alps.