Adventure Brief
Kick off your Franz Josef adventure with a scenic 1.5-hour helicopter transfer from Christchurch. See New Zealand’s stunning landscapes from above and start your journey in style.
1.5 hours
easy
From NZ$11,363.48
Family Friendly
Kick off your Franz Josef adventure with a scenic 1.5-hour helicopter transfer from Christchurch. See New Zealand’s stunning landscapes from above and start your journey in style.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; suitable for all travelers.
Wildlife
History
Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Emperor of Austria by early explorers, reflecting European influence on New Zealand’s history.
Conservation
Local operators prioritize environmental preservation by adhering to strict guidelines during glacier tours, minimizing ecological impact.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Kick off your Franz Josef adventure with a scenic 1.5-hour helicopter transfer from Christchurch. See New Zealand’s stunning landscapes from above and start your journey in style.
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.
Book in advance
Secure your spot early to ensure availability for this popular flight.
Check weather conditions
Clear skies provide the best views; monitor weather updates before your flight.
Bring a camera
Capture the incredible vistas of the Southern Alps and glaciers from above.
Arrive early
Arriving ahead of your scheduled departure guarantees a smooth check-in process.
Camera or smartphone
Capture stunning aerial views of glaciers and mountains during the flight.
Warm layers
Bring layers to stay comfortable as temperatures can vary with altitude.
winter
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare at high altitude.
Passport or ID
Needed for check-in and identification purposes.