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Soar over New Zealand’s majestic glaciers on a private 35-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Country Helicopters. Land on snowfields and take in views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps from a unique mountain perch.
Soar over New Zealand’s majestic glaciers on a private 35-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Country Helicopters. Land on snowfields and take in views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps from a unique mountain perch.
Book with Glacier Country Helicopters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters · Franz Josef / Waiau, West Coast
Glacier Country Helicopters offers a private, 35-minute charter that delivers an unparalleled aerial perspective of New Zealand’s iconic Southern Alps and glacier landscapes. Departing from Franz Josef / Waiau on the West Coast, this flight gives travelers a rare vantage point of two mighty glaciers—choose between the adjacent Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers or the expansive Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers. The experience culminates in a unique 10-minute snow landing that allows passengers to step out and breathe in the rarefied mountain air, surrounded by pristine alpine expanses.
This private charter stands out in the region’s adventurous offerings thanks to its access to remote landing spots unreachable by foot or vehicle. These secluded locations invite visitors to immerse themselves in Glacier Country’s rugged wilderness, amidst towering peaks and vast ice formations sculpted over millennia. Along the flight path, expect sweeping views of distinct Southern Alps landmarks such as Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, New Zealand’s tallest summits, which are as striking from above as on the ground.
Operating from 10 Main Road in Franz Josef / Waiau, Glacier Country Helicopters has become a fixture in local outdoor recreation by blending expert piloting with intimate knowledge of the landscape and weather. Their commitment to safety, precision, and personalized tours creates a seamless adventure that highlights the region’s geological grandeur. Due to aircraft weight and balance constraints, accurate passenger weight information must be provided at booking to ensure a smooth flight.
This helicopter charter is ideal for travelers seeking quick but profound immersion into New Zealand’s glacier ecosystems without the intense physical demand of trekking. For those eager to witness alpine valleys, turquoise glacial rivers, and ice-carved mountain ridges from a rare viewpoint, Glacier Country Helicopters offers an eye-opening gateway to one of the country’s most spectacular environments.
easy.
35 minutes.
Minimal physical exertion needed; suitable for most fitness levels.
The helicopter accommodates up to four passengers comfortably, depending on weight and balance.
Yes, the flight is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Flights may be delayed or rescheduled for safety if weather conditions are unfavorable.
Yes, the tour includes a 10-minute snow landing at a remote glacier location.
No special skills or fitness are required since the tour is a seated helicopter flight.
Accurate passenger weights must be supplied at booking to comply with safety requirements.
The Franz Josef Glacier region has been a site of both Māori cultural significance and European mountaineering history since the late 19th century.
Glacier Country Helicopters works with local conservation efforts to minimize disturbance and promote sustainable tourism in fragile alpine environments.
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.
Book with Glacier Country Helicopters