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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
35 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion needed; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
The Franz Josef Glacier region has been a site of both Māori cultural significance and European mountaineering history since the late 19th century.
Conservation
Glacier Country Helicopters works with local conservation efforts to minimize disturbance and promote sustainable tourism in fragile alpine environments.
Glacier Country Helicopters
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.
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 with accurate weights
Provide precise passenger weights during booking to comply with helicopter weight and balance requirements and avoid rescheduling.
Dress for alpine conditions
Though the flight is short, bring warm layers and sunglasses to stay comfortable during the snow landing.
Arrive early for briefing
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure for safety and pre-flight checks.
Camera ready with secure straps
Bring a camera with a strap or secure case to capture panoramic views safely during flight.
Warm layers
To stay comfortable during cold weather and snow landings.
fall|winter|spring
Sunglasses
Protect eyes from glare over ice and snow.
summer|null
Camera with strap
Capture stunning aerial views securely.
Non-slip footwear
Necessary for safe footing on icy or uneven snow surfaces during landings.