Take to the skies with Glacier Country Helicopters on a private flight to Shackleton Glacier. Enjoy snow landings, towering alpine views, and a unique whiskey tasting with glacial ice.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; must be able to sit securely during flight and manage a short stop on snow.
Wildlife
History
The Shackleton Glacier honors Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose Antarctic expeditions embody endurance and courage, linking southern exploration history with New Zealand’s alpine frontiers.
Conservation
Operators emphasize minimal environmental footprint by following strict flight and landing protocols to protect fragile alpine and glacier environments.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Take to the skies with Glacier Country Helicopters on a private flight to Shackleton Glacier. Enjoy snow landings, towering alpine views, and a unique whiskey tasting with glacial ice.
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 Early for Weight Balance Accuracy
Ensure you provide accurate passenger weights at booking to meet helicopter balance requirements and avoid rescheduling.
Dress in Warm, Layered Clothing
Temperatures can drop significantly on the landing site; bring windproof and insulating layers to stay comfortable.
Bring a Good Camera or Smartphone
The flight offers expansive glacier and mountain photography opportunities—secure your device to capture stunning vistas.
Prepare for Quick Snow Landing
Snow conditions may be variable; sturdy footwear is recommended for short walks during the snow landing stop.
Warm Layered Clothing
Insulating and windproof layers keep you comfortable during the snow landing and open cabin flight.
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Sturdy Footwear
Snow landing requires solid footwear for footing on icy and uneven terrain.
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Sunglasses
Protect your eyes against high-altitude glare reflecting off snow and ice.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture dramatic alpine and glacier landscapes during flight and landing.
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