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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.
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.
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 truly singular experience on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island — a private 50-minute heli-flight that carves a direct path to the Shackleton Glacier, an icy giant named after the famous Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Launching from Franz Josef / Waiau, this flight delivers striking views of three iconic glaciers: Franz Josef, Tasman, and Shackleton itself. The journey slices through the raw, rugged Southern Alps, soaring over jagged peaks like Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and passing through landscapes where epic scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed.
What sets this experience apart is the immersive blend of natural majesty and history. The Shackleton Glacier carries stories of endurance and exploration, while the Southern Alps lay bare their ancient rock faces and sweeping ice fields. The flight pauses for a 15-minute snow landing, giving adventurers a chance to feel the crisp alpine air and snap photos amid an untracked winter environment. As a final touch, passengers savor a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey, served with glacial ice, pairing the flavors of this craft spirit with views that mountain lovers live for.
Glacier Country Helicopters stands out as a gateway to remote wilderness that few other operators can match. Their expert pilots navigate challenging mountain weather with impeccable precision, ensuring a safe, personalized journey. Franz Josef itself is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with this helicopter trip offering one of the most direct arteries into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and least accessible glacier terrain. For travelers seeking to combine thrilling flight, heritage, and crisp mountain scenery, this private charter delivers an unforgettable alpine adventure that expands the scope of what a helicopter tour can be.
easy.
50 minutes.
Minimal physical exertion required; must be able to sit securely during flight and manage a short stop on snow.
Yes, but all passengers must meet the helicopter’s weight and safety requirements; please confirm details when booking.
Outside food or drinks are generally not permitted; however, a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey is included.
Flights may be rescheduled or refunded for safety due to unfavorable weather conditions; always check ahead.
Passengers should be able to sit securely and safely for 50 minutes and manage a brief snow landing walk.
Yes, this charter is a private experience perfect for small groups; please contact Glacier Country Helicopters for details.
Yes, year-round availability depends on weather; the snow landing’s conditions vary by season.
The Shackleton Glacier honors Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose Antarctic expeditions embody endurance and courage, linking southern exploration history with New Zealand’s alpine frontiers.
Operators emphasize minimal environmental footprint by following strict flight and landing protocols to protect fragile alpine and glacier 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