Is prior flying experience required?

No experience is necessary; this tour is designed for passengers of all backgrounds.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are often rescheduled or refunded if poor weather makes flying unsafe.

Is the whiskey tasting included in the price?

Yes, a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey is part of the overall experience.

Can children participate in the flight?

Age policies vary; check directly with Glacier Country Helicopters before booking.

How cold is the snow landing?

Temperatures can be near freezing; dress in warm layers to stay comfortable.

Are there any weight restrictions?

There may be weight limits for safety; confirm with the operator when booking.

Soar Over Shackleton Glacier: A 50-Minute Helicopter Adventure with Whiskey Tasting

On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand's South Island lies an airborne adventure that redefines sightseeing— the Shackleton Whiskey Endurance tour. Launching from Franz Josef / Waiau, this 50-minute helicopter journey offers an unrivaled window into the wild grandeur of the Southern Alps and the iconic Shackleton Glacier. As you ascend into the crystalline skies, tectonic forces and millennia-old glacial sculpting unfold beneath your feet, revealing a landscape forged by ice and time. The flight path sweeps over three massive glaciers, each curving through steep valleys, capped with blue ice fields that catch sunlight in an almost alien glow. The engineered precision of Glacier Country Helicopters allows for a rare experience: a snow landing perched atop Antarctic-style ice fields within New Zealand’s dramatic Southern Alps.

Adding a unique historical twist to this epic flight is a complimentary tasting of Shackleton Whiskey. Inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton’s heroic Antarctic expedition in the early 20th century, the whiskey captures the spirit of endurance and adventure while providing a warm, comforting contrast to the crisp mountain air. This melding of natural spectacle and cultural homage makes the experience richer and distinctively memorable.

Franz Josef / Waiau itself is a hub for alpine seekers and glacier explorers, with this helicopter excursion standing out as one of the most immersive ways to grasp the expansive scale and raw beauty of this remote region. The jagged peaks, visible crevasses, and snow-capped ridges reflect the dynamic geological story of New Zealand’s landscape, born from volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers that continue to retreat in the face of a changing climate.

This adventure isn’t just about panoramic views; it’s about connecting with history and nature in a visceral way. For visitors hungry for a high-adrenaline yet contemplative experience, the blend of rugged topography and refined whiskey tasting creates a compelling narrative to bring home.

Whether you’re captivated by mountaineering history, fascinated by glacial geology, or simply seeking an extraordinary way to witness New Zealand’s wild heart from the sky, the Shackleton Whiskey Endurance tour offers a rare peek into a landscape and legacy few ever experience firsthand.