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Experience an unforgettable 50-minute helicopter flight over New Zealand’s Shackleton Glacier, including a unique snow landing and a complimentary tasting of Shackleton Whiskey honoring Antarctic explorers. Discover why this West Coast adventure stands apart.
Experience an unforgettable 50-minute helicopter flight over New Zealand’s Shackleton Glacier, including a unique snow landing and a complimentary tasting of Shackleton Whiskey honoring Antarctic explorers. Discover why this West Coast adventure stands apart.
Book with Glacier Country Helicopters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters · Franz Josef / Waiau, West Coast
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.
easy.
50 minutes.
Minimal physical exertion required, suitable for most fitness levels.
No experience is necessary; this tour is designed for passengers of all backgrounds.
Tours are often rescheduled or refunded if poor weather makes flying unsafe.
Yes, a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey is part of the overall experience.
Age policies vary; check directly with Glacier Country Helicopters before booking.
Temperatures can be near freezing; dress in warm layers to stay comfortable.
There may be weight limits for safety; confirm with the operator when booking.
Named after Sir Ernest Shackleton, the glacier pays homage to early Antarctic exploration and endurance in extreme environments.
Glacier retreats here highlight ongoing climate change impacts, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental awareness.
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