What is included in the Ultimate Discovery helicopter tour?

The tour includes a 45-minute private helicopter ride over Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers, Southern Alps, Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, plus a 15-minute snow landing on a glacier.

Are there any weight restrictions for passengers?

Yes, passenger weights must comply with helicopter weight and balance requirements. Accurate weights must be provided during booking.

Is prior flying experience needed to join the tour?

No prior experience is necessary; the flight is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, though comfort with flying is advised.

What should I wear for the helicopter flight?

Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold snow landing conditions, and sturdy footwear is recommended.

How often are flights canceled due to weather?

Flights depend on weather conditions; cancellations or rescheduling may occur due to poor visibility, high winds, or icing.

Can I take photographs during the tour?

Yes, photography is encouraged. A camera with a fast shutter speed is ideal to reduce motion blur.

Helicopter Glacier Tours with Glacier Country Helicopters | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

Set against the rugged backdrop of New Zealand’s West Coast, Glacier Country Helicopters offers an unparalleled aerial adventure departing from the town of Franz Josef / Waiau. This private 45-minute helicopter charter lifts you above some of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks—the Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers—while tracing the jagged ridges of the Southern Alps. From takeoff, the landscape unfolds: expansive ice fields carve deep into alpine valleys, their blue-hued crevasses and sculpted seracs visible from the bird’s-eye vantage point.

The flight route arcs toward Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand’s tallest peaks, where granite cliffs meet permanent snowfields. The highlight is a 15-minute snow landing on a glacier surface, a rare opportunity to step onto ancient ice, surrounded by pristine alpine silence. This direct contact with the environment showcases the raw, shifting nature of New Zealand’s glacial system, framed by panoramic mountain vistas.

Glacier Country Helicopters plays a crucial role in the local outdoor recreation scene, linking adventure seekers directly to landscapes otherwise accessible only through challenging backcountry treks. Its private tours provide flexibility and intimacy unmatched by larger group excursions, making it an ideal choice for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique perspective on these dynamic landforms.

The West Coast region itself is defined by temperate rainforests below, rich with native flora and fauna, transitioning sharply into alpine environments above. This juxtaposition creates a distinct ecological corridor that reflects New Zealand’s geological heritage. Beyond the visual feast, the helicopter experience supports sustainable tourism by concentrating access to sensitive glacier zones, reducing environmental impact compared to overland expeditions.

Adventure travelers aiming to witness New Zealand’s glacial giants from an extraordinary vantage point will find Glacier Country Helicopters a standout for its combination of safety, expertise, and immersive natural encounters.