Fly from Greymouth to Franz Josef in just one hour and witness breathtaking glacier views from above—making your start to New Zealand’s West Coast truly unforgettable.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Austrian emperor by early explorers and has been a major attraction since the early 20th century.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to monitor glacier retreat due to climate change, with sustainable tourism practices encouraged.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Fly from Greymouth to Franz Josef in just one hour and witness breathtaking glacier views from above—making your start to New Zealand’s West Coast truly unforgettable.
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 in advance
Secure your helicopter transfer early to guarantee availability, especially during peak season.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can vary sharply at high altitudes, so bring layered clothing for comfort.
Bring a camera
Capture stunning aerial views of glaciers and mountain peaks to cherish afterward.
Arrive early
Ensure a smooth departure by arriving at least 15 minutes before scheduled flight time.
Warm layers
Outer layers protect against wind chill at high altitudes.
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Camera
Capture the stunning views from the helicopter.
Sunglasses
Reduce glare and protect your eyes during flight.
Travel documents
Bring your ID or booking confirmation for smooth check-in.