Helicopter Tours

From Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing

Lady photographing Mt Cook from helicopter during scenic flight tour.

Helicopter approaching Franz Josef Glacier on scenic flight tour.

Helicopter landing with people on Fox Glacier, New Zealand, during scenic tour.

Group posing for a photo on Franz Josef Glacier with a helicopter in the background.

Duration

20 min - 40 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.6/5

(190)

Robert

Mar 2026

Verified booking

Absolutely fantastic! Not only to ride in a helicopter but up into the glacier with a snow landing. It seemed cloudy from the ground but the pilot found his way through a hole in the cloud and we were in a different world of snow, ice and blue skies! Even so we sadly couldn't get to Mt Cook but that don't detract one iota. An unmissable experience. I'd result do it again and again...

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The size of the glacier was far larger than we ever expected. The views and scenery were beautiful. Weather was outstanding. Couldn't wish for anything more. Brilliant trip which everyone should do. To top it all our pilot Paul was extremely friendly, knowledgable and full of useful information . Overall a great experience which we will never forget. Thank you.

Alison

Mar 2026

Verified booking

My first ever flight in a helicopter and it didn't disappoint! I sat in the front and the view was awe inspiring - I didn't know where to look as the view was stunning all around! Our pilot was fantastic and very informative - he was as excited as we were!!! I would highly recommend this experience as a once in a lifetime way to see the glaciers!!

Rick

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier was truly a highlight of our trip to New Zealand. The views of the glacier and the stunning Southern Alps were absolutely breathtaking. Professional pilot, great commentary, and a safe, relaxed atmosphere. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you simply can’t miss. Highly recommended! 🌟

Keith

Feb 2026

Verified booking

Fantastic from start to finish. The flight to the landing area was epic. Amazing views and great commentary. If you can stretch to the flight which includes the landing on the mountain it is certainly well worth it. Great ground staff too. Very friendly and helpful. Thoroughly recommend the trip.

Sean

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The whole experience was fantastic! We called in early to check-in,,and they immediately found an earlier slot for us! They took great care of us and we had a fabulous Helicopter ride through the glacier and onto the snow field. Everybody that can should experience this!

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier and land on snow for a stunning alpine helicopter adventure.

Enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and rainforest before stepping onto the glacier’s snow for a memorable photo opportunity.

Explore the icy terrain safely and learn about the glacier’s ever-changing features from your experienced pilot.

Extend your flight to see both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, or take the longer route to enjoy Mount Cook and Mount Tasman for even bigger alpine views.

20-min Franz Josef helicopter tour

Snow landing on Franz Josef

Pilot guide

30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (as per option selected)

40-min Glaciers & Mt. Cook helicopter tour (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

190 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kay
Mar 2026
Verified booking
The tour itself was fantastic. Everything that was under the control of HeliServices.NZ was without fault. The tour ran seamlessly and all staff were very friendly and professional. The helicopter ride was amazing and we were thrilled by the experience. The involvement of Headout was quite the opposite. We were informed with a few days notice that a mistake had been made on the booking page and the tour we thought we had bought had been priced incorrectly and instead of a 40 minute tour we had only paid enough for a 30 minute tour. Compensation was offered for a return visit ($30) but as we are visiting from UK we have no plans to return to New Zealand (sadly), so this offer is irrelevant. We tried to contact Headout multiple times but despite considerable effort were unable to do so, no one did, or has since, replied to emails sent or messages. We feel aggrieved that we were swindled out of the tour we booked with no recourse but to accept it. It caused a lot of stress when we should have been enjoying our holiday. However, as said above, HeliServices NZ were completely professional and gave us a fabulous experience.
Robert
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Absolutely fantastic! Not only to ride in a helicopter but up into the glacier with a snow landing. It seemed cloudy from the ground but the pilot found his way through a hole in the cloud and we were in a different world of snow, ice and blue skies! Even so we sadly couldn't get to Mt Cook but that don't detract one iota. An unmissable experience. I'd result do it again and again...
Alison
Mar 2026
Verified booking
My first ever flight in a helicopter and it didn't disappoint! I sat in the front and the view was awe inspiring - I didn't know where to look as the view was stunning all around! Our pilot was fantastic and very informative - he was as excited as we were!!! I would highly recommend this experience as a once in a lifetime way to see the glaciers!!
David
Mar 2026
Verified booking
we had an exceptional pilot in Paul, who enaged with our fun on the ice and gave us a great descritption of what we were flying over. The view was breathtaking. It was beyond what we expected
Juli
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Unhurried flight. Fabulous landing spot and plenty of tine for photos on the glacia. We all really enjoyed it and feel lucky to have hit a clear weather window. We are all now on a diet!!!

Soar above rugged peaks and snow land on Franz Josef Glacier for a scenic helicopter experience.

Getting started

This adventure includes a scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef township with the opportunity to land on snow atop Franz Josef Glacier. Arrive early to check in, get briefed by your pilot, and prepare for take‑off.

What to expect

Aerial views: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views over lush rainforest, alpine mountains and sweeping glacier valleys before landing on the snow‑capped glacier.

Snow landing: Touch down on Franz Josef Glacier’s snow for photos and to soak in the crisp alpine atmosphere.

Expert pilot guidance: Throughout your flight, benefit from engaging commentary and insights from your experienced pilot guide.

What to bring

Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.

Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.

Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.

Additional information

Snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at the pilot’s discretion.

Infants under 3 years weighing less than 15 kg will fly for free, sitting on an adult's lap. Infants under 3 years weighing above 15 kg must be charged at the child fare.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please arrive at the redemption point 30 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Ticket redemption point

Show your ticket at HeliServices.NZ Franz Josef.

Address: 29 Main Road, Franz Joseph Glacier, 7856, New Zealand.

Get directions to the Redemption point