Experience the stunning blue ice and deep crevasses of New Zealand's Southern Alps with a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier. Choose from scenic flights with guaranteed snow landings or extended heli-hike adventures with expert ice guides.
Free Cancellation A helicopter drops you at the Pinnacles area of Franz Josef Glacier for a 2.5-hour guided hike through the ice.
Free Cancellation This 25-minute helicopter flight crosses the Franz Josef Glacier ice falls and includes a snow landing.
Free Cancellation This 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier includes a 10-minute landing on the high alpine snow.
Free Cancellation This 30-minute helicopter flight crosses both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with a landing on the upper ice field.
Free Cancellation This 35-minute helicopter flight crosses Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and includes a landing on the upper snowfields.
Free Cancellation Fly over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and land on the upper snowfields during this 30-minute helicopter flight.
Free Cancellation This 20-minute helicopter flight lands on the snow at the top of the Franz Josef icefall.
Free Cancellation A 14-minute flight from Whistler Heliport over the region's glaciers and mountain peaks.
Free Cancellation This helicopter tour includes a flight over the West Coast mountains and a 15-minute landing on Franz Josef Glacier.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Franz Josef Glacier — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Helicopters are the only way onto the Franz Josef Glacier ice. The Waiho River changed course and cut off foot access up the valley, and the retreating terminal face is too unstable to climb. Flights bypass this lower section entirely, dropping you directly onto the upper icefalls or the high-altitude névé.
Look down into deep fractures in the main icefall. The glacier compresses under its own weight, squeezing out air bubbles to create a dense, bright blue color.
Scenic flights touch down on the permanent snowfield above 2,500 meters. You get about 10 minutes to walk around the flat, snow-covered accumulation zone.
Heli-hike tours drop you at the Pinnacles area for a two-hour guided walk. Guides cut fresh steps into the ice daily to navigate the shifting terrain.
Longer flights cross the Southern Alps to circle both Franz Josef and the neighboring Fox Glacier. You see the 20-kilometer forested gap separating the two ice rivers.
The flight path tracks the glacier's 11-kilometer drop toward the coast. You watch the landscape transition sharply from alpine snow to dense podocarp forest at 300 meters above sea level.
Book your flight for the first morning of your visit. West Coast weather grounds helicopters frequently, and an early booking gives you backup days to reschedule.
Heli-hikes take about four hours and include a two-hour guided walk through ice caves with crampons. Scenic flights last 20 to 35 minutes and include a brief 10-minute snow landing on the upper névé.
Helicopters operate on strict weight limits. You must declare your exact weight when booking. Passengers over 115 kilograms (253 lbs) cannot join the heli-hike, while scenic flights require passengers over 120 kilograms to purchase an additional comfort seat.
The 2.5-hour heli-hike requires moderate fitness and sets a minimum age of 10 years. Scenic flights have no fitness requirements, and infants can sit on an adult's lap.
Rain, low cloud, or high winds will cancel your flight. Operators refund the trip or reschedule it if conditions are unsafe. Check your email the morning of your departure.
Heli-hike operators provide Gore-Tex jackets, overtrousers, boots, and crampons. For scenic flights, wear three warm upper-body layers, sunglasses, and sturdy shoes. Do not wear jeans.
Drones, selfie sticks, flammable liquids, and large bags are banned on all flights. You can bring a camera or phone, but it must fit in your pocket.
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| Heli-Hike Tour | Single Glacier Flight | Twin Glacier Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours | 20-25 minutes | 30-35 minutes |
| On-Ice Time | 2 hours 15 mins | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Fitness Level | Moderate | Any | Any |
| Price (USD) | ~$550 | ~$210 - $235 | ~$270 - $295 |
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Helicopter flights operate year-round during daylight hours, strictly dictated by weather conditions. Operators schedule departures from early morning until late afternoon. On Christmas Day, most bases run a reduced schedule from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The nearby Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre at 69 Cron Street opens daily at 8:30 am. It closes at 6:00 pm from November through March, and at 4:45 pm from April through October. The center is closed on Christmas Day.
The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is accessible during all daylight hours. Heavy rain or rockfall frequently closes the access track, so check the daily update at the visitor center before driving to the car park.
Franz Josef township sits on State Highway 6 on the West Coast of the South Island. It is a 350-kilometer drive from Queenstown via the Haast Pass, which takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes. The drive from Christchurch covers 382 kilometers via Arthur's Pass and takes roughly 5 hours.
InterCity operates a daily coach service from Queenstown that takes 8.5 hours. Travelers coming from Christchurch by public transport usually take the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, then transfer to a bus for the final 173 kilometers south.
Helicopter bases are located directly in the Franz Josef township on Main Road. If you want to hike the free valley track, drive 4 kilometers south of town along the Glacier Access Road to the DOC car park.
Winter (June through August) is the best time for glacier tours. The colder temperatures reduce meltwater, slowing the glacier's movement and creating more stable ice features like caves and deep crevasses. The township is also quieter during these months.
Summer (November through February) brings the warmest weather but massive crowds. Accommodation prices peak, and helicopter slots book out weeks in advance. The West Coast is one of New Zealand's wettest regions, and heavy rain can wash out tours in any season.
Spring (September through November) offers longer daylight hours and active local wildlife. Kōtuku (white herons) nest at the nearby Whataroa sanctuary during this window.
Scenic helicopter flights are wheelchair accessible. Operators assist passengers with boarding, and the snow landing occurs on relatively flat sections of the upper névé. The heli-hike tours require moderate physical fitness and are not suitable for those with limited mobility, as the ice terrain is steep and uneven.
The free Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is mostly flat and manageable for wheelchairs and strollers through the initial rainforest section. The final approach to the viewing area includes a short, steep uphill climb that is not wheelchair accessible.
Specialist operators like MakingTrax can arrange custom accessible helicopter experiences onto the ice for wheelchair users.
Helicopter bases in the township provide all necessary technical gear for heli-hikes. This includes Gore-Tex jackets, overtrousers, leather boots, woolen hats, gloves, and crampons. You only need to bring warm base layers and a camera.
The DOC car park at the start of the valley walk has public toilets. Parking costs $2.50 per half hour or $20 per day. The machines only accept credit or debit cards; cash is not accepted. Parking is free if you leave within 20 minutes.
The Franz Josef township has cafes, a small grocery store, and the Waiho Hot Tubs. There are no food or drink facilities on the glacier or at the valley walk car park.
No. The Waiho River changed course and washed out the foot access up the valley. The free 1.7-kilometer valley walk only takes you to a distant viewpoint. You must book a helicopter tour to touch the ice.
Short scenic flights with a 10-minute snow landing start around $210 USD. Full heli-hikes, which include over two hours of guided walking on the ice, cost roughly $550 USD.
Operators cancel flights if rain, high winds, or low cloud make flying unsafe. You will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule for the next available slot.
Yes. The massive block of ice lowers the local air temperature significantly. Operators recommend wearing three warm upper-body layers even in January.
No. The guiding companies provide heavy leather boots, crampons, waterproof jackets, and overtrousers. You just need to wear warm, flexible clothing underneath.
Infants can sit on an adult's lap for the shorter scenic flights. The 2.5-hour heli-hike is more demanding and requires children to be at least 10 years old.
Scenic flights land on the upper snowfield for about 10 minutes. Heli-hikes drop you on the main icefall, where you spend two hours and 15 minutes walking with a guide.
Heli-hike passengers cannot exceed 115 kilograms (253 lbs). For scenic flights, passengers weighing over 120 kilograms must purchase an additional comfort seat at half the retail price.
No. The entire valley is public conservation land. The Department of Conservation strictly prohibits drones without a pre-approved permit.
Both glaciers offer similar heli-hike terrain and prices. If you cannot decide, book a 30-minute twin glacier scenic flight to see both icefalls from the air.
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A helicopter drops you at the Pinnacles area of Franz Josef Glacier for a two-and-a-half-hour guided hike through the blue ice. The flight takes about five minutes, bypassing the unstable lower terminal face to land you directly on the upper glacier. Groups are capped at 11 people per guide. It's the only way to access the glacier's deep crevasses and towering ice formations safely. You'll spend the session navigating a maze of ridges and narrow ice tunnels. The hike is moderately difficult. You'll be wearing heavy crampons and stepping over uneven surfaces for the duration. Guides carry ice axes to reshape the trail as the glacier shifts. Expect to see deep blue meltwater pools and hear the constant movement of the ice beneath your boots. The landscape changes daily as the glacier retreats. Your guide will point out where the ice stood only a few years ago. Flights are weather-dependent and often stop during heavy West Coast rain. Book your trip for your first morning in town to leave room for rescheduling.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 25-minute helicopter flight climbs from the coast to the upper ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. You'll see the blue crevasses of the main ice flow before the pilot lands on the snow. It's the fastest way to reach the high alpine. The landing happens on the glacier's névé. You'll have time to step out of the cabin and walk on the snow. Wear sunglasses to handle the glare. If the cloud base is too low, the pilot can't fly — check the weather forecast at the terminal before you check in.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 25-minute helicopter flight crosses the Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps. You'll land on the snow for 10 minutes to walk around and take photos before flying back. Set aside 70 minutes for the whole trip. That covers the flight plus 45 minutes for check-in, the shuttle to the pad, loading, and safety briefings. If you want the front seat or a comfort seat, call at least 24 hours ahead. Gus and Poppy, a husband-and-wife team of commercial pilots, started the company in 2014. You'll usually find one of them at the controls. They're locals. Book the morning slots for the clearest weather before the afternoon clouds roll in off the Tasman Sea.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The 30-minute flight path circles both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on New Zealand's West Coast. You'll see the deep blue crevasses of the icefalls and the terminal faces where the ice meets the temperate rainforest. The pilot talks through your headset to identify landmarks and explain the glacial movement. It's a quick trip. Pilots land the helicopter on the upper snowfield of either glacier for roughly 10 minutes. You'll step out onto the frozen surface to take photos and feel the temperature drop. Wear sunglasses. The light reflecting off the white sheet ice is blinding — even on cloudy days. Flights often cancel when clouds move in. Book your trip for the first morning you're in town so you have a buffer for rescheduling.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 35-minute helicopter flight crosses both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier and includes a snowfield landing. You'll see the vertical icefalls and the névé—the permanent snow at the glacier's head—from the air as the pilot follows the path of the ice down the Southern Alps toward the coast. It’s the fastest way to see both sites. That's the one to book if you're short on time. The helicopter lands on a snowfield atop one of the glaciers. You can walk on the ice and see the blue-tinted formations up close. Bring sunglasses. The glare is intense even when it's cloudy. Flights depart from Franz Josef Township but cancel if the cloud ceiling is low. Check in 30 minutes early.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 30-minute helicopter flight crosses the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and includes a landing on the upper snowfields. You can fly from either township. The route passes over the lower ice falls and deep crevasses before climbing toward the neves, where years of snowfall compress into the blue ice that feeds the valleys. It’s the most efficient way to see both glaciers in one trip. The pilot lands on the snow for roughly 10 minutes of the flight time. You’ll step out onto the névé, the high-altitude basin where the glacier forms. Bring sunglasses. The glare off the white peaks is intense, and the air temperature at the landing site is usually 5 to 10 degrees colder than at the base. Flights are strictly weather-dependent. If the cloud ceiling is too low to clear the ridges, pilots will cancel or offer a lower-altitude alternative. Try to book a morning departure. West Coast weather is notoriously fickle, and clouds often move in by early afternoon to shut down mountain access.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Helicopters depart from the Franz Josef heliport for a 20-minute loop over the glacier's upper icefall. You'll fly directly over the deep blue crevasses and ice pinnacles that mark the glacier's steepest section. The pilot lands on the snow at the top. It's a quick stop, but you'll have time to step out and take photos of the Southern Alps. This is the shortest flight available. It's the one to book if you're on a budget. Don't confuse this with departures from Fox Glacier; you must check in at the Franz Josef base. If the cloud ceiling drops below the landing zone, flights are grounded. Bring sunglasses even on gray days because the glare off the névé is intense.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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The flight lasts 14 minutes and departs from the Whistler Heliport. You'll see volcanic peaks and blue glacier ice from the air. It's the shortest tour available. This is the one to book if you want to see the scale of the Coast Mountains without the price of a longer landing tour. Expect engine noise and some vibration inside the cabin. The operator provides headsets so you can hear the pilot's commentary over the rotors. Weather is the main dealbreaker. If clouds sit low in the valley, the pilot will ground the flight, so check your messages before heading out. Book a morning slot for the clearest air.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, French
Franz Josef Glacier Guides is the only company permitted to land helicopters on the ice. The flight crosses the West Coast mountain ranges before the pilot touches down on the glacier's surface. You get 15 minutes to walk around with guides. That's enough time to take photos and feel the air temperature drop. Don't expect a long trek. This trip works for any fitness level since there's no hiking involved. Choosing a helicopter is the fastest way to get onto the ice if you're on a tight schedule. But West Coast weather is notoriously fickle—flights cancel frequently when the clouds drop. Book your slot for the first morning you're in town to give yourself the best chance of a reschedule if the pilot grounds the fleet.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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