Franz Josef Glacier Tours & Attractions

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Duration: 35 minutes.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our Glacier Explorer flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 25 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Duration: 25 minutes.

Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain during this exhilarating tour from Franz Josef. Find out why New Zealand's South Island is famous for its gorgeous landscapes as you follow an experienced guide past ice caves, crevasses and pinnacles. Learn about glacier formation and movement, and enjoy supreme panoramic views. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.
Duration: 3 hours.

Our premier flight over the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake before flying the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Experience what it feels like to stand in snow amongst the mountains as you take in a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook during your alpine (seasonal snow) landing. Cross to the West Coast and view the formidable Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers before completing your journey with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Duration: 55 minutes.

From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 20-minute helicopter flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. The flight includes a snow landing, an excellent opportunity to really take in the surroundings and breathe the clean alpine air.
Duration: 20 minutes.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 10-15 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Duration: 45 minutes.

See all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this five-day guided sightseeing tour. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown, experience the majesty of Milford Sound, view the glacier at Franz Josef and travel aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express train. Highlights include Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Haast Past, Franz Joseph and the incredible TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Duration: 5 days.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10 minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Duration: 1 hour.

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper ice fall of Franz Josef glacier. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.
Duration: 6 hours.

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers’ natural beauty from your helicopter high in the sky. Listen to live commentary from your professional pilot on route and gaze over the mantle of sheet ice and snow below. Land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, then hop out to experience the frozen landscape up close. Pose for photographs and capture the glacial scenery on camera.
Duration: 30 minutes.

This eco-tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for off-track adventures and a profound insight into the intricate workings of the ecosystem. This unforgettable journey unveils the hidden wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Meander through ancient native podocarp rainforest, stroll along a pristine glacial-fed river and marvel at the mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped mountains on an ancient kettle lake. Join us for an experience that blends serene natural beauty with educational exploration.
Your knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience with fascinating stories and insights about the local history, flora, fauna, glaciology and geology.
Wander at your own pace through glacial rivers, streams and native podocarp rainforest, discovering hidden treasures like wild mushrooms and dozens of orchid species.
Please note we cannot get close to the terminal face or walk on the glacier due to safety reasons.
Duration: 3 hours.

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 30-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing along the way. Discover up close their neve and unusual ice formations. You will then land on the snowfields up on one of the glaciers which is a huge highlight and will make for superb photos, snowballs and memories, before heading back down to Franz Josef Township
Duration: 30 minutes.

Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and Mount Cook. From Queenstown enjoy a day tour to Milford Sound with a two hour nature cruise on the fiord. From Queenstown it is then a days travel up the West Coast to Franz Josef and Franz Josef Glacier. On the final day of the tour the journey takes you to Greymouth where you will board the TranzAlpine Train for your return to Christchurch.
Duration: 4 days.

Experience the very best of New Zealand on this two day West Coast adventure!
Tour highlights include Queenstown, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the wild West Coast and the world-famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Hailed as one of the greatest train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine Train will take your breath away on the journey to your final destination of Christchurch.

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 2 days.

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary enroute. You'll fly along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.
Duration: 40 minutes.

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight.

Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.
Duration: 55 minutes.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
Duration: 3 hours.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
Duration: 3 hours.

On our private Glacier Explorer flight, you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time: approx. 25 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45 minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to the helicopter, loading, unloading, and returning to our office.

Please note that while this is a private flight, you may share the check-in and van travel with other passengers on other flights.

The total weight of the passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore.

Join us as you hop on the train towards Greymouth in the morning offering views only possible through the Tranzalpine, this allows a panoramic landscape of the Majestic Southern Alps up close.

Upon collection, our guide will take you the rest of the way in this small group tour to Franz Josef.
Duration: 12 hours.

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!
Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes.

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore.

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

Memories made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour!
Duration: 12 hours.

Land on a glacier in a Helicopter and jump out of plane!

The best views of New Zealand are from the sky, and the ultimate way to see them is to fly in a Helicopter, land on a glacier, AND free-fall out of a plane over dazzling alpine peaks, lush native rainforests, and beautiful ancient glaciers!

You can’t get more next-level than this exclusive combo experience in the Southern Alps, packed with natural scenic wonders, adrenaline pumping thrills, and zero regrets!
Duration: 30 to 120 minutes.

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vast size of the glaciers. Top it off with a snow landing and standing on the ancient ice of the glaciers. You’ll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and close to Mount Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Duration: 30 minutes.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
Duration: 3 hours.

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 30-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing along the way. Discover up close their neve and unusual ice formations. You will then land on the snowfields up on one of the glaciers which is a huge highlight and will make for superb photos, snowballs and memories, before heading back down to Fox Glacier Township.

Duration: 30 minutes.

A great way to experience the extraordinary TranzAlpine train journey and visit the West Coast glaciers. Hailed as one of the greatest train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine train journey will take your breath away! Scenic highlights include views from the train, the wild West Coast, visiting Franz Josef Glacier, seeing Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and of course arriving at bustling Queenstown!

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Duration: 2 days.

Treat yourself to a six-day trip to the awe-inspiring fiords, dramatic glaciers and top-rated scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. On this round-trip from Christchurch, travel by coach and aboard the TranzAlpine passenger trains, enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise, soar above Lake Wakatipu on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and take a complimentary shuttle to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout point. There is also plenty of time to explore at your own leisure, what more could you want!?

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 6 days.

Welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition.

This 50-minute flight includes:
- Franz Josef, Tasman and Shackleton Glaciers
- Mount Cook & Mount Tasman
- Fly through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings
- 15-minute snow landing included
- Complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample it with the glacial ice

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy own the company and are both commercial pilots.
Duration: 50 minutes.

Discover the scenic beauty and natural wonders of the south islands mountains, lakes and glaciers in four days! Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and top it off with the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey.

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 4 days.

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Duration: 8 days.

This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps.

Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a landing at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Step out of the helicopter and experience how it feels to walk on snow. Then follow the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.
Duration: 40 minutes.

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day!

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 5 days.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our PRIVATE Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 15-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.

Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may end up sharing check in and van travel with other passengers on differing flights.

Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier past Mount Cook and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes.

We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.

Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights.

Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Experience South Island of New Zealand on this seven day independent coach tour. Travelling by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in Christchurch travelling on day one to Greymouth on the world famous TranzAlpine Train and then by road to Franz Josef. Then by road up the rugged West Coast, via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown. You will have three nights in Queenstown and during your stay there you will visit Milford Sound and enjoy a nature cruise on the sound. You will also have a full free day to explore the township on your own or partake in one of the many activities that are on offer. From Queenstown you will travel by road to Dunedin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city plus a day tour out onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and for a wildlife cruise on the harbour during your two night stay. On your final day you will return to Christchurch by road where your 7 day tour will conclude.
Duration: 7 days.

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition.

This 50-minute flight includes flying over the Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Fly past Mount Cook & Mount Tasman and then through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings. You'll have an included 15minute snow landing on the Shackleton Glacier where a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample.

We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef and please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights.

Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

This a very popular 2 day and 1 night trip from Christchurch to Queenstown ( or in reverse ) via the South Island's rugged West Coast. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and deliver you to the World renowned Tranz Alpine train, which bisects the Canterbury farming plains, foothills and mountains, before reaching the alpine village of Arthur's Pass. Your guide will meet you, show you some of the area before travelling onto the West Coast. You'll hear the history of Maori, greenstone, gold, visit historic towns like Hokitika and travel on south through stunning rain forests to the glacier country. Staying in Franz Josef the night gives you the opportunity of a helicopter glacier landing ( not included in the tour price ) as well a stunning photo opportunities. From here the journey continues south along the coast before eventually swinging inland over the dramatic Gates of Haast, finally heading past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea  and over the Crown Range road to Queenstown.
Duration: 1 day 8 hours.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014, and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.

On our PRIVATE Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10-minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes.

Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.

Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights.

Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Duration: 2 hours.

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls and crevasses and neves. You will have views from the coast to mountain tops and you will get to see both Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak. Cross the spine of the Southern Alps and circle the top of magnificent Mt Cook. Topped off with a spectacular snow landing, this is the best helicopter experience on the West Coast.

Duration: 40 minutes.

Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Climb up the Franz Josef Glacier, crossing the main divide at Centennial Hut to land on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier.

Take in breath-taking views of Mount Tasman and Aoraki Mount Cook, rich with uninterrupted scenery you have to see to believe. Then hop back onboard, cross back over Climber Col Pass and enjoy the spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier before arriving back at Franz Josef Heliport.
Duration: 30 minutes.

Get the best of both worlds with experiencing the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in one flight. Both glaciers are very distinct from each other and have their own unique features but together they show off the beauty of nature with crystal clear blue ice, eye opening crevasses and cerax as well as numerous alpine glacial fed waterfalls. This flight also includes views of the Victoria, Baumann and Fritz glaciers.
Duration: 40 minutes.

Start the experience with a scenic flight high above Franz Josef offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You will enjoy up to six hours on the glacier exploring spectacular features with your friendly and knowledgeable guide. With small groups of 1 guide to 4 guests, you will be given plenty of guidance and tailor the ice climbing to your level. Your guide will provide knowledgeable and informative commentary on the region, glaciology, local history, and Māori legends. There is plenty of time for unforgettable photo opportunities on the glacier. We will provide all equipment, so just bring your energy and enthusiasm and we will help with the rest!

Duration: 8 hours.

Starting and ending in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, we show you the ultimate highlights of New Zealand’s stunning South Island over 7 action-packed days.

From turquoise lakes to towering mountains and glaciers, the South Island’s scenery will blow your mind, and the nation’s adventure capital, Queenstown, has all the adrenalin activities on offer that you could possibly wish for.

Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do.

As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Christchurch with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning.

Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.

Duration: 7 days.

Get the best of both worlds along with a snow landing! Experience both the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glaciers. See for your self the distinctive beauty that both glaciers on their own have to offer. After you have been amazed by the stunning scenery stop and take pictures along with an informative chat with your pilot. Enjoy personal friendly local hospitality from a locally family owned and operated small business that have been operating in the area for more than 25 years. This Scenic Flight and Snow Landing experience is great for travellers of all ages and levels of physical fitness.
Duration: 50 minutes.