Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight

Highlights

Board your twin-engine helicopter for a premier 40-minute flight including a remote snow landing above the eponymous glacier. Within the open-plan helicopter cabin that seats up to six passengers, look down upon two of New Zealand's finest national parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. From your vantage point in the air, discover the vast expanse of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You’ll get up close to towering peaks and crevasses, and learn about the alpine wonderland of the Murchison Glacier valley, as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route. Then descend onto a snowfield with a helicopter landing at around 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), and walk along the main divide, which offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier. Back in the air, continue down toward the coastal rainforests bordering the Tasman Sea before returning to the tour base.

Summary

Board your twin-engine helicopter for a premier 40-minute flight including a remote snow landing above the eponymous glacier. Within the open-plan helicopter cabin that seats up to six passengers, look down upon two of New Zealand's finest national parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. From your vantage point in the air, discover the vast expanse of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You’ll get up close to towering peaks and crevasses, and learn about the alpine wonderland of the Murchison Glacier valley, as your pilot delivers expert commentary en route. Then descend onto a snowfield with a helicopter landing at around 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), and walk along the main divide, which offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier. Back in the air, continue down toward the coastal rainforests bordering the Tasman Sea before returning to the tour base.

Tour info

Duration

40 minutes

Why take this tour?

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 landing at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary en route. You'll walk 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.

What’s included?

Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes)
Live commentary on board
Pilot guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Items of a personal nature

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 40m
Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

The Helicopter Line West Coast

About operator:

Discover the magnificent phenomenon of the glaciers. Experienced helicopter pilots share their knowledge whilst overflying the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields, exposing extraordinary colours of ice flow, ice caves and pinnacles in this largely inaccessible alpine region. All flights feature a snow landing. Alternatively combine a scenic helicopter flight with an unforgettable guided helihike amongst the glacial ice formations with the professional and experienced Franz Josef Glacier Guides.