Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min
Overview
1 hour 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight.
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you have limited mobility e.g. injury, arthritis or recent surgery? There are two high ladder style steps into the helicopter. This information could effect what helicopter we fly you in.
Comfort Seats: Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide, an empty seat can be reserved next to you if you prefer extra space (passengers 120KG & over when weighed at check in will be required to purchase a Comfort Seat - these are half the RRP of your flight).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
35-minute scenic helicopter flight
Snow landing (approx. 10 minutes) for photos
Safety briefing and equipment (if required)
Professional and experienced pilot
All fees, GST, and taxes
Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg / 265lbs & over, or optional for extra space)
Front Seat / Executive Upgrade (subject to availability, request in advance)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in is at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
Fox Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
Options
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Reviews
307 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip
ian T,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organised. Very friendly staff. We had a clear day and the views and experience out of this world.
A great day out
Matthew S,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was amazing and the family run business was so helpful and we ran. They even offered to change our booking so we would have a better view of the glacier.
Very Dissatisfied
Kamala J,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00While the tour was preponed with my consent due to wether conditions but unfortunately the tour was not at all satisfactory. The landing in glacier was just a touch and go. It was just about 1 or 2 minutes affair as against a planned 10 minutes landing. It seemed like the pilot was in hurry and since the landing was part of the tour, we were just made to get down click couple of photographs and then rushed backed to the helicopter. If weather was an issue then the tour should not have been conducted at all, I really felt this was a waste of money. This is not expected for a reputed tour company like yours. I am utterly dissatisfied.
Memories of a life time
Brian P,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely must do if you can afford it the kids have one of the best memories to take with them for life
A fantastic adventure
Astrid K,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A fabulous adventure on and over the glaciers. Great commentary and service. Really appreciated being contacted proactively to change time of flight when weather conditions changed.
Unbelievable
K2112WJbw,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable views very well organised. Asked to move our time to compensate for the weather so we could get the best out of our trip. Very attentive, great people and an experience that wont be forgotten.
Amazing, must do experience
Janae B,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow. Just spectacular. The best thing we did on our two week vacation, hands down. So beautiful to see the glaciers from above. I loved the glacier landing as well.
Thrilling experience, staff made you feel safe and relaxed with
DayTrip07361300848,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience, scenery magnificent. Well organized, friendly staff made you feel safe and relaxed. Would go again without a doubt.
Sightsee like an eagle
Richard C,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Quite surreal as had not been in a helicopter before, smooth takeoffs and landings. The team worked to ensure we got got a clear day advising and recommending we brought our flight forward earlier in the day, so glad we did. Efficient check in and safety brief, then organised transfer to heliport. Pilot was excellent explaining landscape features and we were joined by another five flights on top of glacier where we enjoyed incredible views of Mt Tasman and Franz Josef. slightly discombobulating as you are in rainforest one minute then on top of snow covered mountains the next. Highly recommend. Did it really happen or was I dreaming.
Great customer service. Such a shame about the bad weather.
Chris G,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Unfortunately, due to bad weather, our original time/date could not be fulfilled. The tour operator, in particular Meg and Katie were excellent in trying to find us an alternative flight time but sadly the weather gods were not playing ball and we ended up having to cancel. Such a shame as this was to be one of the highlights of our trip to NZ but beyond anyone’s control.
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