Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Overview
1 hour 30 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 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.
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 To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
Fox Glacier
The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
What‘s Included
Experienced and professional pilot
Safety briefing
All fees, GST, and taxes
45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120kg/265lbs & over; optional for extra space)
Front Seat Upgrade (must request at least 24 hours in advance & confirmation at check in)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks
Options
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins
Reviews
114 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Breathtaking
Christine G,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience. My husband William was so looking forward to the flight, I was extremely nervous. However, absolutely nothing to worry about, it was incredible. Our pilot, Edine was wonderful, she put us all at ease. So informative, pointing out all the different mountains. We couldn't believe how much snow was up there. A truly memorable experience we will cherish.
Majestic, surreal and wonderful experience on such a glorious day
Mike G,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, The GCH team were awesome and the experience majestic and surreal. We had never flown in a helicopter before let alone land on a glacier. We opted for the 45 minute flight which was magical and such an awesome experience. We loved Franz Josef and this experience was worth every dollar - a must
Amazing view of the...
Nina W,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing view of the glaciers from above! We were so lucky to have good weather and an awesome pilot Mike! I’m so glad that I booked this activity :)
Great experience
bal zsk487,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The staff is excellent. I can only recommend it. It's true, we delivered the perfect time. :) Thanks!
Amazing trip!
Daniel C,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip even with cloudy weather the pilots where really friendly and I would definitely recommend this to others
Great experience
Nitish A,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Due to weather , we were not able to land, but the experience of viewing from top was amazing. Must have.
Terrible at refunds, do not trust them.
691mickye,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Flight was cancelled and still waiting for my refund. Terrible service. No way to contact a human, customer service is a joke.
Almost an essential experience
Jools S,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite the cost, almost an essential experience in this location. Even pricier for the, ahem, chunkier guy, but still an amazing experience. The landing on the glacier made it an even more amazing flight, with great photographic memories to boot. Mike gave an informative in-flight commentary (just make sure your head-set is plugged in!)
Man dwarfed by nature. Stunning
Steven G,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing trip we had. The whole team looked after us and Mark our pilot was brilliant. (Seeing as it was his first trip 😂😂) he looked after us through out the helicopter ride showing us all the main glaziers and we were privileged to be able to land twice. I highly recommend this trip with this company. The views are breathtaking and surreal, hard to comprehend your on these amazing glaziers. Thank you very much for a highly memorable experience.
Absolutely perfect. Highly recommend
Paul S,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent provider- proactive planning, re weather,to give us the best experience. Super pilot explaining and guiding our flight, glacier landing and safe return. Absolutely perfect. Highly recommend.
From NZ$650.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Glacier Country Helicopters