Amazing experience another tick of the bucket list, from the desk staff safety briefing and driver out to the helicopter Mark the pilot was informative and friendly I would highly recommend this experience
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min





At a glance
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price from
- $403 / person
- Location
- Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
- Rating
- 4.8 / 5 · 135 reviews
- Group
- Small group, up to 12
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Glacier Country Helicopters
- Meeting point
- Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a light jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
Fly past Mount Cook and Mount Tasman
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min take?
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min lasts about 45 min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min cost?
Prices start at $403 per person for this Franz Josef and Fox Glacier experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a light jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
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.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(135)
Informative pilot who took great photos, helpful staff getting us safely onboard and exciting experience being on the glacier
10/10 the best experience ever!!
Brilliant, professional and well organised. Flew over the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers with excellent view of Mt Cook and surrounding mountains. Landed up in the mountains on the snow with superb views. Very knowledgeable pilot pointing out all the various peaks and glaciers and geological features. Super trip, highly recommend. Just note you can't take bags or backpacks in the helicopters with you, just cameras/phones etc.
Well organised, highly professional and a brilliant trip. Flew over the Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef glaciers and landed up in the mountains on the snow overlooking Mt Cook. Highly recommend - pilot was incredibly knowledgeable pointing out all the various sights and geological features. If you do one trip in Franz Josef, make it this one! Do bear in mind you can't take backpacks or bags in the helicopters, just cameras/phones etc.
We looked forward to the experience for months. We waited to book until we arrived in the area as our travel plans were constantly changing. We gave ourselves a couple of days so that we had more options. Helicopter rides in mountains is subject to weather conditions and this proved to be the case. We flew on our first day as the weather was good and there were seats available when we wanted to go. It was perfect! Overwhelming, spectacular and very informative all at the same time! The pilot provides information about what we are seeing. This adds greatly to the experience. Great time and great pictures all round! The next day was overcast with low cloud. No flying until late afternoon. We were lucky!
This was the thrill of a lifetime! We absolutely loved the flight and our pilot, Mark, was knowledgeable, skilled, and personable. The cost was reasonable too. Would highly recommend!
Great personable pilot. Friendly front of house staff who were informative. Flight was amazing and everything and more that you could imagine. The glacier landings were surreal and the views in every direction were breathtaking.
Amazing views of Franz Joseph glacier and surrounding mountains in both sides of the divide! Note that the helicopters are 6 seaters (2 in the front and 4 across the back) a snug fit with limited views if you’re in the 2 middle seats.
Fantastic experience, reception staff were extremely helpful booking us in and keeping us informed of any delays. Our pilot Mike, was very knowledgeable and friendly.The bus staff were also welcoming, knowledgeable and happy to chat.
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min | 45 min | 4.8 (135) | $403 | |
Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min | 35 min | 4.8 (398) | $287 | View |
Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 25 min | 4.9 (241) | $229 | View |
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 35 min | 4.6 (189) | $288 | View |
Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing | 25 min | 4.9 (108) | $229 | View |
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef) | 30 min | 4.9 (105) | $262 | View |
Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef) | 20 min | 4.9 (71) | $202 | View |










