Tours/Franz Josef and Fox Glacier/Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

4.8(135)Franz Josef and Fox Glacier45 min
VIATOR4.8(50)TRIPADVISOR4.9(85)
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min
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

Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

Itinerary

Franz Josef Glacier
Pass by

The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.

Fox Glacier
Pass by
Tasman Glacier
Pass by
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Pass by

Fly past Mount Cook and Mount Tasman

What's included

Included
Experienced and professional pilot
Safety briefing
All fees, GST, and taxes
45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Not 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

Traveller Ratings

4.8
135 reviews
5
125
4
6
3
0
2
1
1
3

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.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

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)

3
378cherien
July 12, 2026
Glaciers and snow landing

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

L
Lyn R
June 8, 2026
Ultimate glacier experience

Informative pilot who took great photos, helpful staff getting us safely onboard and exciting experience being on the glacier

S
sueomalleys
May 21, 2026
Glacier flight

10/10 the best experience ever!!

B
BenjyBear
May 9, 2026
If you do one trip in Franz Josef, make it this one!

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.

J
Jacqueline_M
May 9, 2026
Fabulous Experience

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.

N
N9227AJbryanr
May 6, 2026
Overwhelming, spectacular and very informative.

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!

C
Carla_K
March 30, 2026
Highly recommend!! Do it!

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!

A
Amandam24bd
March 24, 2026
Amazing flight , if you are considering the cost just book it! It’s totally worth it!!!!

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.

S
Sean_S
March 23, 2026
Amazing Views

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.

T
thommo1062
March 12, 2026
Franz Joseph Glacier Flight

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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4.8(135) Free cancellation
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