Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

About This Experience

This Glacier Helicopters flight takes in both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and lands on the snow high above the ice. It departs from a central check-in point in Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier. The listing gives a 35-minute trip including the landing, while its own includes line and the operator's price page call it a 30-minute flight. It costs from $281 per person and is rated 4.7 from 410 GetYourGuide reviews, the most of the twin-glacier flights on this site.

You check in at the Franz Josef base, where Glacier Helicopters asks for 30 minutes before departure and makes the final weather call. The pilot flies you up over the icefalls of both glaciers with commentary on the way, then lands on snow at the head of one of them. Glacier Helicopters says its landings last around 6 to 8 minutes, so expect a short stop for photos. You then fly back to base in Franz Josef.

It suits travelers who want both glaciers and a snow landing in under an hour, including families: children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring warm clothes and sunglasses. Drones, selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed on board.

Many low-star reviews come from weather cancellations. Some travelers were rebooked several times before giving up, a few waited weeks for their refund through GetYourGuide, and one group flew without a landing on a day another group did land. Book early in your stay, keep a spare day, and if the flight is cancelled you can take another date or a full refund. Glacier Helicopters also needs at least 3 paying passengers to fly.

Highlights

• Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on the same flight
• Icefalls and crevasses seen from the air
• Southern Alps views through panoramic windows
• Short stop on the snow at the head of a glacier, weather permitting
• Most reviewed twin-glacier flight compared here, with 410 GetYourGuide reviews
• Departs central Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight over both glaciers (about 30 minutes in the air)
• ✓ Snow landing (weather and pilot permitting)
• ✓ In-flight commentary from your pilot
• ✓ Concession fees that go toward conservation
• ✓ Return flight to the check-in point in Franz Josef

Not Included

• Transport to the check-in point in Franz Josef township
• Warm clothing, sunglasses and closed-toe shoes (bring your own)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes can change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion; flight times are approximate and include the landing.
• If poor weather cancels the flight, you can choose another date or a full refund.
• Minimum passenger numbers apply. If they are not met, you can move to another departure or get a full refund.
• Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• Drones, selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed on board.

Meeting Point

Glacier Helicopters' check-in point in central Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier; the exact address is on your voucher.