Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

About This Experience

This 30-minute helicopter flight crosses both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and includes a snow landing. GetYourGuide files it under Fox Glacier, but it departs from Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox, so if you are staying in Fox you need to drive there first. The operator is HeliServices, and your voucher gives the exact check-in address. It costs from $262 per person and is rated 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews.

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, and that is when HeliServices makes the final weather call. Within minutes of lifting off you cross the Franz Josef icefall and climb among the peaks toward the snow landing. On the flight you look over the snowfields of both glaciers, with Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman in view on a clear day. The listing gives you about 10 minutes on the snow before you fly back across the snowfields and land where you started.

It suits travelers who want to see both glaciers from above in a short time, families (infants under 3 who weigh less than 15 kg fly on an adult's lap), and anyone who cannot manage a few hours walking on the ice. It is a flight with a short stop on the snow, with no glacier walking. For time walking on the ice, look at the heli-hikes at Fox or Franz Josef.

Routes, departures and the snow landing all depend on the weather and the pilot's call, so treat the landing as likely, never certain. There are no low-star themes on this listing so far. Weather is still the main risk with any flight on the West Coast, so book an early day of your stay and leave a spare day in case of cloud.

Highlights

• Both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on one 30-minute flight
• The Franz Josef icefall seen from just above
• Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mount Tasman and the Southern Alps on a clear day
• About 10 minutes standing on the snow for photos, weather permitting
• Rated 4.9 from 154 GetYourGuide reviews
• Departs Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight of about 30 minutes
• ✓ Snow landing of about 10 minutes (weather and pilot permitting)
• ✓ Commentary throughout the flight
• ✓ Flight over the snowfields of both glaciers
• ✓ Return flight to the Franz Josef departure point

Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off
• Transport from Fox Glacier to the Franz Josef departure point
• Warm clothing (bring your own; HeliServices says it can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler on the snow than in the village)

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Warm layers
• Sunglasses

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departures, routes and the snow landing depend on the weather and the pilot's decision.
• HeliServices asks you to check in 30 minutes before departure and makes the final weather call then.
• Infants under 3 who weigh less than 15 kg fly on an adult's lap; infants under 3 who weigh more pay the child fare.
• GetYourGuide files this tour under Fox Glacier, but it departs Franz Josef. Check your voucher for the exact address.
• Booked through GetYourGuide, you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Meeting Point

HeliServices' base in Franz Josef township (not Fox Glacier), about 24 km north of Fox; the exact address is on your voucher.