Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight and Snow Landing

About This Experience

This twin-glacier flight with The Helicopter Line crosses both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and lands on the snow. GetYourGuide files it under Fox Glacier, but it departs from The Helicopter Line's Franz Josef Glacier base in Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox, and returns there. Check your voucher for the exact address. It costs from $281 per person and is rated 4.8 from 12 GetYourGuide reviews, so there are few reviews so far.

The listing allows 35 minutes in total including the landing, and The Helicopter Line suggests about 1 hour for check-in, the safety briefing and the flight together. From the valley floor you fly over the townships and up along the Franz Josef ice, across to Fox Glacier, then back to the head of Franz Josef Glacier for a landing of about 10 minutes. From the snow you look down the path the glacier has carved, then fly back to the heli base.

It suits travelers who want both glaciers and time on the snow without a long day, and 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. The Helicopter Line and Glacier Helicopters belong to the same group, and both sell the twin-glacier flight at the same price.

Seats are assigned at check-in, and the one low-star review came from a traveler placed in the middle of the back row, with a narrower view and few clear photos. Flights, landings and routes depend on the weather and the pilot. If poor weather cancels the flight, you can choose another date or a full refund, so book an early day of your stay. Minimum passenger numbers also apply.

Highlights

• Flight over both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers following the ice up the valleys
• Landing on the snow at the head of Franz Josef Glacier, weather permitting
• View down the valley the glacier has carved
• Huge crevasses and ice formations seen from the air
• Departs Franz Josef township, about 24 km north of Fox Glacier
• Same group and price as the Glacier Helicopters twin-glacier flight

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight over both glaciers
• ✓ Snow landing of about 10 minutes (weather and pilot permitting)
• ✓ Pilot commentary during the flight
• ✓ Concession fees that go toward conservation
• ✓ Return to The Helicopter Line's Franz Josef base

Not Included

• Transport from Fox Glacier to the Franz Josef base
• A choice of seat (seats are assigned at check-in)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Warm, closed-toe shoes
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Allow 35 minutes for the trip including the snow landing, and about 1 hour in total with check-in and the safety briefing.
• Flights, landings and routes can change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion. 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.
• GetYourGuide files this tour under Fox Glacier, but it departs Franz Josef. Drones, selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed on board.

Meeting Point

The Helicopter Line's Franz Josef Glacier base in Franz Josef township (not Fox Glacier); the exact address is on your voucher.