Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

This helicopter tour offers an extraordinary way to see some of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers—Franz Josef and Twin Fox—with a scenic snow landing to top it off. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this is a memorable experience for anyone craving stunning mountain vistas and a taste of glacial ice.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman promise a visual feast. Second, the scenic snow landing offers a rare chance to step onto a glacier and capture photographs that look straight out of a postcard. Third, knowledgeable pilots and friendly staff ensure your safety and comfort, even through clouds or variable weather.

One thing to consider is that weather conditions can influence the route and snow landing, so flexibility might be necessary. If you’re an adventurer eager to see glaciers from above and get a feel for the icy landscape up close, this trip suits active travelers seeking a balanced mix of thrill and scenery.

Key Points

• Unmatched views of glaciers, Mount Cook, and the Southern Alps
• Snow landing provides a rare, immersive experience on a glacier
• Expert pilots and friendly staff ensure safety and comfort
• 30-minute duration offers a substantial taste without being overly long
• Weather-dependent: routes and landing sites may vary
• Excellent value for the quality of scenery and experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Experience

This 30-minute helicopter tour begins at the Alpine Adventure Centre in Franz Josef. From there, you’ll hop into a helicopter designed for sightseeing, with a capacity suitable for small groups. The tour typically departs in the morning or afternoon — check the schedule to match your plans.

Once airborne, you’ll immediately notice how quickly the scenery unfolds beneath you. In just minutes, you’ll be soaring over the Franz Josef Glacier, renowned for its dramatic icefalls and vibrant blue crevasses. The helicopter then ascends into the surrounding peaks, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook—New Zealand’s highest peak—and Mount Tasman.

A key highlight: the snow landing. After about 10 minutes of flying over the glaciers, the pilot will descend onto the snowfield. Here, you’ll have around 10 minutes to step outside, feel the icy wind, and take as many photos as possible. Many reviewers describe this as a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment, with some mentioning the thrill of walking on top of a glacier that only a handful of travelers get to experience.

After your snow adventure, you’ll take off again, flying over the expansive snowfields before returning to the departure point. The entire experience offers a perfect balance between breathtaking views and a tangible connection to the icy landscape.

The Scenic Highlights You’ll See

Glaciers: The twin glaciers—Franz Josef and Fox—are among the most accessible and dramatic in the world. Flying over their icefalls reveals a maze of blue crevasses and shimmering ice, which photos can hardly do justice. Several reviewers mention the “sheer blue depth” of the icefalls, which makes the landscape look almost surreal.

Mount Cook & Mount Tasman: These towering peaks dominate the Southern Alps skyline, their jagged summits often cloaked in clouds, adding to the drama. The views from the helicopter are often described as “spectacular,” with some guests noting how these peaks seem to touch the sky, creating a sense of being on top of the world.

Snowfield & Icefalls: The snow landing itself is a highlight, offering a close-up look at the glacier ice. Many reviewers say that walking on the glacier and standing amidst the icy landscape gives a real sense of scale and splendor.

Scenic Flight: The commentary, often provided by knowledgeable pilots like Ken and Jiorde, adds insight into the glaciers’ formation, history, and features. Their friendly, professional approach makes even those with little prior knowledge feel engaged and eager to learn more.

Pricing & Value

At $246 per person, this tour is a significant investment but one that many consider well worth it. The value lies not only in the spectacular scenery but also in the chance to step onto a glacier—something most travelers won’t do without a helicopter.

The inclusion of a 30-minute scenic flight plus a 10-minute snow landing makes for a compact but highly memorable experience. Reviewers frequently emphasize that the quality of the views and the expertise of the pilots justify the price. Many mention the added bonus of helpful commentary, which enriches the experience further.

While it’s not cheap, the experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of New Zealand’s most iconic glacial terrain from a perspective only a few get to enjoy. If you’re someone who appreciates scenic adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of adventure, this is a solid investment.

The Experience from the Pilot’s Perspective

Reviewers highlight pilots like Ken, Jamie, and Jiorde as being knowledgeable and professional, sharing interesting facts while ensuring everyone feels safe. Many mention how pilots skillfully navigate clouds or changing weather, which can sometimes be unpredictable in mountain environments.

The commentary during the flight is praised for balancing educational tidbits with friendly conversation, making the ride both informative and relaxed. Several reviews mention feeling confident in their pilot’s abilities, which is reassuring given the terrain and weather variability.

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Details That Matter

Departure Point & Check-In: You’ll meet at the Alpine Adventure Centre in Franz Josef, with check-in recommended 30 minutes prior. Since hotel pickups aren’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Duration: At 30 minutes total, this isn’t a long day trip but offers a generous slice of the glaciers and the surrounding mountains. The actual flying time over the glaciers is about 10 minutes, with the snow landing adding a special touch.

Weather Conditions: Flights are weather-dependent; pilots may alter routes or delay trips if conditions aren’t suitable. Reviewers note that even when weather was less than perfect, pilots like Ken managed to find routes that maximized the views, making the most of the day.

Group Size & Comfort: The helicopter is designed for sightseeing and small groups, enhancing the experience’s intimacy. Passengers consistently mention how smooth and comfortable the ride was, even when flying through clouds or over snow.

Accessibility & Child Policy: Infants under 3 years and under 15 kg can fly free, sitting on an adult’s lap. For children over 15 kg, the child fare applies. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility concerns.

Authentic Traveler Insights

• Experienced Guides Make a Difference: Reviewers often praise pilots like Jiorde for sharing local insights and fun facts about the glaciers, mountain formation, and environmental importance.
• Safety First: Many mention feeling very safe during their flights, even when flying through cloud bands or over snowy terrain.
• Photo Opportunities Galore: Whether it’s the glacier ice, mountain peaks, or the snowfield, every moment is a photo op. Several reviewers say they returned home with stunning photos that looked almost unreal.
• A Bucket List Moment: Multiple guests describe the snow landing as “a once-in-a-lifetime” experience, with some noting that they felt like they were on top of the world—literally.

The Sum Up

This helicopter tour offers an ideal way to see the glaciers of Franz Josef and Twin Fox with a rare snow landing that transforms the experience from sightseeing to an adventure. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who crave breathtaking scenery, want a close-up look at glaciers, and are comfortable with a bit of weather unpredictability.

The combination of expert pilots, stunning visual landscapes, and the thrill of walking on a glacier makes this an activity worth considering if you’re eager for a high-impact, memorable experience on New Zealand’s South Island. While it’s on the pricier side, many reviews confirm that the value for the scenery and adventure justifies the cost.

For those wanting an authentic, visually spectacular glacier experience, this tour delivers the goods—plus a little extra in the form of the snow landing that will stay with you long after the trip ends.

FAQs

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight itself lasts about 10 minutes, but the entire experience, including check-in and the snow landing, is around 30 minutes.

Is there any hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to meet at the Alpine Adventure Centre in Franz Josef 30 minutes before departure.

Can I take infants on this tour?
Yes, infants under 3 years and weighing less than 15 kg can fly for free sitting on an adult’s lap. For infants over 15 kg, a child fare applies.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended, especially for capturing the stunning glacier views and the snow landing.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, flights depend on weather conditions. The pilot may modify the route or delay if necessary to ensure safety.

How many people are in each helicopter?
The tour is designed for small groups, making the experience intimate and personalized, with plenty of space to enjoy the scenery.

This helicopter trip over Franz Josef and Twin Fox Glaciers offers a spectacular, memorable way to experience New Zealand’s icy giants. Perfect for adventure seekers and scenery lovers alike, it’s a high-value activity that combines breathtaking views with the thrill of a snow landing.

You can check availability for your dates here: