Unforgettable Glacier Heli-Tour: Pilot's Choice Snow Landing
Price From $239.27 per person
Lowest Price Guarantee
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 Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 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.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Kicknbak2008, 10/29/2025 2:08:21 AM
A awesome flight that started with great communication with the weather not allowing the first planned date go ahead. Got a brilliant morning with clear skies and the whole experience was amazing. Look these guys up as they are awesome
jimmP7792NN, 10/26/2025 12:10:00 PM
An absolutely exquisite experience. Professional, safe and informative throughout. We were extremely fortunate to have clear blue skies when we did our trip over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Mount Cook & Tasman Peaks etc. The time spent "on the ground" at high altitude amongst majestic peaks was the stuff of fairy tales. Highly recommended (whenever the weather allows) and well worth the money!
Simon_M, 10/14/2025 1:09:54 AM
Fantastic words fail me what an experience, need to be flexible due to weather. The glaciers were just amazing despite the weather Thank you
Georgina_C, 10/3/2025 12:32:02 AM
Very good trip. Well informed. Great communication with staff. Amazing to see the Glaciers!!! Would recommend to anyone.
wendyy881, 9/30/2025 8:24:20 PM
A wonderful experience. We were very lucky to be able to go. We couldn’t get to do the snow landing due to the weather/ pressure but we were able to see Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Mount Cook was covered by clouds. We got a partial refund back for not being able to do the snow landing, which we received an email without us even asking. Very honest and fair.
Michael_d, 9/30/2025 12:39:16 AM
What an amazing experience, didnt get to do the landing but so worth going up anyway! The pilot was amazing, told some great stories about the area. Everyone was so professional, highly recommended ⭐️
Dane_O, 9/14/2025 7:56:19 PM
The Franz Josef heli tour was absolutely incredible! We got to land on the snow and see multiple glaciers up close. Our pilot, Mark, was fantastic—he clearly knew the area well and shared interesting details about each glacier we flew over. The whole experience was unforgettable and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting!
315leanneb, 9/9/2025 5:19:08 AM
Incredible experience. Flight was delayed u til conditions were safe. Communication about all circumstances were clear, honest and gave the option to cancel for a full refund if the delay was not workable. So glad it was able to happen. Getting out onto fresh snow on top of a mountain was incredible! Close up views of several glaciers from the helicopter was spectacular. Pilot and all staff were super friendly and informative! Highly recommend!
Athena_R, 9/7/2025 7:01:46 PM
It was awesome - what a privilege - I recommend this trip for everyone. Had total trust in the pilot - very well organised.
Vien T, 9/5/2025 4:49:35 PM
We had made a last minute booking for a pilots choice ride for the two of us and the staff were very helpful. Everything ran on time and very smoothly, unfortunately the weather didn’t allow us to land on the glacier, but we felt very safe which is the most important thing. Informative flight still with amazing views up close to the tops of the glaciers. Highly recommend this business.
- 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).
Departure point
Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Our only base operates from Franz Josef. Cancellations within 24hours due to customer booking the wrong location will not be refunded.Return details
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 Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 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.Redemption
Please check in 30minutes prior to flight departure time at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef. No shows or late check ins will result in the forfeit of your full fare and seat. 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.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund