Embark on the ultimate helicopter experience from Franz Josef to witness all the South Island icons, including Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and Fox Glacier (exclusive to the Grand Circle package), in one breathtaking journey! Conclude with a serene landing on Tasman Glacier, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the pristine air, glistening snow, and ample photography opportunities.
| Luggage limit | None |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Helicopter sightseeing, Sightseeing flight |
— What To Bring —
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 45 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please be sure to arrive within the check-in time. Those who are late will not be able to participate and will not receive a refund
Please call the tour operator at+64 2 2851 1960 for the latest flight updates, on the day of your flight
Bags, handbags or loose gear such as hats, scarves and any carried items are not allowed to be taken with you on the flight. Please leave these items in your vehicle or with the front desk before boarding the aircraft
Selfie sticks and drones are a safety hazard and are not permitted on the flights
Participants unable to complete trips due to pre-existing medical conditions or personal factors will be evacuated at their own expense without any refund
The flight is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the flight is cancelled due to poor weather, an alternative date or a full refund will be given for your option
Tasman Glacier, located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, is New Zealand's longest glacier, offering a unique landing experience on its snowfield. Franz Josef Glacier, on the West Coast, is renowned for its accessibility near rainforests and the dramatic descent of ice from high mountains close to sea level. While both offer stunning views, a helicopter tour often provides a broader view encompassing both glaciers and Mount Cook, with Tasman offering the specific glacier landing opportunity.
Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tours are generally available year-round, with each season offering distinct beauty. Summer (December to February) provides warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Winter (June to August) transforms the landscape into a pristine snowy wonderland, often with clearer, crisper air. Spring and autumn offer a balance, with fewer crowds and unique seasonal colors. Ultimately, conditions depend on daily weather, and tours are subject to visibility and safety requirements.
While you can view Franz Josef Glacier from ground-level walking tracks, a guided tour, particularly a helicopter flight, offers a significantly enhanced and closer experience. Helicopter tours provide unparalleled panoramic views of the glacier's full extent, icefalls, and the surrounding Southern Alps, including Mount Cook. For accessing the glacier itself or landing on it, a guided helicopter tour is essential due to the remote and hazardous terrain, ensuring safety and an immersive experience.
A Tasman Glacier helicopter landing tour provides an extraordinary opportunity to touch down on New Zealand's longest glacier. This allows guests to step out onto a vast, pristine snowfield, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and immerse themselves in the quiet grandeur of the Southern Alps. The experience includes ample time for photography amidst an epic glacial landscape, offering panoramic views of ice formations and surrounding peaks like Mount Cook, creating lasting memories.
The cost of a New Zealand glacier helicopter tour, including flights over Tasman Glacier, is influenced by several factors. These typically include the duration of the flight, the number of glaciers or iconic landmarks covered (e.g., Mount Cook, Franz Josef, Fox Glaciers), and whether a glacier landing is included. Longer flights with more comprehensive routes and snow landings generally reflect a higher value due to the extended experience and unique access to remote areas.
During a Franz Josef to Tasman Glacier helicopter tour, you can expect to see several iconic South Island landmarks from a breathtaking aerial perspective. This includes panoramic views of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, the extensive Tasman Glacier, and the dramatic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The journey also crosses the main divide of the West Coast, showcasing the stunning World Heritage Area with its diverse alpine and rainforest landscapes.
New Zealand glacier helicopter tour operators prioritize passenger safety with stringent measures. These include highly experienced pilots certified for alpine and glacier flying, regular maintenance of state-of-the-art aircraft, and adherence to strict aviation regulations. Flights are conducted only when weather conditions are safe and clear, and pre-flight briefings cover all safety procedures. Passengers are also provided with appropriate safety equipment and guidance throughout the tour.
The Tasman Glacier landing experience involves a controlled and safe touchdown on a designated snowfield on the glacier. Upon landing, passengers are typically given time to disembark from the helicopter, allowing them to walk on the ancient ice and snow. This offers a unique opportunity for photographs and to fully absorb the majestic, serene alpine environment, surrounded by towering peaks and vast glacial landscapes before re-boarding for the return flight.