SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 24 min
- Group size
- Up to 6 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
On our heli hike comparison this sits in the row for people unsure about hiking: a landing for photos instead of hours on the ice. Glacier Helicopters flies about 25 minutes from 30 Main Road, lifts off above Franz Josef Glacier and puts down on a snowfield partway through. Check in 30 minutes early. The cabin takes six.
With around 240 reviews averaging close to 4.9, it's one of the best rated flights in the area, and the listing says it's wheelchair accessible, which is rare here. Against Glacier Country's 25 minute flight it has a slightly stronger rating and better access; Glacier Country refunds part of the fee if it can't land. Reviewers describe some flights cut short with no landing when conditions turned, so book a morning and allow a second chance.
Good for
- Travellers who need a wheelchair accessible glacier flight
- Anyone who wants to stand on the snow without a guided hike
Think twice if
- You want two or three glaciers, which the 35 and 45 minute flights cover
- Your heart is set on hiking the ice rather than landing on it
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 25-minute helicopter flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. The flight includes a snow landing, an excellent opportunity to really take in the surroundings and breathe the clean alpine air.
From the listing by Glacier Helicopters on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Rise to the sky above Franz Josef in one of the modern helicopters as your pilot takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. See the stunning ice features, cracks and crevasses from above. Your flight also includes a snow landing, an excellent opportunity to really take in the surroundings and breathe the clean alpine air as you get your feet on pristine white snow. Climb back aboard the helicopter for the descending flight, landing back in the Franz Josef township. About 15 min.
- Snow Landing on top of Franz Josef Glacier About 10 min.
What's included
- Photo opportunities throughout the experience
- Snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier
- Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Professional Guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
Please check in 30 minutes prior to your chosen departure time.
Departure Point: Main Street of Town
Address: Located in the townships of Franz Josef Glacier on the Main Street though town - Main South Road, SH6
Checking in
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
Where it ends
Please check in 30 minutes prior to your chosen departure time.
Departure Point: Main Street of Town
Address: Located in the townships of Franz Josef Glacier on the Main Street though town - Main South Road, SH6
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We recommend you bring along warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera and a sense of adventure!
- For safety reasons, we do not allow selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads/ tablets and bags of any description on any of our flights.
- We fly all year round, weather permitting. Please note: On Christmas, we only operate for half the day (9 am - 12 pm).
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our heli hike page, our franz josef glacier tours page and our franz josef glacier guide page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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