SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing, 45min
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 48 min
- Group size
- Up to 12 people
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the longest flight on our Franz Josef flight comparison and the one we suggest if you've already been on the ice. Glacier Country Helicopters flies about 45 minutes over Franz Josef and Fox, then across the divide to the Tasman Glacier and the edge of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with one snow landing. Some reviewers mention a second landing, but the listing only promises one.
It carries around 135 reviews averaging close to 4.8, and groups are capped at 12. On our hub page it's also the pick for anyone who can't hike, because it shows more than the 25 and 35 minute flights put together. Check in at 10 Main Road 30 minutes ahead and be on time: one reviewer lost a booking after arriving late. Weather can shorten the route, and reviewers describe partial refunds when that happened.
Good for
- Repeat visitors who want the Tasman side and the Mount Cook views the short flights miss
- Anyone who wants the most glacier for one booking and can't do the heli hike
Think twice if
- You're short on time and a 25 minute flight with a landing would do
- Low cloud is forecast over the divide, which is where this route earns its extra cost
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
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 Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 10-15 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 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.
From the listing by Glacier Country Helicopters on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
- The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
- The Ultimate Discovery flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers.
- Fly past Mount Cook and Mount Tasman
What's included
- Experienced and professional pilot
- Safety briefing
- All fees, GST, and taxes
- 45-minute scenic helicopter flight with snow landing included
Not included
- Comfort Seat (required for passengers 120kg/265lbs & over; optional for extra space)
- Front Seat Upgrade (must request at least 24 hours in advance & confirmation at check in)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
- Food and drinks
Meeting point
Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a light jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Checking in
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.
Where it ends
Please check in at our office 30 minutes prior to your flight time. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a light jacket, camera, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- 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).
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 franz josef glacier tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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