Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride With Snow Landing

Soaring over the pristine landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of nature’s icy masterpiece. This intimate tour takes adventurers on a thrilling 20-minute flight, culminating in a snow landing amidst the glacier’s captivating ice formations and crevasses. With stunning panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps, this guided experience promises to create unforgettable memories for those seeking to enjoy the region’s remarkable geological heritage. As the helicopter ascends, the true scale and beauty of this natural wonder become strikingly apparent, leaving one eager to discover more about this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• 20-minute aerial tour of Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand, offering breathtaking views of ice pinnacles, crevasses, and the Southern Alps.
• Small group tour with up to 10 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
• Snow landing allows for unique photography opportunities and firsthand exploration of the glacier’s landscape.
• Expert English-speaking guide offers commentary on the glacier’s formation and geological significance.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This exhilarating glacier helicopter ride offers participants a 20-minute aerial tour of the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.

The activity is priced from €182.23 per person and is limited to just 10 participants. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides stunning views of the glacier’s ice pinnacles, crevasses, and the surrounding Southern Alps, including New Zealand’s highest peaks.

After taking to the skies, the helicopter will land on the snow, allowing guests to soak in the serene, snowy landscape and capture unique photographs.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and infants under 3 years old fly for free if they weigh less than 15kg.

Activity Highlights

The helicopter ride over the Franz Josef Glacier offers participants breathtaking views of the glacier’s striking ice pinnacles and dramatic crevasses.

During the 20-minute flight, you’ll soar above the pristine, snow-covered landscapes of the Southern Alps, catching glimpses of New Zealand’s highest peaks, including Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

The highlight of the tour is the snow landing, which allows you to disembark and capture unique, up-close photos of the glacier’s icy wonderland.

Soak in the serene, untouched beauty of the alpine environment and enjoy the rare opportunity to experience this natural wonder from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Location and Duration

The Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour departs from Franz Josef, a small town located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

The exhilarating 20-minute flight allows participants to soak in the breathtaking alpine scenery from a bird’s-eye perspective.

During this brief yet unforgettable experience, you’ll:

1. Soar above the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, marveling at its ice pinnacles and crevasses.

2. Take in panoramic views of the towering Southern Alps, including the iconic peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

3. Land on the pristine snow-covered landscape, offering a chance to capture unique photographs and fully learn about the serene alpine environment.

Pricing and Group Size

Priced from €182.23 per person, the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride accommodates a limited group size of up to 10 participants.

This small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience as you soar over the stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or part of a larger group, this tour offers an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the glacier, ice pinnacles, and crevasses without feeling overcrowded.

The helicopter’s capacity allows for flexibility, ensuring that each guest has ample space to move around and capture the perfect photographs during the 20-minute flight and snow landing.

With this pricing and group size, the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride provides an unforgettable and exclusive adventure.

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Language and Guide

The tour is conducted in English, with a live guide who provides expert commentary and insights throughout the helicopter ride. Guests can expect a highly informative and engaging experience as they soar over the stunning Franz Josef Glacier landscape.

The guide’s expertise ensures that visitors get the most out of the tour, highlighting the key features and points of interest along the way. Some of the highlights include:

1. Detailed explanations of the glacier’s formation and unique features

2. Insights into the region’s rich geological history and environmental significance

3. Answers to any questions participants may have about the landscape or the tour itself

The live guide’s passion and knowledge make this helicopter ride a truly memorable and enriching experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can reserve their Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride with a convenient ‘reserve now & pay later’ option, making it easy to secure their spot. The tour also includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience. While infants under 3 years old and under 15kg can fly for free, all participants must declare any infants during the booking process.

Booking Information
Reserve now & pay later	Option available
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Included
Infants under 3 years	Fly free if under 15kg
Declare infants	During booking

Tour Logistics

Departure for the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride is subject to suitable weather conditions and the pilot’s discretion. Guests are advised to check availability for starting times, with the meeting point provided via Google Maps.

The tour offers several logistical advantages to ensure a smooth experience:

1. The helicopter ride is limited to 10 participants, providing an intimate and personalized journey.

2. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, eliminating the need for additional transportation arrangements.

3. Infants under 3 years old and under 15kg can fly free, making the tour accessible for families.

Participants must declare any infants during the booking process to ensure the tour accommodates their needs.

With these logistics in place, guests can focus on enjoying the breathtaking glacier views and snow landing.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 8 reviews, the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter ride has earned an overall rating of 5/5.

Customers have consistently praised the staff and pilot’s professionalism. However, they caution that the tour may not be wheelchair accessible despite initial listings, advising extra consideration for elderly participants.

Reviewers have described the experience as breathtaking, with stunning views of the glacier, ice pinnacles, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

The snow landing, in particular, was praised for providing unique photo opportunities.

Recap

The Franz Josef glacier helicopter ride with snow landing offers a unique and breathtaking experience.

Soaring over the stunning landscape of the Southern Alps, visitors can capture breathtaking views of the glacier’s ice formations and enjoy the opportunity to step onto the untouched snow.

With an expert guide, travelers will gain insights into the glacier’s geological significance, creating an unforgettable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: