Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, Snow Landing (Allow 30 Mins – Departing Franz Josef)

Embark on an unforgettable aerial adventure over the stunning Twin Glaciers of Franz and Fox. This exhilarating helicopter tour departs from Franz Josef, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers’ majestic beauty. With a thrilling snow landing for 30 minutes, you’ll gain valuable insights into glaciology from the informative pilot commentary. Capture incredible photographs and enjoy a unique perspective of the landscapes that define New Zealand’s South Island. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the raw power and grandeur of these natural wonders up close. What lies beyond the aerial vantage point is sure to leave you awestruck.

Key Points

• The tour covers both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, including a snow landing, departing from Franz Josef village.
• The tour duration is approximately 30 minutes, offering aerial views and ground-level photographs with pilot commentary.
• Entry to the Franz Josef Cinema is included, featuring a documentary on glacier formation and climate change effects.
• Souvenir photographs may be available for purchase, subject to weather and environmental conditions.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum capacity of 300 travelers and minimum numbers required for the tour to proceed.

Tour Overview

This helicopter tour allows visitors to experience both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single excursion, including a snow landing. Departing from either Franz Josef or Fox villages, the tour offers multiple departure times to accommodate your schedule.

The experience also includes entry to the Franz Josef Cinema, where you can watch a documentary on the formation and history of these magnificent glaciers.

The tour provides aerial views and ground-level photos of the glaciers, accompanied by insightful commentary from the pilot on glaciology and the surrounding environment.

A pre-flight safety briefing ensures you’re prepared for the adventure. Souvenir photos may be available for purchase, subject to conditions.

Tour Features

The aerial views and ground-level photos of the glaciers provide a comprehensive perspective of these natural wonders.

Accompanied by the pilot’s insightful commentary on glaciology and the surrounding environment, the tour offers an educational and visually stunning experience.

Travelers can capture breathtaking shots of the glaciers from both the air and the ground, allowing them to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of these icy landscapes.

The pre-flight safety briefing ensures everyone is prepared for the adventure, while the availability of souvenir photos (conditions permitting) allows guests to commemorate their unique glacier experience.

With the pilot’s expertise guiding the way, this tour delivers an unforgettable encounter with the stunning Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Accessibility and Requirements

Typically, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing a wide range of travelers to participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult, with infants sitting on laps during the flight. However, individuals with serious medical conditions are restricted, as the tour has a maximum capacity of 300 travelers.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, minimum numbers are required for the tour to proceed. If these requirements aren’t met, cancellations may occur. Guests are advised to check the tour’s policies and plan accordingly to avoid any disappointments.

Despite these limitations, the tour offers an incredible opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from the air.

Reviews and Feedback

With a 5.0 overall rating from 52 reviews, the Twin Glacier Franz and Fox tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous participants.

Highlights mentioned include the breathtaking aerial views, the expertise and professionalism of the pilots, and the overall memorable experience of the excursion.

Reviewers praised the staff’s friendly service, though some noted issues with the desk staff at the Fox Glacier location.

The tour’s combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and seamless organization has left a lasting impression on visitors.

Whether it’s the awe-inspiring glaciers or the exceptional customer service, the Twin Glacier tour continues to delight and impress those who embark on this unforgettable adventure.

Booking Information

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience. Plus, they’ve the option to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Upon booking, you will receive confirmation details, including the meeting point located at 29 Main Road in Franz Josef.

The tour’s accessibility caters to a wide range of visitors, as it’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Children are welcome to join, with infants sitting on laps.

However, it’s important to note that the tour has a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, and minimum numbers must be met to avoid cancellations.

Departure Locations and Times

The tour offers departures from both Franz Josef and Fox villages, providing travelers with multiple scheduling options to suit their preferences. Visitors can choose from a variety of departure times throughout the day, ensuring they can seamlessly fit the experience into their itinerary. The table below outlines the available departure times from each location:

Departure Location	Departure Times
Franz Josef	8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM
Fox	8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM

With this flexibility, travelers can easily coordinate their glacier adventure to align with their overall plans, making the most of their time in the stunning West Coast region.

Glacier Documentary

Included in the tour is entry to the Franz Josef Cinema, where a documentary on the formation and history of glaciers provides visitors with valuable insights into these magnificent natural wonders.

The film delves into the science behind glacier development, explains the effects of climate change, and highlights the unique flora and fauna found in these icy environments.

Narrated by an expert in glaciology, the documentary offers an engaging and educational experience that complements the aerial and ground-level views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Customers can expect to emerge from the cinema with a deeper appreciation for the glaciers they’re about to witness firsthand during the helicopter tour.

Souvenir Photos

Oftentimes, souvenir photos are available for purchase following the helicopter tour, capturing the breathtaking aerial perspectives of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

These photos serve as cherished mementos, allowing visitors to relive the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the majestic landscapes from above.

The tour’s professional pilots and crew work diligently to ensure the best possible shots, taking advantage of the weather conditions and lighting to produce high-quality images.

While the availability of souvenir photos is subject to prevailing weather and environmental conditions, the tour operator makes every effort to provide this service to enhance the overall experience for their guests.

These photographs are a wonderful way to preserve the memories of this unforgettable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 300 travelers. The knowledge mentions that minimum numbers apply, so the typical group size may be smaller depending on demand for the tour.

Are Pets Allowed on the Helicopter Tour?

Pets are not permitted on this helicopter tour. The tour has a maximum capacity of 300 travelers and is focused on providing aerial views and ground-level access to the glaciers, without accommodating any animals.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can sit on a parent’s lap during the flight. There are no age restrictions for participants on this helicopter tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Helicopter?

Passengers can bring their own camera equipment on the helicopter tour. However, the tour operator advises checking for weather and safety conditions, as souvenir photos may not be available in all cases. Proper camera storage is recommended during the flight.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is unfavorable on the day of the tour, the operator will make every effort to reschedule or refund the booking. They’ll notify customers in advance and work to accommodate them on an alternate date when conditions are suitable.

Recap

The Twin Glacier Franz and Fox helicopter tour is a must-do experience for visitors to New Zealand’s South Island.

Departing from Franz Josef, this 30-minute adventure offers breathtaking aerial views of the glaciers and insightful commentary on glaciology.

Capture stunning photographs and enjoy a unique perspective of the region’s majestic landscapes.

With its accessibility and positive reviews, this tour is an unforgettable way to explore the natural wonders of the area.