Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight From Franz Josef

Soaring high above the stunning Southern Alps, the Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef delivers an unparalleled aerial adventure. Passengers embark on a 30-minute journey, captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. With a maximum of six travelers per flight, this intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the remarkable features of these glacial wonders up close, as the pilot provides insightful commentary on the region’s geology and history. But the real magic unfolds when the helicopter lands on the glacier, allowing adventurers to step onto the icy expanse and enjoy the raw power of nature.

Key Points

• 30-minute aerial adventure over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, including a snow landing for close-up glacier views.
• Pilot provides live commentary on the geology and history of the glaciers, enhancing the overall experience.
• Maximum of 6 travelers per flight, with a weight limit of 364 lbs per passenger.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the flight.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed, ensuring inclusivity.

Overview of the Experience

The Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight offers passengers a 30-minute aerial adventure over the breathtaking Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in New Zealand’s South Island.

This unforgettable experience includes a snow landing, allowing travelers to marvel at the up-close views of the glaciers’ stunning features, like icefalls, crevasses, and seracs.

During the flight, the pilot provides live commentary, sharing insights into the geology and history of these natural wonders.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per flight and a weight limit of 364 lbs per passenger, the helicopter tour ensures an intimate and personalized journey.

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Highlights of the Scenic Flight

Soaring over the majestic Southern Alps, passengers are treated to awe-inspiring aerial vistas of the twin glaciers’ dramatic landscapes. Gliding effortlessly above towering peaks, the helicopter offers unobstructed views of the glacier’s captivating features. Passengers can spot the icy pinnacles, seracs, and gaping crevasses that carve through the glacial ice, each one a breathtaking work of nature’s artistry.

Glacial Formations	Seracs	Crevasses
Icy Pinnacles	Towering blocks of ice	Gaping fissures in the glacier
Glacial Slopes	Jagged, irregularly-shaped ice blocks	Treacherous openings in the ice
Icefalls	Cascading columns of frozen water	Dangerous splits in the glacier’s surface

The snow landing allows passengers to step out onto the glacier’s surface, providing an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent natural wonders.

Snow Landing and Up-Close Views

Touching down on the glacier’s surface, passengers can enjoy the up-close majesty of these icy wonders. The snow landing offers an intimate encounter with the glaciers’ intricate features, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of these natural marvels.

With time spent on the snow, guests can gaze in awe at the towering pinnacles, deep crevasses, and glistening seracs that characterize the glaciers. Pilot commentary provides insight into the formation and unique characteristics of these dynamic landscapes.

The opportunity to set foot on the glaciers themselves is a truly unforgettable highlight of the helicopter experience, bringing the power and beauty of these frozen rivers into sharp focus.

Pilot Commentary and Live Experience

Throughout the thrilling helicopter flight, the pilot’s live commentary brings the viewers’ attention to the intricate details of the glaciers below. Knowledgeable pilots share insights into the formation and unique characteristics of these dynamic, frozen landscapes, enhancing the passengers’ appreciation for the grandeur and power of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

The pilot’s expert narration highlights:

• The dramatic icefall formations

• The deep, winding crevasses carved into the glacier’s surface

• The towering seracs, or ice pinnacles, that stand as testament to the glaciers’ constant movement

This live, informative experience complements the stunning aerial vistas, creating an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The starting point for this exhilarating helicopter flight is The Helicopter Line, located on Main South Road in the town of Franz Josef, New Zealand. This convenient meeting point makes it easy for adventurous travelers to access the twin glacier flight.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed to accompany passengers. For families, infants must sit on laps, and children under 15 kg are required to sit with a parent.

It’s important to note that passengers must provide their individual weights at the time of booking to ensure the helicopter’s weight capacity isn’t exceeded. With these accessibility details in mind, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable aerial tour over the stunning Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can typically cancel their Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight up to 24 hours before the experience starts, with no penalties.

Confirmation for the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Plus, passengers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later to secure their preferred flight time.

The booking and cancellation policy offers flexibility:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the flight

• Confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability

• Reserve now, pay later to lock in your preferred time slot

This policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without incurring extra costs.

The convenient reserve-now-pay-later option also helps secure a spot on this popular aerial tour.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Passengers have left a total of 149 reviews for the Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight, collectively rating the experience 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Positive comments highlight the stunning aerial views of the glaciers and serene Southern Alps, as well as the knowledgeable pilots who provide informative commentary.

However, some feedback mentions weather impacts on the flights and occasional communication challenges with the pilots.

The company has addressed concerns about transparency and safety during the flight scheduling process.

Additional Important Information

The Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, while children under 15 kg are required to sit with a parent. Passengers must advise their individual weight at the time of booking.

This experience is popular among travelers, with many recommending it as a must-do activity in the area. The company addresses concerns about transparency and safety during flight scheduling.

Some key details to keep in mind include:

• The maximum weight per passenger is 364 lbs.

• Passengers are encouraged to wear warm clothing and suitable footwear due to cold conditions.

• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Any Prior Experience to Take This Helicopter Flight?

No prior experience is needed for this helicopter flight. The pilot provides live commentary and handles all the flying, allowing passengers to simply enjoy the stunning aerial views of the glaciers and the surrounding landscape.

What Happens if the Weather Conditions Are Poor on the Day of My Flight?

If weather conditions are poor, the helicopter flight may be canceled or rescheduled. The operator will contact passengers in advance to discuss options and provide updates. Flexible booking policies allow for changes or cancellations due to weather-related issues.

Are There Any Age or Weight Restrictions for Passengers?

There are age and weight restrictions for passengers. Infants must sit on laps, and children under 15 kg must sit with a parent. Passengers are also limited to a maximum total weight of 364 lbs per person.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Flight?

Passengers can bring their own camera equipment on the helicopter flight. However, the total weight per passenger, including any gear, is limited to 364 lbs, so travelers should consider the weight of their cameras and accessories when booking.

How Often Do the Pilots Rotate During the Flight?

The pilots rotate at regular intervals during the flight to ensure they remain alert and focused throughout the experience. This allows them to provide a consistently high level of service and commentary to passengers.

Recap

The Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight offers an unforgettable aerial adventure over the Southern Alps, showcasing the breathtaking Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

With a snow landing and live commentary from the pilot, this intimate journey provides stunning views and insights into the remarkable features of these glacial wonders.

It’s an exhilarating 30-minute experience not to be missed by visitors to the region.