Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter

Soar above Franz Josef Glacier

Your adventure begins as you hop into a helicopter at the Franz Josef heli base. As you lift off, you see lush green rainforests and towering snow-covered peaks. Soon, you’ll spot the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier, with its frozen icefalls. Your pilot will guide the helicopter for a smooth snow landing, where you’ll step onto untouched white snow, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy nature at its best.

Double the adventure with Fox Glacier

Upgrade your flight to explore two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. Fly over the stunning Fox Glacier, where massive ice formations create a constantly changing landscape. As you land near Victoria Falls, take in the incredible surroundings. For the ultimate adventure, upgrade to see Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of this mighty mountain, along with the icebergs floating in Tasman Glacier Lake.

Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter

Discover the Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter, a guided tour that includes a 20-minute helicopter flight over lush rainforests before landing at the Franz Josef Glacier for an up-close encounter with its shimmering crevasses. This tour also offers an optional upgrade to catch a glimpse of Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak standing at 3,754 meters, and spot occasional icebergs drifting near the Tasman Glacier. The flight includes commentary on glaciology, local history, and Māori legends from your expert guide. With tours available daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this experience is accessible in English and Maori audio languages. You will also have access to Fox Glacier, where you can spend approximately one hour exploring its unique features. This tour covers a total distance of about 12 kilometers over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, providing an unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts.

Embark on a Helicopter Flight Over Lush Rainforests

Your tour stops at the lush rainforests surrounding Franz Josef Glacier where you will embark on a scenic helicopter flight. This area covers approximately 20 square kilometers and is home to diverse flora and fauna, including ancient trees that are over 1,500 years old. The flight lasts for about 20 minutes, providing stunning aerial views of the dense rainforest canopy below. As you soar above the forest, your guide will share insights into the local ecosystem and historical significance of this region. This tour is unique in its ability to offer a bird's-eye view of one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural environments.

Explore the Shimmering Crevasses at Franz Josef Glacier

Your tour stops at the Franz Josef Glacier, where you will explore its shimmering crevasses carved from ancient ice. This glacier spans over 12 kilometers in length and is approximately 500 meters wide, with an average thickness of around 600 meters. The ice on this glacier can be up to 1,000 years old, making it a remarkable place to witness frozen history. You will spend about one hour walking on the glacier under the guidance of your expert guide who will share fascinating details about glaciology and local Maori legends. This unique experience allows you to see firsthand the impact of climate change on New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Upgrade Your Journey with Mt. Cook Glimpses

Your tour offers an upgrade option to catch a glimpse of Mount Cook, standing at 3,754 meters above sea level and recognized as New Zealand's tallest peak. This optional addition includes a flight over the Tasman Glacier where you may spot icebergs drifting along its surface. The total duration for this extended tour is approximately one hour, providing breathtaking views of the Southern Alps’ snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. Your expert guide will provide commentary on the geological history of the region, including the formation of these majestic mountains over millions of years.

Tour Highlights

• 20-minute helicopter flight over lush rainforests
• Optional Mt. Cook upgrade with icebergs view
• Expert guide commentary in English and Maori languages
• One hour exploration at Franz Josef Glacier
• Unique guided walk on ancient ice up to 1,000 years old
• Daily tours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Access to Fox Glacier with its shimmering crevasses
• Stunning aerial views of Southern Alps and Tasman Glacier

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and history buffs, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through New Zealand's most iconic natural landmarks. The four-hour format allows you to embark on a helicopter flight over lush rainforests, explore the shimmering crevasses at Franz Josef Glacier, and upgrade your journey with glimpses of Mt. Cook. This tour offers unparalleled access to some of the world’s oldest ice while providing educational insights into glaciology and local Maori legends.