Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter
Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter
Duration: 1 hour
1 hour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Experience Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter in Franz Josef, New Zealand, where you'll soar above the majestic Franz Josef Glacier on an exhilarating aerial sightseeing tour. Begin your adventure at the heli base as you take off to view lush rainforests and towering peaks before landing smoothly onto pristine snow for a close-up encounter with nature's splendor. Enhance your journey by upgrading to explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, immersing yourself in New Zealand’s natural wonders from above.
Experience Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter in Franz Josef, New Zealand, where you'll soar above the majestic Franz Josef Glacier on an exhilarating aerial sightseeing tour. Begin your adventure at the heli base as you take off to view lush rainforests and towering peaks before landing smoothly onto pristine snow for a close-up encounter with nature's splendor. Enhance your journey by upgrading to explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, immersing yourself in New Zealand’s natural wonders from above.
From the air, glide for 20 minutes above verdant rainforests before landing gently at Franz Josef Glacier.
Witness shimmering crevasses formed from ice as you explore Fox Glacier and experience a snow-covered touchdown.
Upon landing in this winter wonderland, enjoy stunning scenery while your guide shares insights on regional history, glaciology, Māori legends, and more.
Did you know? The ice at Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers is over 1,000 years old, offering a unique walk through ancient frozen landscapes.
Entry to the exciting 20-min Franz Josef scenic flight and encounter with glaciers
Includes a thrilling snow landing experience on the glacier itself
Access to an informative pilot guide during your time in New Zealand
Individual Costs
Insurance for Travels
Family playing with snow on Franz Josef Glacier tour.
Your Adventure Awaits
Begins your journey at Franz Josef's heli base when you board a helicopter. Watch as lush rainforests and towering snow-capped peaks unfold below during takeoff, leading to an awe-inspiring view of the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier with its icefalls frozen in time. Your pilot expertly maneuvers for a smooth landing on pristine white snow, allowing you to experience crisp mountain air and nature’s untouched beauty.
Explore Two Glaciers
Select our Fox Glacier upgrade for an excellent adventure over New Zealand's two renowned glaciers. Fly above the dynamic landscape of Fox Glacier with its massive ice formations that shift continuously. Experience a thrilling snow landing near Victoria Falls, surrounded by spectacular views. Opting for the Mount Cook experience will take you to stunning aerial perspectives of this towering peak and floating icebergs in Tasman Glacier Lake.
Helicopter passengers viewing scenic mountain landscape through windows.
Helicopter flying over snowy mountain landscape with rugged peaks.
Family playing with snow on Franz Josef Glacier tour.
Helicopter passengers viewing scenic mountain landscape through windows.
Helicopter flying over snowy mountain landscape with rugged peaks.
Helicopter landing on snowy glacier with passengers disembarking, surrounded by mountains.
Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter
The Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter is a guided adventure that includes a 20-minute helicopter flight over verdant rainforests, culminating in a landing at the Franz Josef Glacier for an intimate experience with its sparkling crevasses. This tour also offers an optional upgrade to view Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,754 meters, and observe icebergs near Tasman Glacier Lake. Commentary on glaciology, local history, and Māori legends is provided by your guide throughout the flight. Tours are available daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM in both English and Maori audio languages. Additionally, you'll have time at Fox Glacier for roughly one hour of exploration. Covering about 12 kilometers over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, this tour promises an memorable experience for nature lovers.
Helicopter Flight Over Lush Rainforests
This segment includes a helicopter flight that takes you through approximately 20 square kilometers of lush rainforests surrounding the Franz Josef Glacier. These ancient forests are home to diverse flora and fauna, including trees over 1,500 years old. The 20-minute aerial journey offers spectacular views from above the dense canopy while your guide shares insights into the local ecosystem and historical significance.
Shimmering Crevasses at Franz Josef Glacier
The tour includes a visit to Franz Josef Glacier, where you'll explore crevasses formed by ancient ice. The glacier stretches over 12 kilometers in length with an average width of about 500 meters and thickness around 600 meters, featuring ice up to 1,000 years old. You’ll spend approximately one hour walking on the glacier under expert guidance, learning about glaciology and local Māori legends.
Upgrade Your Journey: Mt. Cook Glimpses
An optional upgrade allows you to glimpse Mount Cook at 3,754 meters above sea level, New Zealand’s tallest peak. This extension covers a flight over the Tasman Glacier where icebergs may be spotted drifting along its surface. The extended tour lasts about one hour and offers stunning views of the Southern Alps’ snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys with commentary on geological history.
Tour Highlights
- 20-minute helicopter flight over lush rainforests
- Optional Mt. Cook upgrade for iceberg viewing
- Expert guide commentary in English and Maori languages
- One hour exploration at Franz Josef Glacier
- 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
Aerial views of Southern Alps and Tasman Glacier
This guided tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and history buffs. It offers an engaging experience through New Zealand's famous landmarks over a four-hour format that includes helicopter flight over rainforests, exploration at Franz Josef Glacier, and optional glimpses of Mt. Cook. The tour provides unparalleled access to ancient ice while offering educational insights into glaciology and Māori legends.
Guide leading a glacier tour with snowy mountains in the background.
Franz Josef Glacier snow-covered peaks and ice formations under clear sky.
Helicopter landing on snowy glacier with passengers disembarking, surrounded by mountains.
Guide leading a glacier tour with snowy mountains in the background.
Franz Josef Glacier snow-covered peaks and ice formations under clear sky.
Book your helicopter tour at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions and ensure you have a spot on this popular adventure.
If interested in exploring more than one glacier, consider upgrading the flight to include an aerial view of Fox Glacier for a double dose of natural beauty.
To make the most of your visit, start with Franz Josef Scenic Flight and then plan further activities around nearby attractions like Mt. Cook or Tasman Glacier if time allows.
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