About this tour
When Tom from our team booked this private flight out of Franz Josef on the West Coast, he got a proper peek at two of New Zealand's standout glaciers — Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman — plus a 10-minute touch-down on the snow for photos. The whole airborne bit runs about 35 minutes, though you'll need to budget another 45 minutes for check-in, the drive to the chopper, and the return. It's a family-run outfit (Gus and Poppy have been at it since 2014), and even though your flight is private, you might share the van ride with other passengers heading out on different sorties.
Highlights
- Two major glaciers in one flight — Franz Josef plus Fox or Tasman
- Snow landing and time for photos in the Southern Alps
- Local, husband-and-wife operation — genuinely small-scale feel
- Glacier views from angles you can't get on foot
- Air-conditioned van transport included in the package
- Suitable for most fitness levels — no strenuous hiking required
- Clear view of Mount Cook region from the air
What to expect
The day starts with check-in at the Franz Josef office, then an air-conditioned van ride to the helipad — you might share the van with other passengers, though your actual flight is just your group. Once aboard, the pilot takes you over Franz Josef Glacier first, then heads toward either Fox or Tasman (conditions and glacier status determine which). The route swings past Mount Cook and into the Southern Alps before descending for the snow landing. That's where you'll spend about 10 minutes getting photos, feeling the altitude, taking in the silence. The whole flight takes 35 minutes, and it's the kind of morning activity that leaves you buzzing by lunchtime.
The reality: helicopter cabins are snug (seats are 40cm wide), and there are two fairly steep ladder-style steps to climb in and out. If you've got mobility concerns or recent injuries, mention it upfront so they can assign the right aircraft. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the whole affair is weather-dependent — fog or wind can push things back or cancel.
What travellers say
- Glacier views from the air — perspective you won't get on ground
- Snow landing time — actual boots-on-snow moment included
- Owner-operated outfit — Gus and Poppy still fly most days
- All-inclusive pricing — fees and taxes built in
- Low fitness barrier — no hiking or fitness requirements
- Tight seating — standard seats 40cm wide, comfort upgrade extra
- Weather-dependent — West Coast fog and wind cause delays
- High ladder steps — tricky for mobility issues or recent injury
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a genuine way to clock the glaciers from above without a multi-day trek. You get land time on the snow, which beats a fly-over alone. The company's been running since 2014 and it's still owner-operated, so there's no corporate autopilot feel. All fees and taxes are wrapped in, and the air-conditioned transport is a nice touch on the drive out.
Helicopter seats are tight — 40cm wide — so if you need elbow room or carry a bit of width, the standard seat will feel cramped. You can upgrade to a comfort seat for extra space, but that's an add-on cost. The two ladder-style steps into the cabin aren't ideal if you've got dodgy knees, ankles, or recent surgery — flag this when booking. Weather in the West Coast region is unpredictable, so delays and cancellations happen. You might share van transport with strangers, even though your flight itself is private.
Budget 2 hours total (35 minutes flying + 45 minutes admin, drive, and return). Bring a camera or phone with a good battery. Dress in layers — it's cold at altitude. Infants must sit on an adult's lap (no separate seat). Public transport is nearby if you're coordinating your own arrival.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.