Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min
Overview
1 hour 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days.
On our Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes.
If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight.
Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you have limited mobility e.g. injury, arthritis or recent surgery? There are two high ladder style steps into the helicopter. This information could effect what helicopter we fly you in.
Comfort Seats: Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide, an empty seat can be reserved next to you if you prefer extra space (passengers 120KG & over when weighed at check in will be required to purchase a Comfort Seat - these are half the RRP of your flight).
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
Fox Glacier
The Pilot's Choice flight includes stunning views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers.
Options
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
What‘s Included
35-minute scenic helicopter flight
Snow landing (approx. 10 minutes) for photos
Safety briefing and equipment (if required)
Professional and experienced pilot
All fees, GST, and taxes
Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg / 265lbs & over, or optional for extra space)
Front Seat / Executive Upgrade (subject to availability, request in advance)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (check-in is at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef)
Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
390 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disappointed by the Communication and Outcome
thomv933,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked the “Pilot’s Choice” helicopter flight with Glacier Country Flights, including a 10-minute glacier landing. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing due to inconsistent communication and conflicting explanations throughout the entire process. Before the flight, we were asked to move our booking from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. because we were told the weather would be better earlier in the morning. We adjusted our plans accordingly. Shortly afterwards, we were told that the later flight did not have enough passengers and that our booking would be cancelled unless we switched to the earlier departure. This immediately raised questions about the real reason for the change. During the flight, the pilot informed us that it was too windy to safely complete the glacier landing. We completely understand that safety comes first and fully respect that decision. However, it was frustrating because we had specifically agreed to the earlier departure based on the explanation that weather conditions would be better at that time. In the end, the weather was apparently still not suitable for the landing that was a key part of the experience we had booked. After landing, the pilot told us that this had been the first flight of the day and that they did not know what the conditions on the glacier would be like until they got there. Yet when we returned to the office, the staff member at reception told us that another pilot had already flown over the glacier earlier that morning and that the conditions had been good. These explanations directly contradicted each other and left us unsure which version of events was actually true. We had paid for the Pilot’s Choice experience, including the glacier landing. In the end, we only saw one glacier and the landing did not take place. As compensation, we were charged for the two-glacier flight instead. We would never have paid NZD 395 per person for a flight without a glacier landing. The landing was one of the main reasons we chose this particular experience. We fully understand that weather conditions can change quickly and that safety must always be the top priority. Our disappointment is not about the decision not to land, but about the repeated inconsistencies in the information we received before, during and after the flight. Unfortunately, this left us feeling misled and significantly impacted our overall experience.
Great experience
melaniethomas1974,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great opportunity. All the staff at the reception, bus driver and pilot were all fantastic
The flight was absolutely...
Lori J,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The flight was absolutely beautiful. It was safe, informative, and we all really enjoyed the flight.
Amazing experience!
Ellen N,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Glacier Country Helicopters was excellent. The pilot was very skilled, knowledgeable, & friendly. We had an amazing experience!
Fabulous - do it!
Linda C,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting, beautiful, and we were so lucky with the weather. Friendly and informative staff. Definately do it if you can. The best experience of our trip.
Unmissable
Quest16098227415,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant! A must in Franz Josef!
My heart is full
Catherine M,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazingly wonderful experience. We had perfect weather. Morning is the best time to fly as the sun was in perfect photo position and no westerly winds. My children 15, 13 & 9 yo loved it. Pilot Mark was knowledgeable and friendly. He was kind to my kids and explained things as we went. We felt safe at all times. Sunglasses are a must have.
Amazing
garylY9615SO,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing from start to finish. Awesome pilot and ground crew. Couldnt of asked for a better day. Absolutely reccomend this company. Beautiful view of our amazing landscape.
Wonderful experience.
Clay T,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. Weather can be limiting in April ( very few flights went the days before and after our trip and the afternoon). Book early morning. Pilot was fantastic. Well organized. Highly recommend the glacier landing.
Amazing views, wonderful experience
I8246FUjenniferh,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience with Poppy the owner flying our helicopter. All staff were friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic. Definitely a highlight of our trip 😃
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