The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier offers a breathtaking scenic flight experience, providing close-up views of the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Despite potential weather delays, visitors have raved about their incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences, capturing stunning photos and enjoying smooth flying with great pilots. The 20-minute flight includes an alpine landing and spectacular views from the helicopter, making it a favorite South Island experience for many.
Why you should go
1
Experience stunning views of Franz Josef glacier from a helicopter
2
Enjoy personalized seating arrangements for optimal viewing experience
3
Combine helicopter rides with guided hikes for a unique adventure
Your itinerary and your map in one view
No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.
It was an awesome experience with the pilot Tom and skye our guide did a wonderful job
Went all the way up and landed up there on the glacier, It was definitely an experience that will stay forever especially in this majestic place that might not survive with climate change
Had the best experience with the team.
The weather forecast for our flight time had changed to possible rain, so Hanna called us to see if we wanted to change our flight to an earlier time.
All the staff and Jay the pilot were terrific.
Visited The Helicopter Line at Franz Josef Glacier in September 2025 and it was an unforgettable experience, truly one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip! We were originally scheduled to fly the day before but due to poor weather, the flight was postponed. The staff handled everything professionally and were very accommodating, keeping us updated and rescheduling for the next morning when the skies finally cleared. Their communication and service were excellent, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
When we finally took off, it was absolutely worth the wait. The 20-minute flight was magical, flying over lush rainforests, icy valleys and the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. The views were breathtaking with endless snow-capped peaks and blue glacial crevasses. The pilot was friendly, informative and ensured everyone had great visibility throughout the flight.
We landed on the glacier and the moment we stepped onto the snow surrounded by incredible alpine views felt surreal, truly once in a lifetime. The crisp mountain air and the silence up there were unforgettable.
It was honestly one of the best 20 minutes of my life, thrilling yet peaceful.
📸 Landscape videos were taken with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and portrait shots with the iPhone 16, both captured the beauty perfectly. Highly recommended. 👍
It was an awesome experience with the pilot Tom and skye our guide did a wonderful job
Went all the way up and landed up there on the glacier, It was definitely an experience that will stay forever especially in this majestic place that might not survive with climate change
Had the best experience with the team.
The weather forecast for our flight time had changed to possible rain, so Hanna called us to see if we wanted to change our flight to an earlier time.
All the staff and Jay the pilot were terrific.
Visited The Helicopter Line at Franz Josef Glacier in September 2025 and it was an unforgettable experience, truly one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip! We were originally scheduled to fly the day before but due to poor weather, the flight was postponed. The staff handled everything professionally and were very accommodating, keeping us updated and rescheduling for the next morning when the skies finally cleared. Their communication and service were excellent, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
When we finally took off, it was absolutely worth the wait. The 20-minute flight was magical, flying over lush rainforests, icy valleys and the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. The views were breathtaking with endless snow-capped peaks and blue glacial crevasses. The pilot was friendly, informative and ensured everyone had great visibility throughout the flight.
We landed on the glacier and the moment we stepped onto the snow surrounded by incredible alpine views felt surreal, truly once in a lifetime. The crisp mountain air and the silence up there were unforgettable.
It was honestly one of the best 20 minutes of my life, thrilling yet peaceful.
📸 Landscape videos were taken with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and portrait shots with the iPhone 16, both captured the beauty perfectly. Highly recommended. 👍
Check weather conditions before booking as they can affect flight schedules
Consider opting for flexible booking options in case of weather-related changes
Book in advance to secure preferred dates/times especially during peak seasons
Dress warmly as temperatures can be cold at higher altitudes even in summer months
Reviews
Visitors rave about their fantastic experiences with The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier. They appreciate the personalized seating arrangements that offer optimal views, friendly and helpful staff, and skilled pilots who provide interesting information about the area. Guests highlight the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef glacier, unique experiences like combining a helicopter ride with a hike, and landing on the glacier for an unforgettable adventure. Despite weather challenges, visitors commend the flexibility of rescheduling flights and express gratitude towards attentive team members who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable trip.
It was an awesome experience with the pilot Tom and skye our guide did a wonderful job
Went all the way up and landed up there on the glacier, It was definitely an experience that will stay forever especially in this majestic place that might not survive with climate change
Had the best experience with the team.
The weather forecast for our flight time had changed to possible rain, so Hanna called us to see if we wanted to change our flight to an earlier time.
All the staff and Jay the pilot were terrific.
Visited The Helicopter Line at Franz Josef Glacier in September 2025 and it was an unforgettable experience, truly one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip! We were originally scheduled to fly the day before but due to poor weather, the flight was postponed. The staff handled everything professionally and were very accommodating, keeping us updated and rescheduling for the next morning when the skies finally cleared. Their communication and service were excellent, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
When we finally took off, it was absolutely worth the wait. The 20-minute flight was magical, flying over lush rainforests, icy valleys and the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. The views were breathtaking with endless snow-capped peaks and blue glacial crevasses. The pilot was friendly, informative and ensured everyone had great visibility throughout the flight.
We landed on the glacier and the moment we stepped onto the snow surrounded by incredible alpine views felt surreal, truly once in a lifetime. The crisp mountain air and the silence up there were unforgettable.
It was honestly one of the best 20 minutes of my life, thrilling yet peaceful.
📸 Landscape videos were taken with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and portrait shots with the iPhone 16, both captured the beauty perfectly. Highly recommended. 👍
Well worth the trip. A must do. Jay our pilot was very knowledgeable about the glacier and surrounding area and even helped us take photos. Very safe journey. An amazing experience overall. If you do anything, then do this.
A massive thank you to The Helicopter Line for going above and beyond to reschedule us around the weather so we could tick this off our bucket list in our final hours at Franz Josef. The booking process from start to finish was seamless, and the team were incredibly responsive and helpful throughout. What an unforgettable experience. Easily one of the highlights of our trip and truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Would highly recommend to anyone. Worth every cent!