Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
★ 4.9 (238 operator reviews)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before · Reserve now, pay later
Overview
This 25-minute flight is the best-rated helicopter trip at Franz Josef, and it earns the rating by doing one thing cleanly: it lands on Franz Josef Glacier itself. That distinction matters more than it sounds. A similarly priced flight nearby makes an alpine landing that can be bare rock in summer — this one sets down on the glacier's snow.
It is the natural entry point for anyone who wants to fly but not hike. You lift off from the village, climb over the icefalls and crevasses, and touch down on a snowfield high on the glacier for photos and a few minutes in the thin, bright air. Then you fly back. No crampons, no two-hour walk — just the flight and the landing.
For the price, it is the most direct way to stand on Franz Josef Glacier. The views take in the ice, the Southern Alps and, on a clear day, the coast beyond. It books out fast in summer, so reserve ahead.
What to Expect
1. Check in on Main Road
Meet at the operator base on Main Road in the village. Check in 30 minutes before departure; weather is often assessed here.
2. Safety briefing
A short briefing covers boarding, the landing and photos before you fly.
3. Scenic climb
The helicopter lifts over the terminal face and up the glacier, past crevasses and icefalls you can only see from the air.
4. Snow landing on the glacier
Touch down on a snowfield high on Franz Josef Glacier for photos and a short spell on the ice.
5. Return flight
Fly back down the valley to the village. The whole experience runs about 25 minutes.
What's Included
Included
- ✓ Scenic helicopter flight
- ✓ Snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier
- ✓ Professional pilot and guide
- ✓ Photo opportunities throughout
Not included
- ✗ Food and drinks
- ✗ Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✗ Gratuities
Meeting Point & Logistics
Operator base, 30 Main Road (SH6), Franz Josef township. Check in 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals may forfeit the booking.
Traveller Reviews
“Rebooked once for weather, then flown on a perfect afternoon. Landing on the actual glacier, not just flying over it, was the whole point and it delivered.”
Sandra W. · United States · solo · 2026
“Short but unforgettable. The pilot pointed out the crevasses on the way up and gave us plenty of time in the snow for photos.”
Rada B. · Canada · couple · 2026
“Great value for a first helicopter flight. Check which tour you book — this one lands on the glacier, and that made all the difference.”
Peter L. · Australia · couple · 2025
See more traveller feedback on the booking platform, or read across all tours on our reviews page. Compare this with every other option among our Franz Josef Glacier tours.