Glacier Country Helicopters
4.8 52 reviews
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Flying over the West Coast glaciers is one of those things that genuinely lives up to the hype, and this crew delivers it well. Most flights include a snow landing, which is the bit people remember most. Standing on a glacier looking down over the icefields while your pilot chats about the Southern Alps is a pretty hard thing to top on the South Island.
The pilots consistently get good marks across the reviews. Knowledgeable, personable, and clearly comfortable out there. The staff on the ground get a mention too, keeping things organised and smooth when there are a lot of helicopters moving around. A few people have noted that 30 minutes goes fast and wish they'd booked longer, so if you're torn between flight lengths, I'd lean toward the extended option.
One thing worth knowing is that they need a minimum number of passengers to depart, and weather can affect the landing portion. That's just the reality of operating in alpine conditions and they'll give you a partial refund if conditions change things up on you. Go in with that expectation and you'll be fine.
Promo code RANKERS gets you 10% off, which on a flight at this price point is worth having. Helps keep us going at Rankers too.
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Glacier Country Helicopters
Enjoy a spectacular helicopter flight and snow landing on the Franz Josef Glacier!
Glacier Helicopters fly from both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier villages - from our helibases located on the Main Road of each village.
Two of the world's most accessible glaciers, the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier lie between New Zealand's rugged and remote West Coast, and the vast Southern Alps.
We offer glacier snow landings and breathtaking scenic flights over some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural wonders, including a flight around Mount Cook.
Experience and see New Zealand's majestic and pristine alpine glacier landscape with us!
Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard.
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Totally TourismCommercial organisation |
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street |
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Business Times |
Flights typically depart between 8am and 5pm, weather and season dependent. On Christmas Day, operations are from 9am to 12pm. |
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Promo Code 10% Off |
Use discount code RANKERS with Glacier Country Helicopters and 10% off. |
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Scenic Flights
Google Maps
Reviews
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A really beautiful look out on the glacier.
Debbie -
We did the Mt.
Chance McGuire -
Brilliant, good service + experienced pilot.
joevw -
Amazing, especially the snow landing.
Irene and Thib Schneider -
Helicopter pilot professional.
Chris el capitan
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Top experience.
All staff members were very professional and pleasant. The pilot (Mike) was awesome. We felt in good hands and he made an effort to make it really enjoyable. Tim, who was organising departures and arrivals of the helicopters, also made the experience one that we highly recommend.
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The Franz Josef Glacier helicopters staff were all friendly and helpful especially Ada.
The pilot Benjamin had many years of experience and was friendly and professional.
The staff at the Fox Glacier helicopters office were also very helpful with advice about booking our scenic flight. Would definitely recommend this company!
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Best thing we have ever done in New Zealand.
Leaves out of the Fox Glacier area. 30 minute flight and landing on the glacier. So rad!
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Did their best to provide us with a safe and memorable experience.
The glacier from the top is one of a kind.
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Helicopter ride to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Well organised, good commentary from pilot, amazing experience.
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Very professional operation, felt in safe hands and the pilot was very knowledgeable about the area around the glaciers and Mt Cook.
Would recommend.
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Ben is a great pilot, very personable, wonderful experience.
40 min flight - just right. A little pricey.
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Helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Good efficient service, friendly staff and good value.
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This trip was on our bucket list and we weren't disappointed.
Franz Joseph township appears to simply serve the heliport which is a hive of activity. Not sure exactly why we chose this firm but certainly glad we did. Excellent front of house and safety talk. Reasonably modern helicopter and knowledgeable pilot. We chose the longer trip around Mt Cook and then landing on Fox glacier. This was a definite highlight of our holiday and although expensive on the face of it, it was a truly priceless experience.
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Weather not good enough for a heli-hike so we opted for a scenic flight with snow landing and really loved it.
Awesome overview of the area.
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This was honestly one of the worst experiences we’ve had.
We were traveling with a baby and clearly requested to go in two separate groups for safety and comfort, but the staff kept trying to manipulate us into flying together instead. It felt like our concerns were completely ignored.
When we checked the ear muffs provided, they didn’t appear to be certified or safe. When we raised this, the lady at the counter kept twisting our words and brushing off our concerns by saying “others have done it before,” which is not reassuring at all when it comes to safety.
To make things worse, they kept pressuring us to hurry up and proceed as one group, claiming the helicopter was already switched on — creating unnecessary stress and urgency. It felt like they were more focused on convenience than customer safety and comfort.
We also witnessed another couple being treated in a similar manner, which shows this isn’t a one-off issue.
They didn’t even fully refund and only paid us partially. Horrible people.!
Overall, a very disappointing and uncomfortable experience. Poor customer service, lack of transparency, and questionable safety standards. Would not recommend.
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Top experience.
All staff members were very professional and pleasant. The pilot (Mike) was awesome. We felt in good hands and he made an effort to make it really enjoyable. Tim, who was organising departures and arrivals of the helicopters, also made the experience one that we highly recommend.
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The Franz Josef Glacier helicopters staff were all friendly and helpful especially Ada.
The pilot Benjamin had many years of experience and was friendly and professional.
The staff at the Fox Glacier helicopters office were also very helpful with advice about booking our scenic flight. Would definitely recommend this company!
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Best thing we have ever done in New Zealand.
Leaves out of the Fox Glacier area. 30 minute flight and landing on the glacier. So rad!
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This trip was on our bucket list and we weren't disappointed.
Franz Joseph township appears to simply serve the heliport which is a hive of activity. Not sure exactly why we chose this firm but certainly glad we did. Excellent front of house and safety talk. Reasonably modern helicopter and knowledgeable pilot. We chose the longer trip around Mt Cook and then landing on Fox glacier. This was a definite highlight of our holiday and although expensive on the face of it, it was a truly priceless experience.
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Weather not good enough for a heli-hike so we opted for a scenic flight with snow landing and really loved it.
Awesome overview of the area.
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Helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Good efficient service, friendly staff and good value.
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Very professional operation, felt in safe hands and the pilot was very knowledgeable about the area around the glaciers and Mt Cook.
Would recommend.
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Helicopter ride to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Well organised, good commentary from pilot, amazing experience.
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Did their best to provide us with a safe and memorable experience.
The glacier from the top is one of a kind.
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Ben is a great pilot, very personable, wonderful experience.
40 min flight - just right. A little pricey.
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40min flight with helicopter, we saw Fox and Franz Joseph and Tasman Glacier + Mt Cook + Mt Tasman!
Very well organised.
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We did a 30min trip over Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, stopping on the mountain looking down over Franz Josef.
SPECTACULAR!! Our pilot Jules was lovely and we loved the whole experience, even though my husband got airsick on the way back (much more to do with his drinking the night before than Jules' flying skills!).
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Helicopter pilot professional.
Booking process at base too mechanical, as was pre-flight briefing. Everything seemed rushed which spoiled the thrill of the event.