FRANZ JOSEF / WAIAU AIRPLANE FIELD GUIDE
Landing on Ice: A Short, High-Altitude Encounter with Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
A 25-minute helicopter excursion from Franz Josef that delivers aerial views of West Coast ice and a pilot-chosen snow landing on a dynamic glacier—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Landing on Ice: A Short, High-Altitude Encounter with Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Embark on an unforgettable glacier adventure above New Zealand’s West Coast: a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier that brings you close to staggering ice formations, rugged mountains that meet the sea, and a landing on snowy glacial plains where the air is crisp and the landscape constantly shifts.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Aerial access to active glacial ice
A short helicopter journey takes you over dramatic West Coast terrain to one of the region’s glaciers. From the air you’ll see how the ice carves valleys and contrasts with the coastal mountains before a snow landing on the glacier itself; the exact landing site is decided by the pilot on the day.
Staggering ice formations and coastal mountains
Expect sweeping views of icy crevasses and glacial plains against the backdrop of rugged South Island terrain where mountains approach the ocean—visual contrasts that define the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
Snow landings tailored to conditions
Landings occur on snowy glacial plains; the pilot, weather patterns and the daily movement of the glaciers determine which glacier and precise site you’ll explore on the day of your flight.
What the day feels like
What the 25-minute trip feels like
This concentrated adventure combines a thrilling helicopter flight with on-glacier time: depart from Franz Josef, rise over the West Coast’s rugged mountains and ice, touch down on a snowy expanse chosen by your pilot, take in the clean mountain air and close-up ice features, then return—an intense, scenic encounter with moving glacier ice.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and where to be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow approximately 25 minutes for the flight experience.
Meet on Main South Road, Franz Josef for departure; the pilot will determine the glacier and landing site on the day based on weather and glacier movement.
Warm clothing including a jacket, comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus phone and camera (large cameras should be on a strap).
Bags, selfie sticks, iPads, loose scarves and dangerous goods are not permitted on the aircraft.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Franz Josef Névé Discoverer experience last?
Allow 25 minutes for the flight experience.
Where do I meet for the flight?
The meeting location is Main South Road, Franz Josef.
Which glacier will we land on?
You will land on either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier; the pilot, weather patterns and the glaciers’ daily movement determine the landing location on the day.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring warm clothing including a jacket, comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a phone or camera (large cameras should be secured on a strap).
Are there items I can’t bring on board?
Bags, selfie sticks and iPads are not permitted on the aircraft; loose clothing and scarves and dangerous goods are also prohibited.
Is this suitable for children and older travelers?
The experience is promoted as suitable for all ages, making it accessible to families and a wide range of travelers.