FRANZ JOSEF / WAIAU AIRPLANE FIELD GUIDE
Above the Ice: A 30‑Minute Scenic Flight Over Franz Josef and Fox
A short, high-elevation journey departing Franz Josef Village that flies over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and lands on snow to survey the valleys carved by the ice.
Above the Ice: A 30‑Minute Scenic Flight Over Franz Josef and Fox.
Departing from Franz Josef Village, this thirty‑minute scenic flight climbs above the township and the Southern Alps to follow the ice flow of both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, then lands on snow at the head of a glacier so you can look down into the deep valley the ice has carved.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
The route takes you over the West Coast’s twin ice flows so you can see both Franz Josef and Fox from the air—an expansive perspective of glacier geometry and alpine terrain.
Soar above the township and the Southern Alps
The flight climbs out over Franz Josef Village and follows the ice up toward the upper reaches of the glaciers, offering sweeping views of the township framed against the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Touch down on snow and survey a carved valley
The landing on snow at the head of one glacier lets you step out (briefly) and look back along the path the glacier has carved, a rare vantage that emphasizes the scale of the ice and the depth of the valleys below.
What the day feels like
What the 30 minutes feel like
The experience is compact and cinematic: depart from the village, sweep over rooftops into widening alpine vistas, follow the ice flows to the glaciers’ upper reaches, and land on snow to peer into the valley the glacier has gouged below.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this scenic flight suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The scenic flight lasts 30 minutes.
Meet at Main South Road, Franz Josef before departure.
Warm clothing (jacket), comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a phone or camera (large cameras should be on a strap).
Bags, selfie sticks and iPads are not permitted on the aircraft; avoid loose clothing and scarves and do not bring dangerous goods.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the scenic flight?
The flight is 30 minutes long.
Where do I meet for the flight?
Meeting is on Main South Road in Franz Josef.
Do we land on the glacier?
Yes—the flight lands on the snow at the head of one of the glaciers so you can view the valley it has carved.
What should I bring for the flight?
Bring warm clothing (a jacket), comfortable and sturdy shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a phone or camera with a strap for photography.
Are there items I cannot bring onto the aircraft?
Bags, selfie sticks, and iPads are not permitted; passengers should also avoid loose scarves and must not bring dangerous goods.