FRANZ JOSEF / WAIAU RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Pilots’ Choice — 35 minutes of glaciers, peaks and a snow landing in Glacier Country
A 35-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef / Waiau that visits two major glaciers, soars the Southern Alps and includes a 10-minute snow landing—this guide explains what you’ll actually see and how to prepare.
Pilots’ Choice — 35 minutes of glaciers, peaks and a snow landing in Glacier Country.
From the rainforest edges of Glacier Country to the jagged backbone of the Southern Alps, this compact helicopter outing delivers concentrated alpine drama: two iconic glaciers, sweeping mountain vistas and a close-up snow landing in remote, untouched terrain. It’s a high-altitude sampler of the West Coast’s most arresting landscapes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two iconic glaciers in one flight
The Pilots’ Choice route takes you over Franz Josef and a second major iceflow—either Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier—so you see contrasting glacier forms and the crevassed ice that defines Glacier Country.
The Southern Alps and high peaks
Expect sweeping aerial views of the Southern Alps, with sightlines to New Zealand’s loftiest summits, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman—mountain scale that organizes the whole region.
A remote 10-minute snow landing
A signature element of this outing is a 10-minute snow landing on an otherwise inaccessible patch of alpine wilderness—an opportunity to step out onto pristine snow and take in the surrounding peaks in solitude.
What the day feels like
What the 35 minutes feel like
The flight compresses a broad swath of West Coast topography into a single loop: rainforest-fringed valleys give way to glacier tongues and then to serrated alpine ridges. The pilot’s route, selected for the best ice and mountain vistas, culminates in a brief but memorable snow touchdown in remote terrain, where the quiet and scale reframe the entire trip.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits—and who should check conditions first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total flight time is 35 minutes, which includes the scheduled 10-minute snow landing.
The operator advises checking the health & safety information and terms and conditions for recommendations and requirements related to clothing and footwear for the snow landing.
This outing is offered in Glacier Country, departing from the Franz Josef / Waiau area; consult the operator for booking details and any route choices (Franz Josef + Fox or Franz Josef + Tasman).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Pilots’ Choice flight?
The flight is 35 minutes in total.
Which glaciers will we see?
The flight visits Franz Josef and a second major glacier—either Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier—depending on the pilot’s chosen route.
Is a snow landing included?
Yes. A 10-minute snow landing in a remote location is included as part of the 35-minute flight.
Will we see Mt Cook and Mt Tasman?
Yes—the flight provides aerial views across the Southern Alps toward Mt Cook and Mt Tasman when conditions and the route permit.
Are there health or safety restrictions I should know about?
Passengers should consult the operator’s health & safety terms and conditions for full details on any restrictions, requirements or suitability considerations.