Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island: The Best Helicopter Tours

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Fox or Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef or Fox Glacier Heliport to the top of the Fox or Franz Josef icefall and land on the snow for a fantastic photographic opportunity. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinicles that form the ice scapes of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Fox or Franz Josef) - book for a Franz Josef departure if you are overnighting at Franz Josef OR book for a Fox Glacier departure if you are overnighting at Fox Glacier.

Inclusions: Snow landing for 20 minutes

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper Franz Josef icefall or on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Inclusions: Hiking boots and crampons are provided, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter landing at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary en route. You'll walk along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Pilot guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Inclusions: Certified guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above the icefalls of the glacier and experience the magnitude of the scenery surrounding you. Then let the impressive presence of Aoraki (Mount Cook) amaze you as you explore it's majestic west face, before descending down into the valleys below.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 -10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Pilot guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Our premier flight over the Mt Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake before flying the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Experience what it feels like to stand in snow amongst the mountains as you take in a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook during your snow landing. Cross to the West Coast and view the formidable Franz Josef and Fox glaciers before completing your journey with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Pilot guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vast size of the glaciers. Top it off with a snow landing and standing on the ancient ice of the glaciers. You’ll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and close to Mount Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Professional guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over Fox Glacier and experience the solitude of landing in this wonderful natural alpine environment.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Pilot guide, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities