Glacier Helicopter Flights and Snow Landings for Campervan Travellers

Quick summary: For campervan travellers short on time, a scenic flight with a snow landing is the quickest way to see New Zealand’s glaciers in all their scale. Helicopters and ski-planes fly from Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Mount Cook over icefalls, crevasse fields and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the snow at the head of a glacier so you can step out into the silence. Flights take less than an hour and leave from the townships, so they slot easily into a stay.

At a glance
Where	Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook
Flight length	Typically 20–45 minutes
Aircraft	Helicopters and ski-planes
Snow landing	Most flights land on a glacier snowfield for a few minutes
Fitness	Low; little walking needed
Tours	Helicopter tours, snow landing tours

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What do you see on a glacier flight?

On the West Coast, flights climb the glacier valleys from the rainforest, over icefalls and crevasses, to the vast snowfields at the head of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Longer flights circle Aoraki/Mount Cook and Aoraki/Mount Tasman, and some cross to the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side. From Mount Cook, ski-planes and helicopters fly up the Tasman Glacier and land on its upper snowfields among the peaks.

Which flight should you choose?

Flight	Typical length	Highlights
Single glacier with snow landing	Around 20 minutes	One glacier and a landing near its head
Twin glacier with snow landing	Around 30–40 minutes	Franz Josef and Fox in one flight
Mount Cook and the glaciers	Around 40–45 minutes	Both glaciers, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier
Ski-plane from Mount Cook	Around 45 minutes	The Tasman Glacier and a landing on its snowfields

See twin glacier flights for more on flights covering both West Coast glaciers.

Is a helicopter or a ski-plane better?

Both are wonderful. Helicopters fly lower and more flexibly, landing in smaller spaces. Ski-planes, which fly from Mount Cook and sometimes from the West Coast, carry more passengers and glide onto the snow on skis. Choose based on where you are and which flight fits your schedule.

What is a snow landing like?

Once the aircraft touches down, you step out onto deep snow at the top of a glacier, surrounded by peaks and ice, often in complete silence. Landings usually last a few minutes, long enough for photos. Wear sunglasses and warm clothing, as it’s bright and cold, even on summer days.

How does a flight fit around parking the RV?

Flight bases are in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships and near Mount Cook Village, close to holiday parks and campgrounds. Park the vehicle, walk or drive the short distance to the base, and be back in time for lunch. Book for early in your stay so a cancelled flight can be rebooked.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flights only go when conditions are safe, and cloud often covers the high peaks. Operators normally rebook or refund weather cancellations. Early mornings are often clearer. See our guide to weather and spare days.

Where can you book?

Browse helicopter tours, snow landing tours and Mount Cook tours. For walking on the ice, see heli-hiking.

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Frequently Asked Questions