Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour: An Expert Review

The Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand is, it’s almost like this giant frozen river snaking down from really towering mountains, and as it ends almost at the rainforest floor. Obviously, that kind of positioning makes it rather special, but it also can make getting a look at it a tricky thing. One really wow option for seeing it? Well, very much a helicopter ride. That’s just what I got to do, and I thought I might let you in on exactly what you need to think about.

Why Pick a Helicopter Tour?

Okay, so first up: why bother even getting into a chopper? You see, very easily you could trek a bit and look from afar. Yet, let me tell you, viewing Franz Josef from above, it’s a different deal. Basically, you are looking at this vast area, and the full scale really hits you. That means things, too, you would simply never catch from ground level become so clear – maybe, like the deep blue crevasses or the icefalls way up on the high faces. Arguably, that kind of view just provides the perfect setup for getting that proper appreciation of how special the place is.

Selecting the Right Tour Option

Now, picking the right tour could be, I guess, like finding the right coffee – loads of blends, and all of those make things pretty distinct. First, find the route itself. Many firms are gonna have routes that vary both a bit in time and by the different spots they hit. Quite possibly, for example, some might spend more time over the glacier itself, and yet others could decide to loop you round taking in all those crazy-big mountains around it, too it’s almost.

Then there is a question: Do you actually want to get out? Arguably, some options let you land up high on the glacier. So, for that cost, that might add such a cool extra dimension, because standing there on that frozen space really is magical.

What Happens On the Day?

Alright, let’s chat very practically now. Normally, day one sees you starting at the operator’s base — usually it’s pretty near to the glacier location in the town of Franz Josef itself. So, that location really sets you up very nicely to know that cool things are only minutes away! Then comes all of those safety briefings, of course, as they go over how things work with getting in/out the aircraft safely. Also, you see, all of those details that just confirm the tour will flow super-smoothly are addressed too.

Then, off you fly! And my, what a feeling as the landscape opens up below you! Remember, though, you very much have to listen well to that pilot — it’s amazing getting tidbits on local history, what makes those mountains quite so special around, and really specific things that actually affect the glacier action in person, actually.

Highlighting a Glacier Landing

Ok, but say you grab an option with a landing involved? Honestly, then the deal totally steps up a level. Arguably, those feelings are special, hearing things change as the skids find the snow-pack itself. All very wow. Next up, getting outside it is almost to feel that cold, cold air, and you just feel almost nothing else exists.

Most likely, the firms supply very specialist overboots to simply strap on so it will become so much easier for folks to step about. Look too as to getting great picture opportunities while high upon the ice — they happen easily, apparently. Really great for keeping that great memory totally locked.

Best Times to Go?

Does it matter *when* exactly you will book? Certainly. I found spring and summertime down there in New Zealand (which, by the way, translates to Nov to March months) often provided stable kind of flying windows. Yet, just check; things change fast because weather way up in mountain lands just has that certain habit of being kind of wild quite quickly, literally. Basically, any provider gives you a backup date or, in certain cases, might provide a totally decent reimbursement should that tour need to fall over at all due weather. It is what it is, sometimes.

Things To Consider First

Good stuff goes together with preparing just right before starting this specific air activity: Make some checks, really; just know weight rules very clearly as every aircraft type differs on that, for example. Or just double-check what attire could be rated the right type to choose (lots firms strongly advocate layers to help handle variable cold up there). Next up, very often, sunscreen is good. That sun reflects crazily strong down from those very white glacier areas so take measures or get a bad burn, that’s possible!

A Note on Responsible Tourism

Let’s face this clearly. As you get high from place to place, really high mountains tend to prove rather delicate. And because these kind of tours could impact them (often minimally, but impact does sometimes exist) you very, very might wish find the outfits rated particularly kind as they operate. See any badge related carbon-offset projects? Or look to things companies actively might support near glacier nature projects; a move just might help your visit to ring truer with being really planet-friendly to a larger extent.