Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour: A Detailed Review

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand atop a gigantic, icy river, surrounded by breathtaking mountains? I tell you what, taking a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and landing right on the snow is so quite something you won’t soon forget. A really amazing experience. So if that grabs you, keep reading, because I’m going to tell you all about what it’s like and also everything you may want to keep in mind when booking your own tour. That’s right, the full scoop!

Why Choose a Helicopter Flight Over Franz Josef Glacier?

Now, you might be thinking, “There are many ways to see a glacier. Why a helicopter?” So here’s why. To start, flying gives you a view that you simply can’t get any other way. It’s almost a bird’s eye view of this icy beauty, a view you have to see, you do. But, sadly, it’s very much about accessibility. Like, sadly, with the glacier retreating, ground tours only get you so far. So if you seriously want to step foot on the ice, a helicopter is almost the only way to go right now, is what I’m saying. Basically, convenience combined with views? Really quite hard to beat. But seriously, I tell you, it’s the vistas that’ll sell you.

What to Expect: The Full Tour Experience

Alright, let’s get into what the tour itself is quite like. First, there’s the pre-flight safety briefing. It sounds boring, yet is quite essential, so pay attention, that’s what I recommend. Then, they hand you some special boots. And wouldn’t you know it, suddenly you feel ready for an arctic adventure. After that, you are loaded into the helicopter. It feels incredibly exciting as the rotors begin to spin, really very exciting! Also the lift-off. That might just take your breath away, as the ground shrinks beneath you. And the views… oh, the views.

But that’s really nothing! Suddenly the landscape below is really such a mesmerizing collage of forest, river, and then… ice! As the helicopter gets closer to the glacier, you’ll very much start to feel the scale of the ice. Ridges and also crevasses emerge, with blue ice glinting in the sunlight. This might feel unreal, very surreal, so soak it up. When you get that glacier landing, I suggest that you try stepping out onto the snow. So have a feel. It’s quite something. And just listen to the complete and utter silence too, in a way.

Highlight: Landing on the Snow

Now, really the highlight has got to be that snow landing. That first step onto the glacier is something that feels really special. Just a different planet really. Seriously, I tell you what, think about getting photos, but I tell you what, don’t spend the entire time behind the camera! Because that time on the ice passes quickly. That is right, much too fast!

Just be careful when walking, that’s also another thing I have to say. Glacial ice can be very slippery, right, and there may well be hidden dips or uneven surfaces. I have heard that most tours give you about 10-15 minutes on the ice. So very much savor every second. After that it’s back into the helicopter, too it’s almost for your return flight, which by the way usually takes a route that highlights different perspectives of both the glacier and also the neighboring mountains.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

You see, not all tours are the same! It is actually really true. So how exactly should you pick? Firstly, that you check for a certified operator is seriously something to keep in mind. Look for companies, such as those with the Qualmark endorsement in New Zealand, that I seriously think adhere to really, really excellent safety and service standards. Also find out what’s included in their tours, such as boot hire, and the length of time that you’ll get to spend on the glacier is yet another smart idea.

You might also find options with different flight durations. Because some provide expanded routes that may showcase more of the national park is also another thing you should consider. Then, and this may come as a shock, read reviews! Checking what others say could just help to reveal potential upsides as well as any downsides, I really do recommend it! You will probably also want to find out how they handle cancellations or weather-related changes too. New Zealand weather, by the way, that tends to be predictably unpredictable.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Now that we are talking tips. I’ve assembled some pointers, too it’s almost so that your helicopter adventure is absolutely smooth and memorable! Make certain you book ahead, notably during peak season. Seats on helicopters, it’s almost like they are not unlimited and also these flights tend to fill up fast, and so booking in advance keeps any disappointment from happening! And, I want to point out too it’s almost about layers: Wear layers!

Even if the day is just a little warm down below. Up on the glacier, the weather may turn freezing quickly. But I bet you, there’s going to be a breeze too! Seriously consider packing sunglasses as well. Because sunlight reflecting off of that ice can be harsh. Also bring a camera or a smartphone! Then make sure it’s charged! And that you’ve got some memory card space available for all of those images of the scenery. Then relax and I have a feeling that you’ll probably find the glacier amazing.

What to Wear: Dressing for the Occasion

Selecting the appropriate clothing for a helicopter tour that includes a glacier landing is actually vital, it is, so as to ensure your total comfort and enjoyment. The key element here is going to be layering! I’d really recommend you go with layers, just because it really will let you change your clothes very easily and really quickly as needed in response to that quite shifting weather conditions. Also starting with a base layer created out of merino wool, or really any moisture-wicking material. It might just assist you to always keep you dry simply by moving sweat out of your way far from your skin!

The next thing, just simply put on a warm sweater! Probably just a fleece one at that, so as to trap heat, right? Additionally, I recommend thinking about using an outer layer of a waterproof and wind resistant coat is likely going to be a smart decision, given just how much it could help just stop both wind and moisture, for example rainfall and snow from soaking you to the bone while still being out on a glacier. But you definitely do need hiking boots, just for standing firm as you explore that somewhat slick ice. Plus a sun hat too, simply to prevent sun exposure. In that event that you bring shades for shielding the face that’d probably do you a service!

Are Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tours Safe?

People, fairly, ask a great deal about that safety that comes with those helicopter tours of that glacier with landings on top. A reliable tour operator in this town simply goes on those tour rides as if they understand the conditions of these conditions as being totally paramount when giving all of those safety explanations. A high performing travel partner may just only make all of its safety precautions fully by running only when the conditions give every green signal.

Their aircraft is definitely maintained in some way to meet the highest flying standards which might include consistent check ups carried out just as is really necessary. Helicopters feature just about whatever is desired of a standard safe apparatus containing radios and global positioning navigational setups, I do believe. That group providing direction as the safety measures does the same type just like those providing direction while using helicopter equipment. In short, to confirm safety during these experiences and maintain everyone at ease should the opportunity present!

Comparing Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours

Okay, comparing those scenic tours involving helicopters which include going around both those named Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier involves determining small details, that too is one point for sure. When you hear this, be very sure there is probably close by either the glaciers, Franz Josef being just like two hours going north starting at the spot Fox happens to be at! Because the locations, conditions and viewpoints can be nearly exactly identical in every aspect one might have any idea about. Simply put just whatever glacier, for whatever place looks like at what specific moments makes these tour options great given various other points!

Those who like just visiting might very well choose which might seem easily achievable! It can also very well be in agreement with their vacation! However conditions or the amount of area left to visit simply given those parameters may really come into the planning from one tour instead from many different vacation packages as well. In short, choose simply in whatever gives more good things such as good timing, excellent cost factors plus magnificent glacial sights. Really give some focus while still simply having the right choice overall!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the helicopter flight?

It is typical to consider about thirty minutes is given, at least just from when someone simply considers on-glacier touchdown, depending on the trip booked, I see.

Can I bring a backpack?

Some tour group organizations just permit bringing a backpack just because it isn’t big just enough; you probably should look to make sure what are their guidelines simply regarding this before bringing your backpack alongside yourself so as to have anything prepared. This will really take some guesswork in planning a lot better.

Is there an age limit for the tour?

Those that travel in age almost aren’t any kind of limitation on helicopter adventures themselves though for those to keep themselves ready plus not under a physician’s advice while traveling at high altitudes I noticed are some frequent limitations made regarding helicopter sightseeing just around there!

What happens if the weather is bad?

When weather has only somewhat changed, several traveling company offers both changing that time of the outing as in the moment someone considers giving them permission of trying the activity at other instances. One may very easily also demand getting a payment refund according those terms and rules written for these issues as an alternative, one way that can certainly take that pressure that had been on someone while trying making choices that take effect when just something gets totally different.

Are there any restrictions on photography?

People normally cannot encounter many regulation matters or any photography policies throughout those trip events and that’s what everyone does simply considering photography so as to try securing as lots and fantastic photographs using a view that only shows glacier attractions; this way can seriously simply secure every scene is definitely stored just after exploring!