How to Plan Your Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

Planning a trip to Franz Josef Town? One activity that should be at the top of your list is the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majestic Southern Alps from a bird’s eye view and land on a glacier during your visit. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing.

Experience

The Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing is a 20-minute scenic helicopter ride that takes you above the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll also get to enjoy a snow landing that provides an opportunity to explore the ice falls and witness some of the most stunning ice architecture of any glacier in the world. You’ll be able to see the glacier from above and appreciate the panoramic views of the ice fields below. The helicopter ride is tailored for everyone and is suitable for any itinerary.

Highlights

The highlights of the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing include:

• 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
• A landing on the glacier where you can explore the ice falls and witness stunning ice architecture
• Admire panoramic views of the ice fields
• Choose from several departure times throughout the day to fit your itinerary

Booking

To book the tour, head to the GetYourGuide website and search for “Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing.” You can book the tour directly through the website, and we recommend booking in advance to secure a spot. Use the following link to book the tour book here.

What to Bring

It’s important to note that the temperature on the glacier is significantly lower than the temperature on the ground. We recommend bringing warm layers of clothing, gloves, sturdy and comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views. Please avoid carrying over-sized bags and backpacks, as they will not be allowed on the helicopter.

Getting There

The check-in location for the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing tour is in the heart of Franz Josef township. The town is located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island and can be reached by car, bus, or shuttle. If you’re driving, there is plenty of parking close to the check-in location.

Restrictions

There are a few restrictions that you should be aware of before booking the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing tour. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted on the tour, and passengers who weigh over 260 lbs (118 kg) may be required to pay for an additional seat. Pregnant women are also not allowed on the tour.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing is an exceptional way to witness one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders. The tour is tailored for everyone and is accessible to any itinerary. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Franz Josef Town and has given you an idea of what to expect from the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing. We highly recommend this tour as a must-do activity when visiting Franz Josef Town.

Franz Josef Town FAQ

If you’re planning a trip to Franz Josef Town, New Zealand, we’ve put together a comprehensive FAQ to help answer some common questions and help you make the most out of your trip.

1. What is Franz Josef Town?

Franz Josef Town is a small village located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s named after the Franz Josef Glacier, which is located nearby in the Southern Alps.

2. How do I get to Franz Josef Town?

Franz Josef Town is located on State Highway 6, which runs along the West Coast of the South Island. The closest airports are in Hokitika and Queenstown, both of which are serviced by a range of domestic and international airlines. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus from Christchurch or Nelson.

3. What is the weather like in Franz Josef Town?

The weather in Franz Josef Town can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C in winter to 25°C in summer. It’s known for its high rainfall, with an average of over 4000mm per year.

4. What are the best things to do in Franz Josef Town?

There are a range of activities to choose from in Franz Josef Town, depending on your interests. Some of the most popular include:

Hiking and Trekking:

The Franz Josef Glacier is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with a range of trails to suit all experience levels. Some of the most popular include the Glacier Valley Walk, Sentinel Rock Walk, and Roberts Point Track.

Helicopter Tours:

For a bird’s eye view of the glacier and surrounding landscape, consider taking a helicopter tour. This is a great way to see the Franz Josef Glacier up close, and to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Hot Pools:

After a long day of hiking or exploring, relax and unwind at one of the many hot pools located in and around Franz Josef Town. Some of the most popular include the Glacier Hot Pools and the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Springs.

5. What should I pack for a trip to Franz Josef Town?

Given the unpredictable weather and varied terrain, it’s important to pack appropriately for a trip to Franz Josef Town. Some essential items to consider include: – Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes – Warm and waterproof layers, including a rain jacket and fleece or wool jumper – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the elements – Insect repellent, particularly during the summer months – Camera, binoculars, and any other gear for outdoor activities

6. Are there any restrictions around visiting the Franz Josef Glacier?

Due to the fragile nature of the glacier and surrounding ecosystem, there are some restrictions in place around visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. These include: – Visitors must stay within designated areas and follow marked trails – Climbing on the glacier is not permitted without a licensed guide – Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the glacier area – Littering and disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited

7. Where can I find accommodation in Franz Josef Town?

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Franz Josef Town, ranging from budget hostels to luxury lodges. Some popular options include: – YHA Franz Josef – Chateau Backpackers and Motels – Franz Josef Oasis – Te Waonui Forest Retreat

8. When is the best time to visit Franz Josef Town?

The best time to visit Franz Josef Town depends largely on your personal preferences and interests. Generally speaking, the summer months (December to February) are the busiest and most popular time to visit, thanks to the warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, this also means that accommodation and tours can book up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead. The winter months (June to August) are less busy and offer a unique opportunity to see the glacier in a different light. However, the weather can be more challenging, with colder temperatures and more rain and snow.

9. Are there any safety precautions I should be aware of when visiting Franz Josef Town?

As with any outdoor activity, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind when visiting Franz Josef Town. Some key tips to remember include: – Always check weather conditions and trail information before setting out – Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return – Bring a fully charged mobile phone and any necessary emergency supplies – Follow all safety guidelines and instructions from licensed guides and tour operators

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Franz Josef Town

Franz Josef Town is a small village located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The town is named after the Franz Josef Glacier, which is a major tourist attraction in the area. The town itself has plenty of activities and things to do to keep visitors occupied. In this post, we’ll give you some ideas of what to do in Franz Josef Town.

1. Visit Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is the main attraction of the region. It’s a 12-kilometer glacier that starts high up in the Southern Alps and winds its way down to just above sea level. Visitors can take guided tours of the glacier, either by foot or helicopter. The guided tours ensure that visitors are safe and make the most of their glacier experience.

2. Hike in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park

The Westland Tai Poutini National Park is home to not only the Franz Josef Glacier but also the Fox Glacier. The park has numerous hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day hikes. Some popular hikes include the Sentinel Rock Walk, which offers views of both glaciers, and the Roberts Point Track, which takes hikers up to a viewpoint overlooking Franz Josef Glacier.

3. Soak in Glacier Hot Pools

After a day of hiking or exploring, visitors can relax in the Glacier Hot Pools. The hot pools are surrounded by rainforest and offer stunning views of the Southern Alps. There are three main hot pools with varying temperatures, a kids’ pool, and a poolside bar.

4. Take a Scenic Flight

For those who want an aerial view of the glaciers and surrounding mountains, taking a scenic helicopter or plane flight is a must-do activity. The flights range in length and include views of the glaciers, mountains, rainforest, and coastline.

5. Explore Okarito

Just a short drive from Franz Josef Town is the small village of Okarito. The village is situated on the coast and is home to the Okarito Lagoon. Visitors can take guided kayaking tours of the lagoon, go bird watching, or relax on the beach.

6. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is home to the world’s rarest kiwi bird, the rowi. Visitors can see the kiwi up close and learn about the conservation efforts to save the species. The centre also has a tuatara reptile exhibit and a gift shop.

7. Experience Heli-Hiking

For those looking for a more adventurous way to explore the glaciers, heli-hiking is an option. The tours take visitors up to the top of the glaciers via helicopter, where they can explore the ice formations and crevasses with a guide.

8. Visit the Franz Josef i-SITE Visitor Centre

For help planning your trip and booking activities, stop by the Franz Josef i-SITE Visitor Centre. The centre has information on local tours, bookings, and accommodations. It’s also a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand’s West Coast, Franz Josef Town is definitely worth a visit. With its stunning glaciers, national park, hot pools, and other activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker, adventurer, or looking to relax, Franz Josef Town has it all.