Scenic flight with Fox & Franz Josef Heliservices

Seeing the Franz Josef glacier is one thing.
But seeing it from the sky is something else. It’s only when you’re looking down on it from above, that you can appreciate the sheer size of the thing.

And the best thing about a trip with Fox and Franz Heliservices is you actually get to land on it, and set foot on the most pristine part of the glacier.
There’s heaps of options to choose from. You could opt for the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier to 6,000ft and land in the snow, with amazing views across to Mount Cook and Tasman. Or explore the Fox Glacier, then fly by the sheer west faces of Mt’s Cook and Tasman. There’s also a snow landing where you get the chance to photograph the stunning scenery.
There’s also the Twin Glacier flight, where you can check out the Fox and Franz glaciers. And during the snow landing, you can get snap happy with shots of Mt Cook and Tasman.

Or if you really want to go for it, there’s the Grand Tour, the ‘’grand-daddy’’ of all flights! As well as exploring both glaciers, Mts Cook and Tasman, you also get the awesome snow landing, as well as crossing the main divide to view the Tasman Glacier.
I opted for a flight over the Franz Josef Glacier, with a snow landing at the top. The only thing was, I forgot that we would be landing on the snow and had arrived for my flight wearing the not-so-practical sandals on my feet! Ooops! And there was no time to change them, so I just had to grin and bear it and get ready for icy tootsies!

The helicopter took off effortlessly, and gently hovered up into the sky. The ground steadily got further and further away, as we glided towards the glacier. Magnificent was not the word which could justify the views. I ‘m not sure what the best word would be. Probably a combination of magnificent, awesome, stunning, amazing, breath-taking, awe-inspiring. OK, so you get the picture!
The landing was soft and smooth, and it wasn’t long before I was feeling the cold snow between my toes! The best thing was, it was quite compact so I didn’t sink into it too much.
Anyway, I was far too busy snapping away, taking in the amazing views from the top. The snow up here was pristine, so un-touched and so very, very white. It was gorgeous.
And so returning to base with slightly frosted tootsies, I realised my choice of footwear was not the best, but I knew it was well worth the slight chill-factor!

• Flights with Fox and Franz Josef Heliservices start at $180 and are weather dependent.
For more information on flying from Franz Josef Glacier call 03 752 0793 or Fox Glacier call 03 751 0866 or Freephone 0800 800 793. You could also email Fox_Heli@xtra.co.nz or visit www.scenic-flights.co.nz

Rachel stayed at YHA Franz Josef at 2-4 Cron St, Franz Josef. For more details call 03 752 0754.