Glacier Country Helicopters Ltd
Details
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus & Poppy started the company in January 2014, still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves.
We have a small fleet of fantastic helicopters including AS350B2 Squirrels & a MD520N. All aircraft are maintained to high standards. We use modern technology including equipping all our aircraft with V2Track systems that use satellite tracking so ground staff are in contact with pilots at all times.
Our team of highly skilled pilots have extensive experience flying in the unique mountain environment we operate in. All pilots participate in regular comprehensive training.
We are endorsed by Qualmark and have been award their Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award. Our company and pilots all have outstanding safety records and we are certified under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so you know you’ll be in good hands flying with our team.
Map & Directions
10 Main Road, Franz Josef, South Westland, 7886, New Zealand
Map
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation & Changes
We ask if you want to cancel your booking for 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations and no-shows will be charged for their flights. If your day doesn't go to plan and you are late, please do reach out as soon as possible, we will try rescheduling you to a later flight or the next day when possible.
Safety First
Your safety is our top priority. Our helicopters are meticulously maintained, and our pilots undergo rigorous training to ensure a safe flight. Please listen carefully and follow your pilots' instructions at all times so you can sit back & enjoy the experience. Please inform us of any specific requirements or concerns, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Weather Conditions
Being a highly weather dependent activity, we reserve the right to change flights, routes and landings subject to weather conditions at the pilot’s discretion. Flight durations are approximate. Wind, rain and cloud could all affect your flight. We will endeavor to give you as much notice as possible but the weather here changes extremely fast and if we are unable to fly you will be refunded. Please be kind to our team - we can't control the weather and safety is our priority.
Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum of 4 pax for a flight to depart. Smaller and solo bookings are welcomed, and we will pair you up with another small group. In the event we do not have numbers you will be offered a reschedule or refunded.
Comfort Seats
Our helicopter seats are 40cm wide. If you think you are wider than this, we highly recommend booking a comfort seat next to you. All customers are welcomed to reserve the comfort seat next to them for extra space.
Please Do Not Bring
There is not a lot of space in the helicopters. Selfie sticks, extendable go pro handles and all bags are best left behind, or with office staff for safe keeping.
What You Should Bring
We recommend a jacket, sunglasses, sold shoes and your camera or phone for photos. The helicopter is a comfortable temperature, and the snow landing sites varies. In the winter the temperature is generally about 5° colder than town and in the peak of summer it is often warmer than Franz Josef township. We will be able to offer advice at check on the day's current conditions.
Check In
Check-in is at our office at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef, you should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We’ll conduct a weight and balance, complete any payments due and safety brief you before transporting you by van to our helipad at the edge of town.
Seating
Unfortunately, we do not take seat requests. Some seats have different weight limits to others, so seats are allocated at check in once we have weighed all passengers to ensure we meet the weight and balance requirements correctly. A private charter may offer some more flexibility on seating if you are particular about where you sit. We operate AS350 B2 Squirrels (H125) and a MD520N. The maximum number of passengers per helicopter is 6 (this includes infants).
Children & Infants
Infants are up to 3yrs old (and a maximum of 15kgs), they must be sitting on an adult's knee and are subject to availability. We will supply an infant's belt and earmuffs for them, we recommend you bring a dummy for them to suck during the last part of the flight while we descend. Maximum of one infant per booking. There is no minimum age for flying with us. Children must fly with an adult.
Covid
We follow government recommendations. We have hand sanitizer located at shop and you are welcome to bring a mask to wear during the flight and van ride if you wish. Both our van & helicopter interiors & door handles etc. are disinfected regularly. We are certified Covid Clean by Qualmark. We ask that if you are ill or have any symptoms you do not fly with us.
Pricing is in New Zealand dollars and includes GST, your flight, pad fees, Department of Conservation concession & landing fees.