Franz Josef Glacier is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, nestled deep in New Zealand’s South Island. People from all around the globe visit Aotearoa just to get a glimpse of this glacier – among others – as it’s one of the most well-known features of the entire Southern Alps mountain range.
Franz Josef is fairly unique as glaciers go. The ‘terminal face’ – better known as the end of the glacier – is just 300 metres above sea level. This makes it easier to access for hiking and skiing, and it was even used as a Lord of the Rings filming location.
To see this glacier is to see one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with this part of the world is with a scenic flight and glacier tour! Read on as we explore the top five reasons to add Franz Josef glacier tours to your next South Island holiday.
Breathtaking Views
Franz Josef stretches an astonishing twelve kilometres from the slopes of the Southern Alps all the way down to a lush rainforest. On the slopes of the glacier itself, you can get up close and personal with ice formations, sweeping banks of virgin snow, and stunning scenery. However, you can’t experience the entirety of the glacier.
That’s where a scenic flight comes in. You can take unparalleled panoramic views of the glacier’s various features from the air. From crevasses and icefalls to towers and the surrounding peaks, the vibrant blue of the glacier against the landscape is stunning from your own window seat.
Accessibility and Comfort
While hiking Franz Josef Glacier is a wonderful experience, it can also be physically intense. The rugged terrain and challenging weather are more suited to those who want to get in touch with the elements, and not everyone wants that for their glacier experience.
A scenic flight offers an accessible, comfortable alternative. Take up a window seat, no matter your age or physical abilities, and watch the glacier unfold below. A scenic flight like the one provided by True South Flights will provide a smooth ride, and our experienced pilots will always ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
On top of all that, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the Alps from the comfort of a plane that starts out at Queenstown’s Airstrip. No long drives or uncomfortable tour buses here, just the luxury of a direct charter.
Unique Photographic Opportunities
Taking photography equipment onto the slopes of the glacier is tough to do if you’re a first-time visitor. Not to mention, your point of view will be limited to scenery you can see from the ground.
But from the air? There’s nothing better. Both amateur and professional photographers will get some of the best photos of their lives from the window seat of a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier.
From the air, you can capture the entire breadth of the glacier. It begins on the slopes and ends in Westland Tai Poutini National Park’s rainforest. Talk about the ultimate souvenir!
Learn from Expert Pilots
The experienced pilots who take travellers up and over the Southern Alps’ various geological features aren’t just experienced at flying. They know the region like the back of their hands, and they can offer all that knowledge to you on your journey. From features like Sentinel Rock to the history and culture of the Glacier, learn everything you need to know about the region to enrich your trip.
Think of it like a guided tour. Rather than following a tour guide around on ground level, you discover everything there is to know about the glacier from the comfort of the air. This is a fantastic experience for a romantic trip or family expedition, as you can book the entire charter for yourself.
Explore With Franz Josef Glacier Tours
Seeing Franz Josef via scenic flight is the best way to see all of this wonderful geological feature, rather than being restricted to what you can reach on your own two legs. Chartered flights allow you to explore remote areas of the Alps that would otherwise be inaccessible, as well as jump effortlessly from glacier to glacier across the slopes of the mountains. No hiking is required.
At the end of the day, taking Franz Josef glacier tours from the air is one of the greatest delights a trip to the South Island can offer you. From getting an expert tour with regional pilots to experiencing insane views from the comfort of a window seat, there are so many benefits to choosing this experience for your next trip.
See the glaciers like never before with True South Flights.
Aside from scenic flights, our tours also include helicopter landings and hikes in partnership with local travel guides, which are especially good if you want to see as much as possible in a short timeframe.
Ready to experience Franz Josef Glacier from the air? Book your Franz Josef glacier tours today.