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Fox and Franz Josef Heliservices Flying High and landing On Ice Scenic flights over the glaciers and high peaks of Westland National Park have played an important role in the early history of recreational aviation in New Zealand. In 1924 Maurice Buckley, in his bi-plane "Blazing Arrow", was the first to fly over the glaciers. Ten years later Captain J.C. Mercer, who ran a regular airborne mail, goods and passenger service on the coast, was so entranced by the glorious overviews of the ice and snow that he took aerial photos and set off on a promotional crusade throughout New Zealand and overseas to sell his scenic flights. For some American tourists their first ever plane flight was over the Southern Alps with Captain Mercer. Then on 22 September 1955, Harry Wigley landed on the Tasman Glacier. Using "Kiwi ingenuity: he had mounted skis on his tiny Auster. A year later the first landing was made on the world over have come to experience the thrill of flying high amongst the massive peaks and landing on the moving ice. When in the late 1970s the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers retreated beyond the road, making it difficult to experience walking on the ice, the Parks Board of the day approved the excitement of helicopter flyovers and landings on the glaciers. Many trips now offer landing and guided walks on safer sections of the ice. Scenic Flights For most visitors a scenic flight is the only way they will get to see and experience the alpine grandeur of the Park. Flights are offered in both ski planes and helicopters. This passive form of recreation allows visitors to the Park to land on a glacier and touch snow at any time of the year. Air access is increasingly used by time-strapped climbers to access high mountain huts, when the weather is suitable, and complete a climb in a weekend. Our aim is to fly our customers safely to the most spectacular alpine regions of New Zealand. Heliservices Scenic Flights Flight 1 FRANZ or FOX GLACIER - Explore the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers to 2000m and land in the snow with exceptional views across the Fox neve to Mt Cook and Tasman. (flight 1 allow 20 mins) Quotations welcome or Book your Flight Flight 2 FOX GLACIER - MT COOK - Explore the Fox Glacier then fly by the sheer west faces of Mt's Cook and Tasman. A snow landing provides opportunties to photograph the magnificent scenery. (flight 2 allow 30 mins) Quotations welcome or Book your Flight   Flight 3 TWIN GLACIER - The flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz glaciers. Again while landed on the snow photograph Mt's Cook and Tasman. (flight 3 allow 30 mins) Quotations welcome or Book your Flight   Flight 4 GRAND TOUR - The "grand-daddy" of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mt's Cook and Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier. (flight 4 allow 40 mins) Quotations welcome or Book your Flight       Charters OTHER HELICOPTER-FLIGHTS - Available on requests along with transportation for Hunters, Fishermen, Photographers, Film Crews, Trampers/Climbers and private charters Contact Us Flight Time Durations The flight times are approximate and can be subject to weather. Routes Route may change from time to time (due to weather) Minimum Numbers Minimum numbers apply, three adults per flight.

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