Due to the popularity of our South Island scenic flight services we have compiled together our most frequently asked questions with informative answers to assist our Website visitors. If you cannot find the answer to your question please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

What type of helicopters do you operate?
We operate Hughes 500C and Hughes 500D 4 passenger helicopters and Eurocopter “Squirrel” 6 passenger helicopters.

How long have you been operating?
We have been operating helicopter scenic flights for over 20 years. Company owner James Scott began operations from Fox Glacier in 1986.

Is there a minimum number for each flight?
The majority of our flights require a minimum of 3 adult fares, however one of our Tekapo flights does require a minimum of 4 adult fares.

Are children permitted on the helicopter flights?
We welcome family members of all ages, including children and toddlers! We offer special rates for children 12 years or younger, while most toddlers who can comfortably sit on an adults lap can fly for free!

How can I check that there are seats available on the scenic flight I want?
You will need to contact our reservation team via our Contact Us page or by using the Request a Quotation page. We will contact you within 24 hours to advise of availability.

Why do you require my credit card?
Your credit card details are simply required to secure your booking, however you will not be charged should your flight be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Is it safe to use my credit card online?
Yes. We treat the security of our customer’s information very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL, which encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.

What is your cancellation policy?
We reserve the right to cancel your reservation should the weather be unsuitable on the day and we will endeavor to only postpone to a later time should we feel a later weather clearance is imminent. When the weather is exceptionally unpleasant flights will be cancelled for the day and a following day departure time may be offered. If you are unable to stay overnight to the following morning we will cancel your booking and NO amount will be processed against your credit card details supplied. HOWEVER, when your card details have been supplied we will assume a confirmed reservation has been made and the appropriate charges will be processed at check in time, up to 20 minutes before flight departure.

If you will be unable to take the flight you have booked we must know in advance for you to avoid cancellations fees. You may cancel your reservation up to 12 hours before departure and avoid any cancellation fees. Less than 12 hours notice and you will forfeit 5% of your total fare, less than 2 hours notice and you will forfeit 10% of your total fare, less than 30 minutes notice and you will forfeit 50% of your total fare and should you fail to check in by departure time the full amount of your fare will be charged to your credit card details supplied. Cancellations within the last 24 hours must be made by telephone - within New Zealand Freephone 0800 800 793, outside of New Zealand +64 3 752 0793.

What happens if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
We do not charge customers should their flight be cancelled due to bad weather conditions. If you are staying in Franz Josef we highly recommend viewing the “Flowing West” movie, while the townships of Fox Glacier and Tekapo have other activities available. Kaikoura also has plenty to see and do when you aren’t ‘in the air’.

How can I amend or cancel my flight booking?
Should you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking you will need to advise us as soon as possible. Simply go to the Contact Us page which provides many options for contacting us.

Your scenic flights in Mt Cook and The Glaciers include a snow landing, can you tell me more about this?
All standard flights for Franz Josef and/or Fox Glacier or Mt Cook include a snow landing. Snow landings last for around 8 - 10 minutes and is provided as a fantastic photo opportunity for you to capture the breathtaking alpine surrounds for picture perfect opportunities. Of course snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at your pilot’s discretion.

What do I need to bring with me?
Your sense of adventure and your camera are number 1 priorities! Comfortable clothing is all that is required, however if your scenic helicopter flight includes a snow landing then you should also bring your sunglasses, wear covered shoes such as sneakers or trainers along with warm outdoor clothing.

What time is check-in?
The majority of our flights require you to check-in between 15-20 minutes prior to your departure. However some specific flights and larger groups need to check-in 30 minutes prior to departure.

Where are your physical locations?
Our offices are based at various South Island locations, below you will find information on finding us, alternatively go to our Maps on our Contact Us page for postal and telephone details.

Franz Josef Flight Office is easily located in the Alpine Adventure Centre on the Main Road, Franz Josef. The helipad is only 2 minutes away from the flight office.

Fox Glacier Flight Office is located is also easy to find and is based in the Alpine Guides Building on the Main Road, Fox Glacier. Free courtesy transfer is provided to the helipad that is approximately 1km from the flight office.

Tekapo (Mt Cook) Helicopters Flight Office is situated on the Main Road of Lake Tekapo, just keep an eye out for our helicopter sign. Flights depart from the Mount Cook Salmon Farm, which is just a short drive from Lake Tekapo village.

Kaikoura Helicopters Flight Office is located next door to the Kaikoura Railway Station while our beach front helipad is only 150 metres away!

Are you Associate Members of any aviation groups?
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a safe and highly enjoyable flight with all our highly trained and experienced pilots. We are associate members of the Aviation Industry Assoc, Mt Cook & Westland National Parks User Aviation Group and the Civil Aviation Authority - Air Certification No AS 38272.

Are you able to provide private charters?
With various South Island bases we are available for all your charter requirements and can quote on any style of private charter you have in mind. Our services are diverse, ranging from private scenic flight charters to filming and photography, right through to weddings, conventions, birthday gifts, ski parties, 800kg heavy lifting and emergency mountain rescues.

What is “Flowing West” the movie?
This is a HELIMAX system made up of a giant movie projector combined with a giant 13m x 8m screen. The “Flowing West” theatre is situated in the Alpine Adventure Centre at Franz Josef and can seat up to 60 people. This multi-million dollar production is the next best thing to actually flying in a helicopter while the movie itself is all about the glacier with stunning views. It is just like being in the helicopter and watching the views for yourself. A “must see” if you are visiting Fox or Franz Josef.