Franz Josef Glacier Tours

Fly over glaciers & mountains, land on snow, & soak in alpine views in one trip.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a 20–minute helicopter flight over rainforests, mountains, and Franz Josef Glacier, ending with a snow landing for photos and short exploration. Includes live commentary from your pilot.
• Why choose this: This helicopter tour lets you combine glacier views with lush rainforest valleys and rugged alpine peaks, plus a memorable snow landing — perfect for travellers wanting a shorter, highly scenic adventure with a mix of glacier and mountain landscapes.
• Upgrades: Extend your flight to see both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, or choose the longer aerial option to include panoramic views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman for an even more spectacular glacier and mountain experience.

Inclusions #

• 20-min Franz Josef helicopter tour

• Snow landing on Franz Josef

• Pilot guide

• 30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (as per option selected)

• 40-min Glaciers & Mt. Cook helicopter tour (as per option selected)

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

• Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
• Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.

Additional information

• Snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at the pilot’s discretion.
• Infants under 3 years weighing less than 15 kg will fly for free, sitting on an adult's lap. Infants under 3 years weighing above 15 kg must be charged at the child fare.

Bucket-list Fox Glacier heli-hike—fly in, land on the ice & explore on foot.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a half-day heli-hike over Fox Glacier with round-trip helicopter flights and an expert-guided walk on the glacier ice, including specialist glacier gear such as boots, crampons and waterproof clothing, plus expert guidance throughout the experience.
• Why choose this: This experience offers the perfect mix of aerial views and up-close exploration, letting you safely experience the ice formations and ever-changing beauty of Fox Glacier in just half a day.

Inclusions #

• 4-hour guided Fox Glacier hike

• Round-trip helicopter ride

• Expert mountaineering guide

• Leather boots, crampons, hats, gloves & backpack

• Waterproof jacket & overtrousers

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• You can also bring your own water bottle, drinks and snacks.

What's not allowed

• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.
• This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 9 years and weighing more than 116kg.
• Large bags and drones are not allowed.
• There is a 3 kg limit per passenger for carry-on baggage.

Additional information

• This experience requires a good fitness level, sufficient to ascend and descend 1000m+ over 8 hours or more carrying a pack 12kg.
• In alpine conditions, rapid weather changes may occasionally prevent helicopter access to the ice with groups already present. In such instances, the tour operator will strive for safe access during weather breaks; if not feasible, emergency supplies (tents, sleeping bags, food) are available on the glacier. Guides are trained to set up campsites if overnight stays become necessary.
• Leather boots, socks, crampons, walking poles, a waterproof jacket, overtrousers, and a backpack will be provided.

The ultimate glacier flight—two glaciers, alpine peaks, & a snow landing.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a 40-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and surrounding alpine landscapes, including dramatic icefalls, rugged peaks, and rainforest valleys. Land on snow atop Franz Josef Glacier to step out, take photos, and experience the alpine environment up close, with live commentary from your expert pilot throughout the flight.
• Why choose this: This grand glacier flight delivers the most comprehensive aerial experience in the region, combining multiple glaciers, mountain scenery, and a snow landing—perfect for travellers wanting the ultimate scenic helicopter adventure in one unforgettable trip.

Inclusions #

• 40-minute Mt.Tasman, Mt.Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour

• Snow landing on Franz Josef glacier

• Pilot guide

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

• Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
• Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.

Additional information

• Snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at the pilot’s discretion.
• Infants under 3 years weighing less than 15 kg will fly for free, sitting on an adult's lap. Infants under 3 years weighing above 15 kg must be charged at the child fare.

Maximise your views—two iconic glaciers, one flight with a snow landing on Franz Josef.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a 30-minute helicopter flight over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring above icefalls, mountains, and rainforest valleys. Touch down on Franz Josef Glacier for a snow landing, where you can step out, take photos, and enjoy live commentary from your experienced pilot.
• Why choose this: This twin-glacier flight offers more variety in one short experience, combining views of two famous glaciers with a memorable snow landing—ideal for travellers wanting maximum scenery without a long time commitment.

Inclusions #

• 30-minute flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier

• Snow landing on Franz Josef glacier

• Pilot guide

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

• Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
• Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.

Additional information

• Snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at the pilot’s discretion.
• Infants under 3 years weighing less than 15 kg will fly for free, sitting on an adult's lap. Infants under 3 years weighing above 15 kg must be charged at the child fare.

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, and sunglasses.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair and pram/ stroller accessible.

Additional information

• Please note the guided walk is 400 m through pristine rainforest in Westland National Park. Expect some roots and a few steps early on. Your skipper and guides walk with you, offering help and sharing conservation tips. Handlines and walking poles are available if needed, and the walk is usually done one way with pickup at the end.

Inclusions #

• 2.5-hour scenic cruise & guided rainforest walk experience

• Scenic cruise across Lake Mapourika

• Expert skipper & tour guide

• Guided nature walk on an exclusive rainforest track

• Walking poles, wet weather equipment, & hot drinks

Scenic heli flight over glaciers and mountains with a snow landing for photos in one trip.

• Everything you get: Take a scenic helicopter flight over Fox Glacier, rainforests, and alpine peaks, with a snow landing for photos and a short walk on the glacier. Enjoy live pilot commentary highlighting the region’s glaciers, mountains, and landscapes.
• Why choose this: : This scenic flight combines lush rainforest valleys, dramatic alpine scenery, and a glacier snow landing in one compact experience. It’s ideal for travellers who want breathtaking aerial views and a hands-on glacier moment without a long trek or heli hike.
• Upgrades: Extend to a longer flight to see both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, or extend your route to include panoramic views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman for a more immersive glacier and mountain flight experience.

Inclusions #

• 20-min Fox Glacier helicopter tour

• Snow landing on Fox Glacier

• Pilot guide

• 30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (as per option selected)

• 30-min Fox Glacier & Mt.Cook helicopter tour (as per option selected)

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

• Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed on this experience.
• Please avoid using iPads for photography during flights as they can obstruct views. Feel free to use phones, cameras, or GoPros instead.
• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.

Additional information

• Snow landings are subject to weather conditions and are at the pilot’s discretion.
• Infants under 3 years weighing less than 15 kg will fly for free, sitting on an adult's lap. Infants under 3 years weighing above 15 kg must be charged at the child fare.

What to bring

• Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, and sunglasses.

What's not allowed

• Guests below 110cm are restricted from riding the buggy whereas guests below 145cm are restricted from riding the double quad bike on this experience.
• The combined weight of two passengers on the double quad bike must not exceed 220 kg.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair and pram/ stroller accessible.

Additional information

• Drivers must be a minimum of 16 years or older (no drivers license required).
• Drivers with passengers must be a minimum of 18 years or older.
• All drivers must pass a test track prior to taking part in the tour.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour guided off-road adventure tour

• Expert tour guide

• Safety briefing & test run

• Choose between a single quad bike, double quad or buggy

• Pants, helmets, gloves, gumboots, & jackets

• Free photos

What to bring

• Bring along your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair and pram/ stroller accessible.

Additional information

• Facilities: Toilet onboard.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour scenic cruise across Lake Mapourika

• Expert skipper

• Live commentary

• Hot coffee or tea

Full-day Fox Glacier adventure with round-trip helicopter flight & glacier hike.

• Everything you get: Full-day guided heli-hike with round-trip helicopter flights and ground transport. Explore the glacier with expert guides, equipped with all gear including socks, climbing boots, crampons, gloves, hats, waterproof jacket, backpack, and over-trousers.
• Why choose this: Experience Fox Glacier like few ever can — a full-day adventure with scenic helicopter flights, glacier landing, and guided ice exploration.

Inclusions #

• Full-day tour of Fox Glacier

• Round-trip helicopter ride

• Expert guides

• Ground transport

• Socks, climbing boots, crampons, gloves & hats

• Waterproof jacket, backpack & over trousers

What to bring

• Bring along your warm, breathable base layers, suitable long pants for walking in (tracksuits and leggings are fine).
• You can also bring your own water bottle, drinks, sunglasses, sunblock and snacks.

What's not allowed

• Jeans are not recommended for this experience as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet.
• Drones, valuables, portable chargers and spare batteries are not allowed on this experience.
• This experience is restricted for guests above 116kg and under the age of 13.
• There is a 3kg limit per person for carry-on baggage.

Additional information

• Please note that guests must be very good in English in order to participate in this experience as the instructions will be given by the guide in English.
• A good fitness requirement is needed for this tour. Good fitness for this trip is a level of fitness sufficient to ascend and descend 1000m+ over 8 hours or more carrying a pack 12kg (26lb) or more over multiple days.
• A minimum of 2 guests are required for this tour.

What to bring

• It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that won’t fall off.

What’s not allowed

• Keep your selfie sticks, GoPro and drones tucked away as photography is not allowed for this experience.
• This experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 100kg. Persons weighing between 100-115kg may be able to jump, subject to assessment by a tandem master and a harness fitting on the day. *

Additional Information

• Parental or guardian consent is required for anyone under the age of 18.
• Children under 12 will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• The weight restriction may occasionally be raised to 120kg, subject to the discretion of the Tandem Master and prevailing weather conditions. Additional charges may be applicable in such cases.
• It's usually best to eat before the skydiving issues, however, some people may be susceptible to stomach upset and/or motion sickness from all the excitement.
• Plan for 1.5‐3 hours, but it can vary due to the busy summer season, large groups, and the weather.
• You can keep your contact lenses and glasses on.

Inclusions #

• Tandem skydive from 10,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft or 18,000ft (as per option selected)

• 30, 45, 60 or 85 seconds of freefall (as per option selected)

• Expert tandem instructor