Arrive at your chosen operator’s base near Franz Josef Village and check in. After a weather check, you’ll receive a safety briefing covering flight procedures, equipment use, and what to expect during your experience.
| Aspect | Franz Josef Glacier | Fox Glacier |
|---|---|---|
Terrain | Steeper, more rugged ice with dramatic crevasses | Wider glacier valley with smoother, expansive ice fields |
Hiking difficulty | Moderate to challenging; terrain changes often | Generally easier and more gradual on guided routes |
Accessibility | Very close to Franz Josef Village; quick access | Slightly farther from Fox Glacier township |
Crowd & atmosphere | Livelier, busier, more tour-focused | Quieter, calmer, more remote feel |
Scenic views | Strong contrast of rainforest, ice, and peaks | Sweeping alpine views with Mount Tasman nearby |
Best for | First-time visitors, short stays, iconic glacier views | Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking solitude |
Helicopter access | Frequent flights and multiple short-flight options | Longer scenic flights with broader aerial perspectives |
Activities available | Heli-hikes, scenic flights, glacier walks | Scenic flights, longer heli-hike experiences |
Village facilities | More cafes, hotels, and tour operators | Fewer but quieter accommodations and services |
| Tour type | Duration | Inclusions | Transfers | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heli-hike tours | 4–8 hours | Helicopter flight + guided glacier walk with crampons, snow landing, commentary from expert guides | Self-drive or arrange local transport to heliport | NZD $750–$999 |
Helicopter tours | 20–45 minutes | Scenic flight over Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, snow landing (depending on tour), pilot commentary | Self-drive or arrange local transport to heliport | NZD $299–$599 |
Skydiving | 2-4 hours (includes briefing & prep) | Tandem skydive from 10,000–18,000 ft, freefall, parachute descent, tandem instructor, optional video/photo package | Self-drive or arrange local transport to skydive base | NZD $300–$600 |
Off-road adventure tour | 2 hours | Guided off-road ride across glacial riverbeds & rainforest, safety briefing & test run, full protective gear, free photos | Meet in Franz Josef township (self-drive) | NZD $350–$400 |
Lake cruise | 2.5 hours | Lake cruise with expert skipper, live commentary, hot drinks | Meet in Franz Josef township (self-drive) | NZD $120–$160 |
Guided kayaking tour | 3 -4 hours | Guided kayaking on Lake Mapourika, paddling gear & dry bags, free photos (hot drinks & rainforest walk on upgrade) | Meet in Franz Josef township (self-drive) | NZD $140–$170 |

















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Fly over glaciers & mountains, land on snow, & soak in alpine views in one trip.
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)
Bucket-list Fox Glacier heli-hike—fly in, land on the ice & explore on foot.
Inclusions #
4-hour guided Fox Glacier hike
Round-trip helicopter ride
Expert mountaineering guide
Leather boots, crampons, hats, gloves & backpack
Waterproof jacket & overtrousers
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
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
Scenic heli flight over glaciers and mountains with a snow landing for photos in one trip.
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)
Inclusions #
3-hour kayaking tour across Lake Mapourika
4-hour kayaking & rainforest walk tour (as per option selected)
Expert local guide
Guided rainforest walk on an exclusive rainforest track (as per option selected)
Warm drink on the beach (as per option selected)
Dry bag, paddles, kaya skirt, paddle, pogies, & wet weather equipment
Free photos
Inclusions #
2-hour scenic cruise across Lake Mapourika
Expert skipper
Live commentary
Hot coffee or tea
The ultimate glacier flight—two glaciers, alpine peaks, & a snow landing.
Inclusions #
40-minute Mt.Tasman, Mt.Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour
Snow landing on Franz Josef glacier
Pilot guide
Maximise your views—two iconic glaciers, one flight with a snow landing on Franz Josef.
Inclusions #
30-minute flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier
Snow landing on Franz Josef glacier
Pilot guide
Experience Fox Glacier’s rainforest trails & glacier views on a guided E-bike hike tour.
Inclusions #
E-bike & hiking tour of Fox Glacier Valley
Expert guide
E-bike & bike helmet
Leather boots, waterproof jacket, & backpack
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.