Franz Josef Glacier Tours






































































Franz Josef Glacier tours: Helicopter flights, glacier walks & alpine scenery

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on a scenic helicopter flight or guided heli-hike in New Zealand’s South Island. Fly over alpine peaks and rainforest, land on the glacier’s snow-covered ice, and explore this World Heritage–listed environment up close with expert guides.

  • Distance from nearest base (Franz Josef Village): 5 km from Franz Josef Glacier town center
  • Travel time: Accessible by road via State Highway 6; typically reached from Greymouth in ~3–4 hrs by bus or road after rail from Christchurch
  • Tour duration: Helicopter tours are 20–40 minutes and heli-hike tours are 2–8 hours on the glacier
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier base locations 
  • Key attractions: Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Southern Alps panoramas including Mt. Cook & Mt. Tasman, guided glacier hiking on blue ice terrain

Franz Josef vs. Fox Glacier: Which one should you choose?

AspectFranz Josef GlacierFox 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

What to expect from your Franz Josef Glacier tour

Franz Josef Glacier Tours
Franz Josef Glacier Tours
Franz Josef Glacier Tours
Helicopter cockpit view over Franz Josef Glacier, Westland, New Zealand.
Helicopter and hikers on Franz Josef Glacier during expert guided heli-hike.
Franz Josef Glacier ice and rocky mountain landscape in New Zealand's South Island.
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Dramatic glacier landscapes from the air and ice

Franz Josef tours showcase one of the world’s most accessible alpine glaciers, where dense rainforest meets towering ice. Expect sweeping aerial views of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, jagged crevasses, snowfields, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Scenic flight options with varying durations

Choose from short scenic helicopter flights or longer routes that cover both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Flight times vary, letting you opt for a quick aerial overview or a more immersive glacier experience with extended views and snow landings.

Snow landings and on-glacier moments

Most helicopter tours include a snow landing on the glacier itself, giving you time to step out onto the ice, take photos, and experience the scale and silence of the glacier up close, something not possible from ground walks alone.

Expert pilots and guided commentary

Flights are led by experienced local pilots who navigate rapidly changing alpine conditions and share insights into glacier formation, movement, and the surrounding landscape as you fly.

Accessible adventure with minimal hiking required

Unlike traditional glacier walks, helicopter tours require no long hikes or technical skills. This makes Franz Josef accessible to a wide range of travellers, including families, first-time visitors, and those short on time.

Ever-changing natural environment

Glaciers here shift constantly due to weather and climate, meaning no two tours are the same. Ice formations, snow patterns, and landing spots evolve throughout the year, adding a sense of uniqueness to every visit.

Things to know before booking your Franz Josef Glacier tour

  • Scenic flight vs. heli-hike vs. skydiving options: Choose short scenic helicopter flights for a quick aerial overview of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier or longer flights with extended glacier coverage and snow landings. Heli-hikes combine a helicopter flight with guided time on the glacier itself, letting you walk on the ice and explore crevasses with expert guides. For pure adrenaline, tandem Skydive delivers high-altitude freefall with sweeping views of glaciers, rainforest, and coastline.
  • Ground & water activities: Beyond aerial adventures, Franz Josef also offers immersive land and lake experiences. Off-road adventure tours explore glacial riverbeds and rainforest tracks on a 2-hour off-road ride with full safety gear included. Scenic cruises on Lake Mapourika deliver relaxed lake views with expert commentary and hot drinks, while guided kayaking tours combine gentle paddling, alpine reflections, and rainforest scenery, perfect for beginners and nature lovers seeking a more active experience.
  • Tour duration & time commitment: Scenic flights typically last 20–40 minutes in the air, with additional time for check-in and briefings. Heli-hikes take longer overall due to gear fitting and guided glacier time. Skydiving experiences require the biggest time window because of training and preparation. Off-road tours and lake cruises run around 2 hours, while kayaking experiences range from 3–4 hours depending on the option selected. Plan at least half a day.
  • Accessibility & physical effort: Scenic flights and lake cruises are low-effort and suitable for most travellers. kayaking requires light paddling but no prior experience. Off-road tours involve basic vehicle handling on uneven terrain. Heli-hikes require moderate fitness for walking on ice, while skydiving is more physically demanding.
  • Visitor suitability & age considerations: Scenic flights and cruises are family-friendly and well suited to first-time visitors. Off-road and kayaking tours have specific age, height, or safety requirements. Heli-hikes and skydiving come with stricter age, weight, and health guidelines, so checking individual tour conditions is essential.
  • Meeting point & transport: Most helicopter and skydiving experiences depart from bases near Franz Josef village, while lake and off-road tours meet in central township locations. Self-drive access and parking are available, but hotel transfers are limited. Arriving early for check-in is recommended.
  • Weather dependency & flexibility: West Coast weather can shift quickly. Flights, skydives, and lake-based activities may be delayed or rescheduled for safety. Booking earlier in your stay improves your chances of securing suitable conditions and provides flexibility if plans change.

Your Franz Josef tours explained

Tour typeDurationInclusionsTransfersPrice

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

Top things to see & do at Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier Tours

Helicopter glacier flights

Take a scenic flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for dramatic aerial views, crevasses, icefalls, and the Southern Alps from above.

Group hiking on Franz Josef Glacier with ropes and gear.
Skydiver over Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand, with mountain views.
Franz Josef Glacier Tours
Scenic flight view of glaciers and mountains in South Island, New Zealand.

What to expect on the day of your Franz Josef experience

Plan your visit

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Frequently asked questions about Franz Josef Glacier tours

Inclusions depend on the experience you choose. Scenic helicopter tours include a guided flight with live commentary and, on some tours, a snow landing. Heli-hikes include helicopter transfers, glacier equipment, and a guided walk on the ice. Skydiving tickets include training, tandem jump instructor, safety gear, and flight to altitude.