Franz Josef Glacier Tours
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Book Fox Glacier Helicopter tours

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Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
Helicopter flying near snow-covered Mt Cook with Lake Pukaki in the background.
Lady photographing Mt Cook from helicopter during scenic flight tour.
Helicopter approaching Franz Josef Glacier on scenic flight tour.
Helicopter landing with people on Fox Glacier, New Zealand, during scenic tour.
Group posing for a photo on Franz Josef Glacier with a helicopter in the background.
People enjoying snow on Franz Josef Glacier with a helicopter in the background.
Helicopter Tours
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From Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing

  • Get ready for a high-five with the sky! Take off on a chopper for a 20/30/40-min ride over the Southern Alps and touchdown on top of the Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Meet at the helicopter base and prepare for liftoff! Soar above the rainforest and alpine lakes, all while your pilot shares insights on the landscape.
  • Opt to fly over the Fox Glacier for an extra adventure! From your bird's-eye view, soak in the panorama of icefalls, crevasses, and seracs in all their glory.
  • Speaking of leaving you speechless, upgrade your ticket for the sight of Mt.Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the turquoise Tasman Lake.
  • Come to a stop with a spectacular snow landing in a frozen paradise. Pull out your camera to snap the endless vistas, or just let the child inside you scoop the soft snow.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

20 min. - 40 min.
  • Get ready for a high-five with the sky! Take off on a chopper for a 20/30/40-min ride over the Southern Alps and touchdown on top of the Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Meet at the helicopter base and prepare for liftoff! Soar above the rainforest and alpine lakes, all while your pilot shares insights on the landscape.
  • Opt to fly over the Fox Glacier for an extra adventure! From your bird's-eye view, soak in the panorama of icefalls, crevasses, and seracs in all their glory.
  • Speaking of leaving you speechless, upgrade your ticket for the sight of Mt.Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the turquoise Tasman Lake.
  • Come to a stop with a spectacular snow landing in a frozen paradise. Pull out your camera to snap the endless vistas, or just let the child inside you scoop the soft snow.

Inclusions

  • 20-min Franz Josef helicopter tour

  • Snow landing

  • Pilot guide

  • 30-min Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter tour (optional)

  • 40-min Glaciers & Mt. Cook helicopter tour (optional)

  • Tip: When you snow land on Franz Josef, do not miss out on creating insta-worthy reels of the blue ice!
  • 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guide and helicopter at Fox Glacier for a heli hike tour.
Group preparing for Fox Glacier heli hike with guide on snowy terrain.
Group climbing Fox Glacier with guide during heli ice climbing experience.
Climber ascending icy crevasse during Fox Glacier heli hike in New Zealand.
Guide leading tour group on Fox Glacier heli hike, pointing out ice formations.
Helicopter Tours
NEW

Full-Day Guided Fox Glacier Heli Hike

  • Embark on a full-day adventure on the majestic Fox Glacier, complete with helicopter flights and a guided hike, offering an unrivaled exploration opportunity.
  • Relish the thrill of 2 helicopter rides, swooping over lush rainforests and New Zealand's highest peaks, before landing on the icy wonder that is the Fox Glacier.
  • From mountaineering boots and crampons to waterproof clothing and safety gear, everything's taken care of for your comfort and safety, ensuring a memorable glacier adventure.
  • During the hike, you'll delve into the glacier’s crevasses, be lowered into a moulin, or even abseil down ice walls.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr.
Guided tour
  • Embark on a full-day adventure on the majestic Fox Glacier, complete with helicopter flights and a guided hike, offering an unrivaled exploration opportunity.
  • Relish the thrill of 2 helicopter rides, swooping over lush rainforests and New Zealand's highest peaks, before landing on the icy wonder that is the Fox Glacier.
  • From mountaineering boots and crampons to waterproof clothing and safety gear, everything's taken care of for your comfort and safety, ensuring a memorable glacier adventure.
  • During the hike, you'll delve into the glacier’s crevasses, be lowered into a moulin, or even abseil down ice walls.

Inclusions

  • Full-day tour of Fox Glacier

  • Expert guides

  • 2 helicopter flights

  • Ground transport

  • Socks and climbing boots

  • Crampons

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

  • Gloves and hats

  • All technical and safety gear

  • Backpacks

  • Tip: Try to spot local wildlife. The area around Fox Glacier is home to various bird species and deer.
  • 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 minimum of 2 guests are required for this tour.
  • Guests weighing above 116kg and under the age of 13 are restricted from participating in this experience.
  • Note that the following items are not allowed during this experience: drones.
  • There is a 3kg limit per person for carry-on baggage.
  • 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore Fox Glacier like never before with exclusive helicopter tours!

Experience the stunning beauty of New Zealand's South Island with our Fox Glacier helicopter tours. These exclusive flights offer unparalleled views of the glacier's intricate ice formations, deep crevasses, and expansive snowfields. As you soar above the glacier, you'll also take in breathtaking sights of the surrounding Southern Alps, including Mount Tasman and Mount Cook. The helicopter ride gives you access to remote areas that are otherwise unreachable, making this a truly unique way to explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

Why should you take a helicopter tour of Fox Glacier?

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
1/5

Unparalleled views of Fox Glacier

A helicopter tour comes with direct views of Fox Glacier's vast icy expanse, surrounded by rugged mountains and temperate rainforest. You'll also get a close look at New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, which rises to 3,724 meters (12,218 feet).

A tailored aerial experience

Helicopter tours of Fox Glacier typically last between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the package you choose. Whether you opt for a shorter flyover or a longer tour with a landing, the experience is designed to maximize your time and provide a perfect overview of the glacier’s most striking features.

Commentary from experienced pilots

Your tour will be led by experienced pilots who are intimately familiar with the area. As you fly, they’ll share detailed information about the glacier’s history, geology, and the surrounding environment.

Access to the glacier’s remote sections

The helicopter will land on the upper reaches of Fox Glacier, an area that’s otherwise unreachable by foot. Here, you'll have the rare opportunity to explore the glacier's pristine blue ice and deep crevasses.

Photographic opportunities galore

For photography enthusiasts, the helicopter tour offers a unique chance to capture stunning aerial shots of Fox Glacier, Mount Cook, and the Southern Alps. The bird’s-eye view allows you to photograph the landscape from angles that are impossible to achieve from the ground, ensuring you leave with impressive images that capture the essence of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Your Fox Glacier helicopter tour options explained

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours

20-minute tour of Fox Glacier

Best for: First-time visitors

Why go for this tour?

We’d recommend this tour for people who want to save on budget and time – these tours take you on a quick but informative circuit around the Fox Glacier, while your pilot shares commentary about the glacier and surrounding mountains.

Recommended experience:

20-Minutes Fox Glacier Tour

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours

30-minute tour of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

Best for: Photographers, and if you want to see both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Why go for this tour?

With this option, you’ll see both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier from above and, depending on weather conditions, land on one of the glaciers. This tour is perfect for people looking to experience both these beautiful glaciers in one visit.

Recommended experience:

30-Minutes Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tour

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours

30-minute tour of Fox Glacier + Mount Cook

Best for: Nature lovers, and those who want to see both Fox Glacier and Mount Cook.

Why go for this tour?
This 30-minute flight gives you a chance to see Fox Glacier and Mount Cook from the air. Depending on the weather, you’ll land on the glacier or near Mount Cook. It’s perfect if you’re interested in seeing Fox glacier along with New Zealand’s highest peak.

Recommended experience:

30-Minutes Fox Glacier & Mt.Cook Tour

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours

40-Minute Tour of 4 attractions

Best for: Travelers with enough time who want a comprehensive tour.

Why go for this tour?
This tour covers four major attractions: Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman. The 40-minute flight provides 360-degree views, and you'll land on a glacier or near a mountain peak, weather permitting. It’s the best choice if you want to see the most in one go.

Recommended experience:

40-Minutes Glaciers & Mountains Tour

Plan your Fox Glacier helicopter tour

Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
  • Fox Glacier heli tour departure times: Generally, the tours have flights departing throughout the day, so choose the time that suits you best! Operating hours are usually between 9am to 6pm.
  • Best time to visit: For Fox Glacier helicopter tours, the busiest time is December to February, while March-May and September-November offer fewer crowds – but higher chances of cancellation. We’d recommend going for the morning tours as they are best for clearer skies.
Best time to visit Fox Glacier
  • Address: Fox Glacier, NZ 7886
  • Find on map
  • By car: Drive to Fox Glacier Village via State Highway 6. Parking is available near the heli tour boarding point.
  • By shuttle: Shuttle services are available from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier Village. Confirm with your tour provider if included in your booking.
  • By bus: InterCity buses operate routes to Fox Glacier Village from major towns like Greymouth and Queenstown. Disembark at Fox Glacier Village and walk to the boarding point.
Directions to Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
  • Boarding assistance: Helicopter tours at Fox Glacier provide assistance, especially to those who need extra assistance while boarding and departing.
  • Custom seating: Your operator may be able to arrange accommodations if you have mobility challenges, for instance, they may place you near the door for easier access​. 
  • Accessibility on glacier landings: Tour operators can assist passengers in moving around on the glacier, but it may not be suitable for those who cannot walk on ice. Walking poles or other support can be provided​.
  • Wheelchair access: While tour helicopters cannot accommodate wheelchairs inside, tour operators may be able to help wheelchair users board with assistance, depending on the specific mobility requirements.
  • Guided assistance during the tour: Guides can provide personalized support to help those with limited mobility experience the tour safely. This includes adjusting the pace of the tour and offering hands-on assistance​.
Fox Glacier Helicopter Tours
  • Sturdy Footwear: Wear solid, grippy shoes—glacier surfaces can be slippery and uneven.
  • Warm Layers: Temperatures drop at higher altitudes, so dress in layers. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves are essential.
  • Sunglasses: The sun reflecting off the ice can be intense. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare.
  • Small Backpack: Carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers in a compact backpack. Keep it light for easy movement.
Plan your visit to Fox Glacier

Weather and safety information for your Fox Glacier helicopter tour

  • Weather watch: Expect quick changes—sunny one minute, cloudy the next. Morning tours are usually more stable – dress in layers in case you feel chilly.
  • Cancellations: Safety first! Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to poor weather. You'll get a new slot or a full refund if it happens.
  • Safety briefing: Before takeoff, you'll get a quick rundown on helicopter safety. Expect instructions on boarding, in-flight protocol, and glacier walking gear if needed.
  • Top-notch standards: Helicopters meet strict New Zealand aviation safety standards. Pilots are pros with extensive experience in mountain flying.
  • What to bring: Wear sturdy shoes, pack sunglasses, and don’t forget your camera. Helmets and gear are provided, but gloves and a warm hat are smart extras.

Frequently asked questions about Fox Glacier helicopter tours

What helicopter tours are available for Fox Glacier?

You can choose between 20, 30, and 40-minute helicopter tours, each offering a scenic flight over Fox Glacier with a snow landing. Some tours also include views of Mt. Cook and other Southern Alps highlights.

Which is the most budget-friendly Fox Glacier heli tour option?

If you have a limited budget and still want to experience the heli tour, we suggest going for the 20-minute helicopter tour of the Fox Glacier. Prices start at NZ$330, and includes live commentary and a snow landing on the glacier.

What is included in the Fox Glacier helicopter tour?

The tour includes a scenic flight, a snow landing on Fox Glacier, and a pilot guide. Additional options include extended tours covering more glaciers and mountain peaks.

How much do the Fox Glacier helicopter tours cost?

Prices start at NZ$330 for the basic 20-minute tour. Extended options (30-40 minutes) are available at a higher cost, depending on the specific tour package.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?

Key sights include Fox Glacier, Mt. Cook, Mt. Tasman, and the surrounding Southern Alps. Each tour offers different views based on the duration and route.

What should I bring for the helicopter tour?

Bring a camera or GoPro for capturing the views. Drones, iPads, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Dress warmly, as the landing site on the glacier can be cold.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

Yes, children under 8 years old and individuals with serious health conditions are not permitted. Weight restrictions apply, and guests must be under 116 kg.

What is the best time to take the helicopter tour?

Morning flights often offer clearer skies, but tours are available throughout the day. The best time depends on weather conditions and your schedule.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Helicopter tours are subject to weather conditions. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a rescheduled time or a full refund.

Where do the helicopter tours depart from?

Tours depart from the helicopter base in Fox Glacier village. Detailed instructions are provided upon booking.

How many people can join a tour?

Helicopter tours typically accommodate up to 6 passengers, ensuring a personal and comfortable experience.

What safety measures are in place?

All tours include professional pilots with extensive experience, and helicopters are equipped with the latest safety features.

How early should I arrive for my helicopter tour?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and a safety briefing.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Yes, but handheld cameras are recommended. Large devices like iPads can obstruct views and are not permitted.

Franz Josef Glacier Tours
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