Fox Glacier Tours

The Fox Glacier is widely considered among New Zealand’s most impressive natural attractions—but it’s impossible to appreciate its beauty from ground level. On this tour, take to the skies by helicopter for panoramic views over the glacier, and trek deep into the icy wilderness with your guide—where the forces of nature work their magic. With safety kit and crampons included, see the best of the Fox Glacier up-close.

This short helicopter tour offers the unique opportunity to get close to two of New Zealand’s iconic glaciers, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Fly by some of the region’s many natural wonders, including Mount Tasman, Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, and make the most of incredible photo opportunities. This tour is operated by the only local company with Government permission to land on the snow inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park – you won’t get this chance with anyone else.

The rugged peaks, wild glacial valleys, and frozen rivers of the Fox Glacier are even more impressive from above and a helicopter flight offers an unbeatable viewpoint. Hop aboard for a scenic helicopter ride, gaze out over the magnificent landscapes, then enjoy a thrilling snow landing overlooking the glacier.

Hike Fox Glacier Valley on a guided walking tour that explores glaciology, geology, local plants, and animals. Walking alongside a local guide is a great way to learn the natural history of the Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains, and should conditions allow, it means you can depart the main trail to explore an area that many visitors miss.

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Take a helicopter flight above New Zealand’s pristine Southern Alps and make a snow landing atop Fox Glacier. This 40-minute aerial tour offers commentary by the professional pilot and provides stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier and the Tasman Sea from above. Appreciate the South Island’s imposing vistas, from alpine snowfields to the lush rainforests at the coast.

This 30-minute helicopter flight with an expert alpine pilot takes you over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with a snow landing at the head of either one. At the landing site above the icefalls, step out to marvel at the phenomenal glacial beauty of the crevasse-filled landscape below. Your helicopter tour soars above the magnificent carved valleys of the Southern Alps, and includes round-trip hotel transport to the tour base.

Fox Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Fox glacier town Heliport to the top of the Fox Glacier icefall and land on the snow for fantastic photographic opportunities. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinnacles that form the ice scape's of the Fox Glacier. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Fox Glacier)

See two remarkable glaciers from the air on a 30-minute helicopter tour of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Lift off from a helipad at Fox Glacier, then fly across ice falls, formations, and crevasses on your way to Franz Josef Glacier, and touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session. Departures are available throughout the day for this 30-minute helicopter tour of two New Zealand glaciers.

The scenic Southern Alps are a popular flyover destination, with incredible views of the mountains and glaciers from the air. Rather than just flying over, this tour adds a snow landing during your flight, so you can enjoy the sprawling alpine views and get astonishing landscape photos without a massive hike. Fly around the ice-trapped Fox Glacier and around Aoraki Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.

Let the alpine wonder of Fox Glacier captivate your senses on a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight and snow landing. From your vantage point in the air, you’ll experience the solitude of the remote landscape, nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. Hover above the ice-blue fissures of Fox Glacier before landing in a snowfield with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Land atop Fox Glacier during a 30-minute helicopter tour, narrated by an experienced alpine pilot. Watch snowfields and ice formations come into view as you hover above the legendary glacier, then land in the snow above the icefalls at the summit. Your scenic aerial tour takes in the majestic Southern Alps, with impressive views of Mt Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

Enjoy unrivalled views over the landscapes of New Zealand from the air with a 40-minute Mt. Cook helicopter flight from the Fox Glacier township. In addition to flying among the peaks of Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Southern Alps with a pilot, gaze out as far as the coast — where the Tasman Sea rolls in. Land on Mt. Cook to photograph the scenery, then return to base.

The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.  This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)

The mighty peak of Mount Cook and the immense Fox Glacier are two of the most spectacular natural wonders on New Zealand’s South Island. On this tour, enjoy dramatic aerial views of both as you soar overhead on a helicopter. This 30-minute flight travels the entire length of the Fox Glacier, swoops through the Southern Alps and around the west face of Mt Cook, and includes an unforgettable snow landing.

Explore the area around Lake Matheson on a guided nature walk. With a guide in the lead, you can focus on the scenery and listening to the guided commentary about the area's flora, fauna, and unique ecosystem. Get the chance to snap photos of Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook reflected in the glassy surface of the lake. Early morning or late evening departures give the best possible reflections and ensure there is plenty of time in the day for other activities.