Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours

Take in truly magnificent views of Franz Josef Glacier and surrounds with this helicopter flight. See lush rainforest, amazing glaciers, and the impressive Southern Alps mountain range. Part of this flight is a snow landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you get to land on top of a snowy peak and pause to take in the dramatic scenery.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See two glaciers your flight; the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox or Tasman Glacier and enjoy a 10 minute snow landing in the Southern Alps on our 35 minute Pilots Choice Flight.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. After your return flight.. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the professional pilot before landing atop either Fox or Franz Josef. Then hop out and focus your camera lens on a glacial scene of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields and plunging crevasses — considered to be among New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps enjoying a 15 minute snow landing on our 45 minute Ultimate Discovery Flight.

Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide.  Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Skydive over Mount Cook (Aoraki) and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers on this tandem excursion from Franz Josef. Get the best possible views of the area and an adventurous experience in the company of a seasoned instructor. This 3-hour experience departs multiple times a day, allowing for flexibility of scheduling.

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.

This is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman & Shackleton Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps past Mt Cook enjoying a two snow landings on our 60 minute Mount Cook Supreme flight.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand’s largest and most magnificent glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking the glacier.

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest.

Visit both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single tour from Franz Josef on this flight tour that includes a snow landing. Get up close with the blue ice of these mammoth glaciers and snap unbelievable aerial photos from both the air and the ground level. Learn about the glaciology and environment of the area through your pilot's guided commentary.

Enjoy views of Jurassic rainforests, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains reflected on calm Lake Mapourika on this small-group boat cruise on the lake. Visit a kiwi conservation area and learn more about New Zealand’s native bird. You’ll be cruising for around two hours so bring some snacks or a bottle of wine to drink as you relax and take in the beauty of the West Coast.

Get aerial views of Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier on this air flight, including a snow landing. Take fantastic photos of the pinnacles and sheer crevasses, then make a snow landing for more shots of you and your party. Multiple departure times throughout the day make for a flexible outing, and you'll learn about the glaciers through your guide/pilot's informative commentary.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand’s famous Kiwi birds.

Skydive Franz Josef Glacier for a spectacular free fall with views of soaring mountains, ice fields, and the rugged coast. The option to select between tandem jumps from 16,500 or 19,000 feet (5,029 or 5,791 mt.) means you can customize the day to your preferences and budget, and all-digital video and photography will arrive in your inbox within 48 hours so you can share your skydiving experience with friends and family.

Fly above Mount Cook’s glacial icefalls, crevasses, and neves on a 40-minute helicopter flight from Franz Joseph, and see both of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers from the air. Your route crosses the spine of the Southern Alps, circles the summit of Mount Cook, then touches down for a snow landing, with spectacular aerial views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park throughout the flight.

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.

Enjoy the amazing natural scenery around the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier with this nature-focused tour. Starting out in the town of Franz Josef, drive to the glacier car park and then head off into the forest. Learn about the local environment, as your guide provides lots of information about glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora & fauna and more.

Go straight to the best fishing spots on Lake Mapourika without wasting time searching for them when you join this half-day fishing charter. Trout and salmon can be found here, which you can take home to prepare for dinner (if they’re of a legal size and in season). Enjoy the sounds of native birdsong and views of ancient forest along the way. The boat is fully covered for your comfort.

Learn about the New Zealand native bird, the kiwi, with admission to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Tour the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island and opt to include a Backstage Pass Tour, where you'll get 30 minutes of access behind the scenes. Your ticket also includes access to the West Coast storytelling areas and an interactive glacier exhibition. Buy your passes in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular attraction, great for all weather and all times of year.