Fox Glacier

Summer activities

See two of New Zealand’s biggest glaciers — the Franz Josef and then either the Fox or Tasman Glacier with uninterrupted views from a helicopter. After you check in and have a safety briefing, you will be transferred to the activity provider's hangar, where you will meet your pilot and guide and board the helicopter. You will be provided with headsets in order to hear your guide’s commentary. Fly amongst the Southern Alps, admiring the ice pinnacles and crevasses whilst learning about the awesome spectacle from your pilot. You will make a stop and get to explore on foot for 10 minutes at an elevated site which is perfect for taking photos.

Enjoy a thrilling hiking and helicopter experience on Fox Glacier. Marvel at dramatic landscapes from above, including spectacular ice caves, icefalls and Victoria Falls, which is the melted river from the hidden Victoria glacier. Land on the ice in a remote part of the glacier. Get fitted with crampons that are specially designed for icy conditions. Follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves. Each departure is a truly unique experience as there are so many changing features. Depending on the weather, spend up to 3 hours on the ice before boarding your helicopter to return to the take off point.

Explore the ancient icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers on a 30-minute helicopter flight. Experience the thrill of a snow landing with spectacular photo opportunities, and create unforgettable memories. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers provides stunning ice architecture and are two of the few glaciers in the world which exist in such close proximity to both an ocean and a rainforest. Make your way to a central location in Franz Josef township, where you will check in for your flight. Strap yourself in to your seat and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime ride, soaring above the pristine scenery for spectacular aerial views of the glaciers. Listen to engaging inflight commentary from your experienced pilot and admire the stunning frozen landscape below through the panoramic windows. Midway through the flight, your helicopter hovers above the ice and snow before making a thrilling snow landing at the summit of one of the glaciers. Step out onto the breathtaking, frozen landscape to soak in the views and capture some incredible photos. Then return to the helicopter for the flight back to base.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Fox Glacier. A gentle, gradual climb awaits, making this adventure accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Departing at the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in the township of Franz Josef Glacier - we’ll drive you to Fox Glacier from Franz Josef Glacier (a 30-minute drive) or if you are staying in Fox Glacier we'll pick you up from our meeting point in the Fox Glacier township (or your accommodation). This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata and rimu trees, vibrant mosses, and breathtaking views of the upper Fox Glacier, the Fox Neve and Mt Tasman—one of New Zealand's tallest peaks. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the area's geology, glaciation, and thermology (including a chance to dip your hand in a geothermal spring) and its diverse flora and fauna. Discover the rich history and local stories that make this region so unique. Join us for an educational and memorable hike that blends natural beauty with deep environmental understanding. Book your adventure today and explore one of New Zealand’s most remarkable treasures! Check-in: 1.15 pm (Franz Josef Glacier base) Departs Franz Josef Glacier: 1:30 pm from Glacier Valley Eco Tours office - Franz Josef. Pick up at the Department of Conservation building, Fox Glacier at 2 pm. Returns: 5 pm (Fox Glacier), Franz Josef Glacier (5:30 pm). IF BOOKING ON THE SAME DAY PLEASE CALL US. Please note this tour does not get close to the glacier or walk on the glacier due to safety reasons.

Journey into the Southern Alps for this once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the Fox Glacier. Begin your adventure at the helicopter base in Fox Glacier Township, where you will be greeted by your expert team. As you take off in your helicopter, be amazed by the panoramic views over the town and surrounding landscapes before heading towards the Fox Glacier. As you draw closer to the picturesque mountains, fly over dramatic ice falls and deep crevasses before you descend for a snow landing. Here you will have an opportunity to take in your surroundings, breathe in the clean alpine air and take photos in this winter wonderland. When you are finished, join your pilot in the return flight back to the Fox Glacier Township.

Experience double the excitement as you fly over the stunning Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier on a helicopter ride over stunning mountain landscapes that includes a scenic snow landing.  Depart from Franz Josef town and within minutes you will be soaring across the majestic icefall of the Franz Josef Glacier where you will ascend among the mountain tops for your snow landing experience. As you fly, admire below you the snowfields of the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, and magnificent views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman. After 10 minutes of feeling the snow on your feet, jump back in the helicopter and take off once again across the snowfield expanse and then land back where you departed from.

*New product to Get Your Guide!* Enjoy a helicopter glacier tour unlike anything else in the world. Start your experience at Franz Josef Heliport where you will board your Helicopter. After taking off, cross the main divide and experience amazing views of the La Peruse & Balfour Glaciers, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, lush greens of the native rainforest, and towering peaks of Aoraki Mount cook and Mount Tasman to land on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Once landed, the Helicopter will shut down completely for passengers to enjoy the tranquility and silence of the beautiful alpine surroundings. Enjoying clean air, glistening snow and plenty of time for photography before returning to the West Coast and descending the Franz Josef Glacier back to Franz Josef Heliport. We are the only West Coast operator landing on the Tasman Glacier!! We are also the only certified Carbon Zero aviation operator in New Zealand!! Come fly with us at Inflite Franz & Fox Helicopters

Experience a helicopter flight like no other to where only the very few would consider climbing and where we get our wilderness fix every day. First, you will fly over Tasman Glacier Lake before following the path of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier which is 23km long and up to 4km wide in places. Once further up into the mountains you will then land in the snow (subject to snow levels) with Aoraki/Mount Cook before you. Once photos and videos have been taken at the landing spot, the next part of your trip is traversing through the rugged Southern Alps to the West Coast and see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers before coming full circle with views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Lake Matheson with Glacier Valley Eco Tours' Lake Matheson Nature Tour. Nestled in an ancient forest, Lake Matheson is renowned for its stunning mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Departing at the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in the township of Franz Josef Glacier - we’ll drive you to Fox Glacier from Franz Josef Glacier (a 30-minute drive) or if you are staying in Fox Glacier we'll pick you up from our meeting point in the Fox Glacier township (or your accommodation). This Great Short Walk in a UNESCO World Heritage area gently meanders and undulates around the lake on a well-formed track, crossing picturesque bridges and boardwalks over vibrant mountain streams, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the history of the area, the unique conditions that create the lake's spectacular mirror reflections, and much more. For the best chance to witness these iconic reflections, join us in the early evening. Experience the magic of Lake Matheson and let its serene beauty captivate you.

Fox Glacier, fed by four alpine glaciers and, at 13km in length, it is the longest of the West Coast glaciers. You’ll land on a snowfield surrounded by the glacial formations at the top of the glacier. By helicopter is the only way to access and see these magnificent ice formations and stand on the gradually receding glacier. After your landing up top of Fox Glacier your pilot will take you past our highest peak, Aoraki / Mt Cook, (aka; 'The Cloud Piercer’) and take in the enormity of this historic mountain before returning to Fox Village. (Available from Fox Glacier Village only).