A Fox Glacier helicopter tour takes you up from the village, over the icefalls of Fox Glacier to the névé, the snowfield above them, and, when conditions allow, down onto the snow for about six to eight minutes. The longer flights add Franz Josef Glacier next door and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
All four flights on the Fox Glacier hub leave from the heliport in Fox Glacier township and return there, all four are shared, and all four aim for a snow landing. They run from 25 to 40 minutes. The snow landing depends on the weather and is never guaranteed, even when the flight goes ahead.
Four Fox Glacier helicopter tours, from 25 to 40 minutes
- Fox Glacier Snow Landing 25-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZ$395 per person. The entry flight on the hub, over the icefalls and névé of Fox Glacier only, with the snow landing when conditions allow.
- Fox Glacier Twin Glacier Snow Landing 35-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZ$498 per person. The ice of both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, with one snow landing, and back to Fox.
- Fox Glacier and Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZ$498 per person. Fox Glacier with the snow landing, then a fly-by of Aoraki / Mount Cook before you return.
- Fox Glacier Mount Cook Spectacular 40-Minute Helicopter Tour, from NZ$672 per person. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, across towards the Southern Alps and around Aoraki / Mount Cook, with the snow landing on whichever glacier suits the day.
The two 35-minute flights cost the same, so choose by what you want beside the Fox ice: Franz Josef Glacier or Aoraki / Mount Cook. If you want both, the 40-minute Spectacular covers everything on one ticket.
Staying in Franz Josef rather than Fox? None of these flights depart from there. The Franz Josef Glacier hub lists the flights from that village.
Before you go
- Where: Fox Glacier Heliport on Main South Road (SH6) in Fox Glacier township. Parking is across the road. There is no hotel pickup.
- Check-in: arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and weighing.
- Minimum numbers: the helicopters seat up to six and usually need at least three paying passengers to confirm a flight, so book as early as your plans allow. Live availability shows when you book.
- Snow landing: weather-dependent and not guaranteed. The final call is usually made around check-in.
- Who can fly: there is no minimum age; infants and children fly with a paying adult. There is no per-person weight limit, but the total passenger weight must stay within about 487 kg. Weights are checked at check-in, and a large difference from the weight you declared may mean a reschedule.
- What to wear: warm layers, sturdy covered shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, in case you step out onto the snow.
- Season: year-round when the weather allows. On Christmas Day, flights run in the morning only, about 9:00 to 12:00.
- Cancellation: a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. If weather cancels the flight, you are offered another time or a full refund.
Not sure which glacier flight fits your West Coast plans? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.