| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Sightseeing type | Hiking |
Although not mandatory, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance before participating in the trip.
This tour requires participants to be fluent in English, able to communicate with the tour guide, and understand the relevant instructions.
Please note: Drones are prohibited in the activity area. Please ensure you are not bringing any drones with you.
In the event of force majeure or extreme weather, the supplier reserves the right to cancel the event. In such cases, you may choose to reschedule or request a full refund.
This activity inherently carries risks and hazards that may result in injury or damage. These risks and hazards include, but are not limited to, avalanches, rockfalls, icefalls, crevasses, glacial potholes, heavy rain, extreme cold, high altitudes, floods, rugged terrain, tripping, earthquakes (including but not limited to injuries caused by instability or damage to man-made structures (such as buildings, bridges, and dams) or natural features (such as cliffs and slopes), air travel (including but not limited to aircraft crashes or accidents, or injuries caused by collisions with rotating aircraft propellers or rotor blades), and sun exposure.
If a participant is late or absent, no changes or refunds will be possible.
Participants who stay on the ice for less than one hour will receive a 30% refund; participants who stay on the ice for more than one hour will not receive a refund.
The Fox Glacier heli-hike is a comprehensive 4-hour experience. This duration typically includes the scenic helicopter flights to and from the glacier, the time spent hiking on the ice with a professional guide, and preparation time for gearing up. It's designed to provide ample opportunity to explore the unique glacier environment safely and thoroughly.
Both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier offer incredible heli-hike experiences in New Zealand. Fox Glacier is often highlighted for being a globally rare low-altitude active glacier where lush temperate rainforest meets the ice, providing unique contrasting scenery. While both glaciers are stunning and offer similar guided ice exploration, the specific ice formations and panoramic views can vary between them based on current natural conditions.
The Fox Glacier heli-hike is an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly combines a thrilling scenic helicopter flight with an immersive guided glacier trek. You'll take a helicopter to access the glacier's remote icefall, and then, led by professional guides, you'll traverse vast icefields, exploring intricate ice caves, towering seracs, and deep crevasses. This integrated experience offers a unique perspective of the glacier's dynamic beauty.
The Fox Glacier heli-hike stands out as a unique adventure due to its globally rare status as a low-altitude active glacier where lush rainforest directly meets the ice, offering stunning natural contrasts. The experience combines a scenic helicopter flight over majestic landscapes with a guided hike across vast icefields, ensuring safety while allowing exploration of incredible ice formations and breathtaking panoramas, making it truly unforgettable.
For the Fox Glacier heli-hike, essential hiking equipment is provided to ensure your safety and comfort on the ice. This typically includes specialized glacier boots, crampons for superior grip on the ice, and a waterproof jacket to protect you from the elements. These crucial items are supplied to help you navigate the unique glacier environment securely.
The Fox Glacier is globally renowned for its unique characteristic as a 'low-altitude active glacier' where it descends into a temperate rainforest. This rare phenomenon allows visitors to experience vast ice formations and lush native bush in close proximity. Its accessible lower altitude contributes to its popularity, offering a distinct visual contrast that is seldom found in other glaciers worldwide.
Professional guides are crucial to enhancing the Fox Glacier heli-hike experience. They lead you safely across the constantly changing glacier terrain, skillfully identifying the best and most secure routes. Their extensive expertise provides valuable insights into glaciology and the surrounding natural environment, enriching your understanding and ensuring you have a secure, informative, and truly memorable adventure while exploring the vast icefields.
During the Fox Glacier heli-hike, you can expect truly breathtaking views. The helicopter flight provides unparalleled aerial perspectives of New Zealand's majestic glacier scenery, the surrounding lush rainforests, and dramatic mountain ranges. While on the glacier itself, you'll witness intricate ice caves, towering seracs, deep crevasses, and expansive white and blue ice landscapes, offering a stunning natural spectacle from every angle.