[Glacier Landing] Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Flights | New Zealand
Experience the awe-inspiring Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on a thrilling glacier flight. Witness unique glacial formations and vast, remote landscapes with a snow landing.
- Explore one of our stunning West Coast glaciers
- Land on either Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier
- Gaze over staggering ice formations and rugged South Island terrain, taking in views of snowy glacial plains
- Your pilot will choose the best location for your stunning snow landing on the day of your flight
- Witness the incredible natural phenomenon of the glaciers
- Professional trained staff offering commentary
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Helicopter sightseeing |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
- 25-Minute Névé Discoverer
Glacier adventure exploring the dynamic Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Take in the stunning views of ice formations and rugged West Coast terrain, where mountains meet the ocean. Experience landing on the snowy glacial plains and breathe in the clean mountain air. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are constantly moving. You will land on one of these giant glaciers; your pilot, the weather patterns, and the daily movement of these vast ice formations will determine the location.
- 35-Minute Twin Glacier
Soar above the breathtaking West Coast landscapes and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Depart from Fox Glacier and take a scenic flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. You'll soar over the township before following the ice flow up to the upper reaches. Upon landing on the snow at the head of one of the glaciers, you'll be able to survey the path that the glacier has carved below you, creating deep valleys. This scenic flight offers a fantastic opportunity to explore these magnificent natural wonders of the West Coast.
- 35-Minute Fox Glacier & Mount Cook
An unforgettable glacier adventure awaits, exploring the mighty Fox Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Fox Glacier is an impressive natural wonder nourished by four alpine glaciers and measuring 13 kilometers in length, making it the longest of all the glaciers on the West Coast. Make a glacier landing on a snowfield enveloped by awe-inspiring glacial formations. As you make your return journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, also known as 'the cloud piercer,' the highest peak in the area. This incredible experience concludes with your return to the charming Fox Village.
- 40-Minute Mountain Scenic Spectacular
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Spectacular, where you can witness New Zealand's three most spectacular glaciers and explore ancient ice.
Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from an aerial perspective, with a landing on the pristine snow-covered ice. During the flight, you'll also be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Cook / Aoraki, which stands as the highest peak in New Zealand, as well as a stunning sight of the Tasman Glacier on the eastern flank of the Southern Alps.
Soar from sea level to the heart of the stunning Southern Alps. Explore icefalls on the Franz Josef or Fox glaciers and savor the seclusion of a snow landing in this remote alpine region
Experience a thrilling snow landing in this largely inaccessible alpine region and view the incredible natural phenomenon of the glaciers
Experience the dynamic nature of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. The landing location of this flight is determined by the daily movement of the ice formations and the influence of weather patterns on these expansive icy landscapes
Purchase Notice
- As the experience is subject to weather condition on the day, please ensure to call the tour operator 24 hours before departure at 0800 807 767 (daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm) to reconfirm that weather conditions are suitable for departure
- Children must accompany a paying adult
- Infants (Under 4 years and under 15kgs) are required to sit on an adults knee. Infants over 15kgs will require their own seat
- Minimum numbers apply for flights. Bookings will be coordinated to achieve this where possible
- Please be informed that participating is understanding there are environmental and external elements beyond control may be risky, KKday and tour operator don't take responsibility
- When booking with KKday, guests agreed to the T&C, Risk Disclosure and Safety Management outlined here
- Each helicopter can hold up to 6 passengers or a maximum combined weight of 480kg
— What to bring —
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy covered shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Your phone/camera, and a sense of adventure!
Please ensure you have appropriate clothing before starting the trip
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 60 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
As the experience is subject to weather condition on the day, please ensure to call the tour operator 24 hours before departure at 0800 807 767 (daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm) to reconfirm that weather conditions are suitable for departure
Weather check – due to very changeable weather conditions your weather check is at the same time as check-in
For safety reasons, drones, iPads and selfie sticks are not allowed on board
Flights, landings and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion. Flight times are approximate and include your landing
Please note no bags allowed in the helicopter. Please lock belongings in your car or leave at the desk, but tour operator doesn't have lockers and won't be responsible for lost or damage
Participants unable to complete trips due to pre-existing medical conditions or personal factors will be evacuated at their own expense without any refund
All flights require a minimum number of passengers for departure. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel due to insufficient passengers
Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure time
No refund will be given for no shows
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Franz Josef Glacier, located on New Zealand's West Coast, is renowned for its dynamic icefall and rapid movement. A helicopter flight provides unparalleled aerial views of its unique crevasses, seracs, and ice caves. The snow landing allows visitors to step directly onto the pristine glacial surface, experiencing the vast, remote landscape and stunning ice formations firsthand. This close encounter with an active glacier in a temperate rainforest environment is truly special.
Both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier offer breathtaking helicopter flights and snow landings, showcasing similar dramatic icefalls and unique formations. The main difference lies in their specific geographical features and surrounding landscapes. Your experienced pilot will assess the daily weather conditions and choose the safest and most scenic location for your snow landing on either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. This ensures the best possible experience based on prevailing conditions.
During a glacier landing, your helicopter will gently touch down on the pristine snow and ice of either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. You'll have approximately 10-15 minutes to step out, take photos, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring, remote glacial environment. Expect panoramic views of staggering ice formations, rugged peaks, and the expansive snowfields, offering a truly unique perspective of New Zealand's South Island terrain.
The typical duration for a Fox or Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight, including the exhilarating snow landing, is usually around 20 to 30 minutes. This includes the scenic flight over the glacier and the dedicated time spent on the ice for photos and experiencing the unique environment. The total experience from check-in to return can be longer, so allow sufficient time for your adventure.
While Franz Josef Glacier has public walking tracks that lead to viewpoints of the glacier's terminal face, a helicopter flight is the only way to truly explore and access its intricate upper icefall, deep crevasses, and stunning ice formations directly. The snow landing allows you to safely step onto the glacier itself, offering an unparalleled close-up experience of its unique and dynamic landscape.
During a helicopter flight, you can observe the incredible natural phenomena of dynamic ice flows, including deep blue crevasses, towering seracs, and massive icefalls that continuously reshape the glaciers. You'll also witness glacial valleys, moraine walls, and the dramatic contrast between the pristine white ice and the lush temperate rainforests surrounding the glaciers. This aerial perspective highlights their scale and geological activity.
For a Franz Josef or Fox Glacier helicopter flight and snow landing, it's essential to dress in warm layers, even in summer, as temperatures on the glacier are much colder. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Sunglasses are recommended to protect against glare from the snow, and don't forget your camera for stunning photos. It's also advisable to check local weather conditions on the day of your flight, as they can impact operations.
During your Franz Josef or Fox Glacier helicopter flight, a professional and trained pilot will provide informative commentary. They will point out key geological features, explain the history and dynamics of the glaciers, and highlight important landmarks and natural beauty spots. This expert guidance enhances your understanding and appreciation of the incredible landscapes you are flying over and landing upon.
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