Fox Glacier is renowned for its dramatic icy landscape, towering icefalls, and breathtaking scenery. What makes it particularly appealing for travelers is the variety of ways you can experience its grandeur — whether by scenic helicopter flights, exhilarating glacier hikes, or combined tours that include nearby highlights like Mount Cook. Many of these tours come highly rated, like the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer, which has a remarkable 4.9/5 rating from 239 reviews. If you’re after an immersive adventure that combines aerial views with ice exploration, Fox Glacier offers options that suit every interest and fitness level.
Some tours stand out because of their focus on scenic flights, like the Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip, which offers a quick but unforgettable bird’s-eye view of two major glaciers. Others, like the Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing, combine aerial photography with the thrill of stepping onto a glacier. If you’re looking to explore beyond the immediate area, multi-day tours connecting Queenstown and Franz Josef via Wanaka add a land-based adventure to your icy pursuits. Below, we’ve broken down each experience to help you find the best fit.
1. Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer
At number one, this tour combines the thrill of a helicopter transfer with a 3-hour guided glacier hike. Starting from Fox Glacier, you’ll take a scenic helicopter flight over the ice formations before landing directly on the glacier. Once on the ice, your guide, a local expert, will lead you through naturally carved ice caves and arches, marveling at the ever-changing formations. The tour lasts about four hours, making it a comprehensive experience for those wanting to get up close and personal with one of New Zealand’s most spectacular glaciers.
This tour is perfect if you want a personalized ice adventure. The helicopter flight offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and landing on the glacier allows you to walk through a different world of blue ice and crevasses. The reviews praise the tour for its expert guides and the unique opportunity to walk on a genuine glacier, with many mentioning the stunning ice caves as a highlight. The $409 price tag might seem steep, but the inclusion of both helicopter and guided hiking makes it good value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers who want serious glacier time combined with breathtaking aerial views.
2. Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip
Number two on our list is a scenic helicopter flight over both the Twin Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. This 30-minute trip is a perfect way to see two major glaciers without a long commitment. The tour promises spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman — all from the comfort of a helicopter. And, for an added thrill, you’ll land on a snowy surface, providing stunning photo ops and a sense of true wilderness.
The trip’s highlight is the scenic snow landing, which offers a rare chance to stand on a glacier and take in the vast icefalls from above. Reviewers comment on the “breathtaking views” and call it an “absolute must-do” for those who want a quick yet comprehensive aerial overview. The price of $246 makes it accessible for travelers looking for a shorter, impactful experience.
Bottom Line: Great for those with limited time but who want to see multiple glaciers and enjoy a snow landing.
3. Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
Coming in at number three, this 20-minute helicopter flight offers a condensed but memorable aerial glacier experience. Starting from Fox Glacier, you’ll soar over the ice falls and land on the glacier itself, where you’ll get extraordinary views of the surrounding ice formations and the Southern Alps. The flight is operated by an experienced pilot-guide who provides commentary throughout, making it both scenic and educational.
This tour stands out because of its short duration and the personalized snow landing, giving you a taste of the glacier without the full-time commitment of longer tours. With a rating of 4.7/5 from 83 reviews, travelers highlight the breathtaking scenery and the tranquil snow landing, which offers great photo opportunities. At $205, it’s a good value for a quick helicopter glacier experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers on a tight schedule seeking an authentic glacier flight with a snow landing.
4. Mount Cook: Aoraki/Mt Cook & The Glaciers 55 Minute Flight
Number four is a longer, more comprehensive flight that features Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, along with the Tasman, Fox, and Franz Josef glaciers. Covering 55 minutes, this tour offers a sweeping view of the Southern Alps and the largest glaciers in the country, including the iconic Tasman Glacier Lake and the rugged peaks surrounding Mount Cook. You’ll even land briefly on an alpine location, adding to the sense of adventure.
This trip is ideal for those wanting a big-picture perspective of New Zealand’s icy landscape as well as the towering mountains. The reviews praise the spectacular scenery and the pilot’s commentary. With a price of $466, it’s a premium experience, but the scope and views justify the cost. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day to spare and a love of grandeur.
Bottom Line: For travelers craving an expansive view of multiple glaciers and the tallest mountain, this is an excellent choice.
5. Fox Glacier: Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
Number five offers a 30-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier village, with a snowfield landing and views of Mount Cook. Starting from the West Coast’s longest glacier, this tour emphasizes the scale of Fox Glacier and the surrounding icy terrain. As you fly over the glacier, you’ll see the intricate crevasses and ice formations up close. The snow landing allows you to step onto the glacier’s icy surface, surrounded by the majestic peaks.
This flight is praised for its scenic views and the impressive size of Fox Glacier. The inclusion of Mount Cook makes it a well-rounded aerial tour. At $261, it offers a good balance of glacier exploration and mountain scenery, making it suitable for those wanting a more immersive glacier experience with a shorter flight time.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to combine a glacier and mountain view with a snow landing in a shorter trip.
6. Franz Josef to Queenstown Tour via Wānaka
This full-day land tour takes you from Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wānaka, with stops at Lake Matheson, Lake Hawea, and the historic Cardrona Hotel. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see more of the South Island’s stunning scenery while traveling between major towns. You’ll get to photograph the Wānaka Tree, one of New Zealand’s most photographed trees, and enjoy the peaceful lakes and historic hotel.
Rated a perfect 5/5 based on 5 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its beautiful stops and relaxed pace. It’s ideal if you’re not just after glaciers but want a broader taste of the region. The $170 price offers good value for a full day of sightseeing with a guide.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a scenic land route with multiple photo-worthy stops en route to Queenstown.
7. Queenstown to Franz Josef Tour via Wānaka (One-Way)
Number seven is the reverse of the previous tour — a one-way journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef. This small-group tour showcases the same beautiful Wānaka area, including Lake Wānaka and the historic Cardrona Hotel, with a focus on a more intimate experience. It’s suitable for travelers who want to blend sightseeing with their transfer, rather than just getting from point A to B.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it emphasizes personalized service and flexible stops. The $170 cost makes it an appealing option for those who want to make the most of their journey without rushing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a scenic, guided transfer between Queenstown and Franz Josef with meaningful stops.
8. Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic 40-Minute Helicopter Flight
This longer helicopter flight offers a 40-minute aerial tour over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. It’s a great choice for those who want more time in the air and the chance to see more of the rugged glacier landscape. The tour includes a touchdown on a snowy plain, providing a sense of being on top of the world.
Rated at 3.8/5 from just four reviews, it’s best suited for dedicated flight enthusiasts comfortable with a higher price of $357. The highlight is the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to stand on an ancient glacier.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting an extended helicopter experience with plenty of photo ops.
$357 per person
9. Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
The final tour on our list is a 30-minute flight over two of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers—Franz Josef and Fox. The flight takes you over these icy giants, following the flow of the ice to admire the sheer size and beauty of these glaciers. On landing, you can walk on the snow and see the path carved by the glaciers.
Rated without reviews at this time, it remains a popular choice for its balanced duration and scope. The flight offers a great way to see two glaciers in one trip without a lengthy time commitment.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a quick, scenic helicopter flight over both glaciers.
$261 per person
How to Choose Your Fox Glacier Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after an authentic ice experience with a glacier hike, the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer is hard to beat. For quick but stunning aerial views, the Twin Glaciers helicopter trip or the scenic helicopter with snow landing are excellent options.
Those with more time or seeking a broader perspective should consider the Aoraki/Mount Cook flight, which combines glaciers with New Zealand’s highest peak. Multi-day land tours connecting Queenstown, Wanaka, and Franz Josef provide a scenic journey through the region’s diverse landscapes.
Think about your fitness level (glacier hikes require some walking), your budget, and how much of the landscape you want to see from the sky versus on foot. Booking early, especially in peak summer months, is advisable to secure your spot on these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Fox Glacier offers a incredible range of ways to experience its icy majesty, whether by helicopter, on foot, or as part of a scenic land journey. For pure aerial adventure, the 55-minute Mount Cook flight and the scenic helicopter with snow landing are top contenders. For those eager to walk on the glacier itself, the up to 3 hours hike with helicopter transfer is unbeatable.
No matter your preference, booking early and choosing the experience that matches your interests will ensure a memorable visit to this stunning part of New Zealand’s South Island.