Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

Experience the Majesty of New Zealand’s Glaciers from the Air

Imagine soaring above two of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers—Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier—on a 30-minute helicopter flight that promises awe-inspiring scenery and a touch of adventure. Starting from Fox Glacier town, you’ll hop aboard a helicopter with a professional pilot, flying across icefalls, crevasses, and jagged peaks within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. What makes this experience stand out is the chance to touch down on a snowfield, snap photos of incredible glacial formations, and enjoy panoramic views from above.

What we love most are the close-up encounters with the glaciers’ icy features—seeing ice falls and crevasses up close is genuinely mesmerizing—and the opportunity for a snow landing, which offers a rare chance to throw snowballs or simply stand high on a glacier. Plus, departing several times throughout the day means you can choose a time that fits your schedule.

One possible drawback? The weather plays a significant role in this adventure. Several reviews mention that poor or changing weather can prevent the landing or even the flight itself. If weather conditions aren’t ideal, your experience could be shortened or canceled, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for travelers craving stunning aerial vistas combined with a hands-on experience on the ice. If you’re looking for a memorable highlight to your New Zealand trip—one that blends adventure, scenery, and a dash of thrill—this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Fly over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers in just 30 minutes.
• Snow Landing: Touch down on a glacier snowfield for photos, snowballs, and memories.
• Flexible Departures: Multiple flight times available throughout the day to suit your schedule.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable pilots, like Jy, who make the experience both safe and informative.
• Weather-Dependent: Be prepared for possible cancellations or shortened flights if the weather turns bad.
• Ideal for Adventure Seekers: Perfect for those wanting a mix of aerial sightseeing and glacier interaction.

A Detailed Look at the Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight

While many travelers simply dream of seeing glaciers from afar, experiencing them from the air gives you a perspective that’s hard to beat. This 30-minute helicopter tour is a carefully curated adventure that combines stunning scenery with a touch of thrill. Starting at the helipad in Fox Glacier town, you’ll immediately sense the excitement—your pilot will brief you on the journey ahead and safety protocols, setting the tone for a smooth flight.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a short but scenic helicopter ride across the Fox Glacier, which stretches approximately 8.1 miles (13 km) through Westland Tai Poutini National Park. As you lift off, you’ll notice the ice falls, rock formations, and crevasses that characterize these glaciers. These features are what make glaciers so captivating—they’re constantly changing, with frozen rivers of ice that seem to go on forever.

Your pilot, often praised for being both engaging and informative (with reviewers mentioning Jy specifically), will point out notable features and share insights into how these glaciers formed and their current status. The flight then continues toward Franz Josef Glacier, known for its more dramatic and steeper profile. This glacier is often described as more remote and epic in scale, offering a different visual experience that complements Fox Glacier’s more accessible and gentle appearance.

The Snowfield Landing: A Glacier Highlight

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the touchdown on a snowfield at the top of Franz Josef Glacier. Here, you’re free to walk on the icy surface, throw snowballs, and take some of the most spectacular photos of your trip. Several reviews mention how this part of the experience is genuinely priceless, especially for families or anyone eager to stand high on a glacier and get a real sense of its size and texture.

This landing is often cited as the highlight—“landing on the glacier was a great experience,” one reviewer recalls—adding a tangible dimension to the aerial views.

The Return Flight and Overall Experience

After your snow stop, the helicopter circles back toward Fox Glacier, giving you a different perspective and perhaps catching some of the most photogenic angles. The return leg is a chance to reflect on the stunning vistas and the unique geology of these ancient ice masses.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, photographers, and families wanting a memorable day on the South Island. Many reviewers mention that their children enjoyed walking on the snow and touching the ice, making it a family-friendly activity (with the condition that children are accompanied by adults). If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides—the pilot’s engaging commentary adds an educational layer—you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

The Value of a Glacial Flight

At a cost of $278.34 per person, this tour offers a significant window into New Zealand’s glacial landscape. While it’s not the cheapest activity, the value lies in the experience—aerial views combined with a snow landing are rare and often cited as “a highlight of a New Zealand trip.” Seeing two glaciers in one flight saves you the time and effort of multiple excursions, and the photo opportunities are second to none.

Keep in mind, weather can be unpredictable—a common theme in the reviews. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of multiple departure times, but if weather conditions aren’t cooperative, your flight may be canceled or shortened. Booking in advance (typically around 52 days ahead) is wise to secure your preferred time slot.

Booking Tips

• Dress warmly, especially if you plan to land on the glacier, as it can be quite cold and windy up there.
• Bring your camera, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear—you’ll want to stand and walk on the snowfield.
• Since the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers or food, plan accordingly before and after the flight.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast; clear skies make for the most spectacular views and successful landings.

The Sum Up: Who’s This Tour For?

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of New Zealand’s glaciers, this flight delivers. It’s particularly suited for those who want a mix of aerial scenery and the thrill of landing on ice, making it a true highlight. Nature lovers, photographers, and families will appreciate the stunning vistas and interactive snow experience.

The tour’s price reflects the unique access and professional guidance—but be prepared for the variables of weather, which can impact your plans. If you’re flexible and want to capture incredible memories from above and on the ice, this is an adventure worth considering.

For travelers seeking a more immersive glacier walk or hike, there are other options, but few combine both aerial and land-based glacier encounters quite like this.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving you a good balance of aerial viewing and glacier interaction.

Can I land on the glaciers?
Yes, the tour includes a snowfield landing, where you can step out, throw snowballs, and take photos on the ice.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather is a key factor—if conditions aren’t suitable, the flight may be canceled for safety reasons. You’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 52 days in advance is common, especially during peak seasons, to ensure your preferred departure time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by adults, but the ice landing and safety procedures should be considered.

What should I bring?
Warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, and a camera are recommended. The tour does not include food or drinks.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?
No, it starts at the helipad in Fox Glacier town, so plan your transportation accordingly.

In the end, this helicopter tour of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers offers a rare chance to see the grandeur of New Zealand’s icy giants from above and touch the glacier itself. It’s a journey that combines scenic beauty, adventure, and memorable moments—perfect for travelers eager to add a spectacular highlight to their South Island itinerary.