Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural wonders. Its dramatic ice formations, towering blue crevasses, and proximity to the Southern Alps make it a prime location for helicopter tours. Unlike traditional sightseeing, these flights give you a bird’s-eye view of massive icefalls and allow access to remote snowfields.
We particularly love tours that combine aerial views with on-the-ground experiences, like landing on a glacier or exploring ice caves — these give you a real sense of the glacier’s scale and beauty. For example, the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer combines a scenic helicopter flight with a hands-on hike over the ice, letting you explore the glacier’s intricate ice caves and arches firsthand. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a full day of adventure and plenty of time to absorb the icy landscape.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the six best helicopter tours in Fox Glacier, each offering a different perspective and experience. Whether you’re after a quick scenic flight or an extended glacier trek with a snow landing, there’s something here to match your style.
1. Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer
At number 1, this tour offers the rare chance to combine a helicopter flight with an extended hike on Fox Glacier. For around $409 per person, you get a 4-hour experience that begins with a scenic helicopter ride over the glacier, revealing its vast blue icefalls and crevasses. Once landed on the ice, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring the glacier’s natural ice caves, arches, and formations with a knowledgeable local guide.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of aerial and terrestrial adventures. The expert commentary from your guide enriches the walk, sharing insights into the glacier’s geology and ongoing changes. The helicopter transfer allows access to parts of the glacier that are otherwise unreachable, making it perfect for travelers seeking an immersive ice experience. The reviews highlight its “breathtaking scenery” and “informative guides” as major highlights.
Bottom Line: For those who want a comprehensive and active glacier experience, this combination tour offers a perfect blend of flight and exploration. It’s ideal for adventurers craving a full day immersed in icy wonder.
2. Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip
At number 2, this 30-minute helicopter ride whisks you over both the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. It’s a popular choice for those short on time but eager to see two of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers. The flight offers stunning views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman, with the added thrill of a scenic snow landing.
The journey is praised for its “unforgettable views of the icefalls and mountain peaks,” with the snow landing providing fantastic photo opportunities at the glacier’s edge. The aircraft’s proximity to the glaciers reveals their scale and striking blue ice, making this a visually impressive experience. At just 30 minutes, it’s a quick but memorable trip that packs a punch.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a concise, high-impact helicopter tour that captures the grandeur of both glaciers with dramatic mountain scenery, including a snowy landing.
3. Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
At number 3, this 20-minute scenic flight offers a more focused look at Fox Glacier. It’s an excellent option for travelers short on time but hungry for a spectacular aerial experience. The flight includes a snow landing on the glacier’s icy surface, giving you a real sense of the glacier’s size and icy terrain.
The flight provides sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the glacier’s jagged icefalls. The pilot’s commentary enhances the experience, pointing out notable features and providing context for the glacier’s formation. Reviewers mention that the panoramic views are “simply breathtaking,” and the snow landing is a highlight, offering both a photo opportunity and a tactile sense of the icy landscape.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a quick, awe-inspiring flight with the bonus of walking on snow and ice, perfect for a brief but impactful glacier encounter.
4. Fox Glacier: Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
Number 4 features a 30-minute flight that combines majestic views of Fox Glacier with an encounter with Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. Starting from Fox Glacier village, this tour takes you over the enormous ice formations of Fox Glacier and then past the snow-capped summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
One of the trip’s highlights is the snowfield landing, where you can step out onto untouched snow, surrounded by the sheer scale of the glacier and mountains. The route offers a unique perspective of how these glaciers carve through the landscape, and the helicopter’s vantage point emphasizes their vastness. With a duration of 30 minutes, this trip balances scenic beauty with a manageable time commitment.
Guests describe the experience as “an incredible way to see both the glacier and mountain in one flight,” and the close-up views of the glacier’s crevasses are particularly memorable.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive aerial tour that includes Mount Cook and the chance to land on a snowfield, offering a full picture of the region’s grandeur.
5. Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic 40-Minute Helicopter Flight
Number 5, the 40-minute flight from Franz Josef, is the most extended scenic option on our list, offering expansive views of both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. This trip is perfect for those who want a deeper aerial perspective and the opportunity to land on the glacier’s snowy plains.
Guests rave about standing on top of an ancient glacier and feeling the cool mountain air. The flight’s longer duration allows for a more relaxed, comprehensive tour of the region’s icy landscapes, with excellent views of the surrounding peaks. The scenic commentary enriches the experience, highlighting the glaciers’ features and their ongoing change.
This tour, at $357 per person, provides a good balance between cost and an immersive experience, especially for those interested in more time airborne or on the ice.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers wanting a more extensive aerial tour, with the bonus of walking on a glacier’s snowy surface for a truly memorable experience.
$357 per person
6. Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
Finally, the 30-minute Twin Glacier flight offers a straightforward, scenic helicopter experience over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. While reviews are limited, the focus here is on flying over these twin giants and landing at the head of one, giving a close-up view of the ice and snow.
This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a brief but scenic experience without the extended hikes or landings. The ice flow views and the chance to see the glacier’s carved path make it a worthwhile, cost-effective option.
Bottom Line: If your priority is a quick yet stunning aerial overview of the twin glaciers, this flight provides all the key sights packed into 30 minutes.
$261 per person
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Fox Glacier
When deciding between these options, consider how much time you want to dedicate and what kind of experience you seek. For a full day of glacier exploration, the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer offers an immersive, active adventure. If you’re limited on time but want a quick highlight, the Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip or the Scenic Flight with Snow Landing are excellent choices.
Budget-wise, the shorter flights tend to be more affordable while still providing incredible views. Think about whether you want to land on a glacier—adding a tactile experience—or simply fly over the ice to maximize scenic views. Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Fox Glacier offers a range of helicopter experiences that suit different interests and schedules. For those wanting an in-depth adventure with hiking and exploration, the full-day hike is unbeatable. For travelers short on time but craving dramatic mountain and glacier vistas, shorter scenic flights with snow landings are perfect.
If you’re a photographer, the 30-minute flights over the twin glaciers or the Mount Cook combo provide stunning photo opportunities. Adventure seekers will appreciate the snow landings and close-up views, while those looking for a relaxing scenic flight can opt for longer, more comprehensive tours.
Remember, many tours are popular and fill up fast, so consider booking early to ensure you don’t miss out on these breathtaking aerial adventures in Fox Glacier.