Add dates

Things to do in Fox Glacier

Our most recommended things to do in Fox Glacier

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

1. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

Explore the ancient icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers on a 30-minute helicopter flight. Experience the thrill of a snow landing with spectacular photo opportunities, and create unforgettable memories. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers provides stunning ice architecture and are two of the few glaciers in the world which exist in such close proximity to both an ocean and a rainforest. Make your way to a central location in Franz Josef township, where you will check in for your flight. Strap yourself in to your seat and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime ride, soaring above the pristine scenery for spectacular aerial views of the glaciers. Listen to engaging inflight commentary from your experienced pilot and admire the stunning frozen landscape below through the panoramic windows. Midway through the flight, your helicopter hovers above the ice and snow before making a thrilling snow landing at the summit of one of the glaciers. Step out onto the breathtaking, frozen landscape to soak in the views and capture some incredible photos. Then return to the helicopter for the flight back to base.

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

2. Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

Enjoy a thrilling hiking and helicopter experience on Fox Glacier. Marvel at dramatic landscapes from above, including spectacular ice caves, icefalls and Victoria Falls, which is the melted river from the hidden Victoria glacier. Land on the ice in a remote part of the glacier. Get fitted with crampons that are specially designed for icy conditions. Follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves. Each departure is a truly unique experience as there are so many changing features. Depending on the weather, spend up to 3 hours on the ice before boarding your helicopter to return to the take off point.

Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

3. Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Journey into the Southern Alps for this once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the Fox Glacier. Begin your adventure at the helicopter base in Fox Glacier Township, where you will be greeted by your expert team. As you take off in your helicopter, be amazed by the panoramic views over the town and surrounding landscapes before heading towards the Fox Glacier. As you draw closer to the picturesque mountains, fly over dramatic ice falls and deep crevasses before you descend for a snow landing. Here you will have an opportunity to take in your surroundings, breathe in the clean alpine air and take photos in this winter wonderland. When you are finished, join your pilot in the return flight back to the Fox Glacier Township.

Franz Josef: Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

4. Franz Josef: Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

See two of New Zealand’s biggest glaciers — the Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman glaciers with uninterrupted views from a helicopter. Fly amongst the Southern Alps, admiring the ice pinnacles and canyons whilst learning about the awesome spectacle from your professional guide. After you check-in and have a safety briefing, you will be transferred to a private hanger, where you will meet your pilot and guide and board the helicopter. You will be provided headsets in order to hear your guide’s commentary. You will have the opportunity to stop and explore by foot at an elevated snow landing site for 15 minutes, perfect for taking photos.

Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

5. Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

Lift off from a heli-base in Franz Josef and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above on a scenic helicopter tour. Experience this natural phenomenon up close as you land on a glacier and walk through the snow. Meet your pilot and guide at the helicopter base and receive a brief introduction before boarding your flight and setting out on your adventure. Watch the ground disappear beneath you as you climb higher and enjoy the view as the city below turns into wilderness. Take in the vistas of the Southern Alps and marvel at the vastness of 2 of New Zealand's largest glaciers while enjoying informative commentary provided by your pilot. Then, get ready to experience this unique scenery up close as your helicopter prepares for a snow landing. Stand on the ancient ice of the glacier, breathe in the clean alpine air, and feel the seclusion of this awe-inspiring landscape. Hop back aboard your helicopter and enjoy more panoramic views on your return journey to the base. Throughout your flight, you'll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and past Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

6. Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

Walk through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, spotting the huge rata, rimu trees and moss. During the walk your guide will provide informative commentary on glaciation, geothermology geology, flora and fauna. Dip your hand into a geothermal spring to feel nature up close. Take in the views of upper Fox Glacier, Fox Neve, and Mount Tasman, one of New Zealand's highest mountains. Due to the location, you won't get up close to the terminal face of the glacier, this walk is predominantly focused on the stunning nature in the Fox Glacier Valley.  Upon completion of the walk, your guide will drop you back to your accommodation.

Franz Josef: Half-Day Nature Tour to Lake Matheson

7. Franz Josef: Half-Day Nature Tour to Lake Matheson

Start your adventure with hotel pickup or meeting at the local office in Franz Josef Township. Embark on the 40-minute drive in an air-conditioned van to Lake Matheson. Take a walk on an approximately 4.4-kilometer loop track around the Lake with your guide in a small group. Learn about flora, fauna, glaciation, geology and the amazing natural history of this beautiful lake. Look out for the reflections of the country's highest mountains, Mount Tasman and Mount Cook, in the lake's dark waters. The best chance for these reflections is either early morning or late evening.

Other Sightseeing Options in Fox Glacier

Want to discover all there is to do in Fox Glacier? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Fox Glacier

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 116 reviews

I was very pleased and impressed by Simon’s handling of the helicopter for us. I sometimes have vertigo so was quietly concerned how I would manage; but it was not a problem and I also managed the steps and seating in the front well. ( I am not always agile in different situations) . The office staff and ground crew also were polite and courteous to us at all times.

Fantastic experience! From beginnend to end! The helicopter ride was super, standing on the glacier was so amazing and humbling. The guides (pilot and the person who drove us to basecamp were so relaxed, nice and knowledgeable. An absolute must-do

This trip is very weather dependant and we were very lucky to have a clear window to fly onto the glacier. Brilliant experience

I loved doing this activity, it was the highlight of our month-long trip to New Zealand. It is an experience of a lifetime.

Amazing experience, the hike is pretty easy, slow paced with lots of stops.