Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in New Zealand are among the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in the world.
A helicopter tour is one of the best ways to explore these glaciers.
These tours offer a unique perspective, combining the thrill of flight with the breathtaking views of the frozen wilderness below.
Some adventurous visitors even opt for a heli hike, which allows them to land on the glaciers and explore their icy terrain on foot.
This article will share everything you need to know about Franz Josef and Fox Glacier helicopter tours, including what to expect, the highlights, the best time to visit, and essential tips for making the most of your adventure.
The two glaciers – where should you go?
The Franz Josef and Fox townships were established to cater to tourists visiting their respective glaciers.
Both the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are highly accessible, making them popular destinations for visitors seeking to explore these natural wonders.
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier attracts about three times the number of tourists as Fox Glacier. Its steeper terrain contributes to its popularity, ending just 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the coast, making it the busier of the two glaciers.
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is the larger of the two West Coast glaciers. It stretches 2 km longer than Franz Josef Glacier, ending 12 km (7.5 miles) from the Tasman Sea. This glacier also offers fantastic views of Mount Cook.
Types of glacier helicopter tours
When it comes to helicopter tours of New Zealand’s glaciers, you have five exciting options to choose from:
- Fly Over One Glacier with a Snow Landing: Experience a thrilling flight over either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, concluding with a landing in the snow.
- Fly Over Both Glaciers with a Snow Landing: Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping tour that includes flying over both glaciers and a spectacular snow landing.
- Fly from Fox Glacier to Mount Cook: Depart from Fox Glacier, soar up to Mount Cook for close-up views, land in the snow, and then return to base.
- Circle Mount Cook: For those keen to see New Zealand’s tallest mountain, opt for a tour that circles Mount Cook before heading back.
- Heli Hike: If you’re fit and agile, embark on a 2 to 3-hour heli hike either on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Strap on snow boots and explore some of the world’s most challenging terrain.
No matter which helicopter tour you choose, you’re in for a thrilling and unforgettable ride.
We have listed them below in the order of their popularity.
Franz Josef Glacier helicopter hike
These are the most popular helicopter glacier tours in New Zealand. You’ll soar above the stunning Southern Alps before landing on the Franz Josef Glacier for a snow landing.
Once on the snow, your guide will lead you on a 2-hour or 3-hour hike through dramatic ice formations. You’ll explore ice caves and other glacial terrains in an 11-member group led by a professional guide.
After your return flight, you can relax and rejuvenate in the complimentary Glacier Hot Pools.
For Franz Josef heli hikes, you have two options: a three-hour hike (with a total tour duration of four hours) or a two-hour hike (with a total duration of three hours).
Adult ticket (17+ years): US$440
Child ticket (10 to 16 years): US$440
The Franz Josef Glacier helicopter hike is also available in a three-hour option.
Fox Glacier helicopter hike
This tour may not be as popular as the Franz Glacier heli hike, but if you’re based in Fox, it’s a more convenient option since you won’t spend an hour traveling to Franz Josef.
You’ll take off from the helicopter base at Fox Glacier and enjoy a three-hour hike on the same glacier.
The total duration of this tour is approximately four hours.
Adult ticket (17+ years): US$414
Child ticket (9 to 16 years): US$414
Twin Glacier tours + snow landing
On these helicopter tours, you can explore both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above, with the added thrill of a glacier landing.
Stepping onto the snow offers a fantastic opportunity for capturing spectacular photos and creating unforgettable memories.
Please note that this tour does not include any hiking and it is best if you book a heli tour from near the township where you are staying.
Twin glacier flight from Franz Josef
If you are staying in Franz Josef township, it’s recommended to book a tour departing from the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Base.
The 30-minute Twin Glacier helicopter ride from Franz Josef lets you admire the impressive scale of both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air.
You’ll also have the opportunity to land on one of the glaciers for an up-close view.
Enjoy magical sights of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields, and plunging crevasses stretching as far as the eye can see.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$268
Child (4 to 14 years): US$188
Infant (up to 3 years): US$134
Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier
If you are based in Fox township, it’s recommended to book a tour departing from the Fox Glacier Helicopter Base.
This 30-minute heli tour covers both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, allowing you to fly over vast ice formations, waterfalls, and crevasses.
You’ll also enjoy stunning views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park as you hover above.
The tour includes a touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture unforgettable moments.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$268
Child (4 to 14 years): US$188
Infant (0 to 3 years): US$134
Twin Glaciers and Mount Cook from Mt. Cook Village
On this tour, you’ll fly over the rugged spine of the Southern Alps and circle Aoraki/Mount Cook. That’s right – instead of just viewing Mt Cook from above Fox Glacier, this helicopter tour takes you around New Zealand’s tallest mountain.
The 50-minute Heli tour of Twin Glaciers and Mount Cook offers stunning views of vast icefields, crevasses, and rainforests extending to the Tasman Glacier. You’ll also enjoy a landing on the soft snow of one of the glaciers.
You can board the Mount Cook helicopter tour from either Franz Josef township or Mount Cook Village. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in this tour for your convenience.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$482
Child (4 to 14 years): US$337
Infant (0 to 3 years): US$240
Heli tour of one glacier + snow landing
You can choose to see either Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier and enjoy a thrilling snow landing.
These snow landing helicopter tours offer an incredible adrenaline rush and a perfect opportunity to take in the breathtaking surroundings and breathe in the pure alpine air.
Note that these tours do not include any hiking.
Mount Cook helicopter flight from Franz Josef
This scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef Glacier starts right at the glacier.
The 40-minute tour takes you over Mount Cook’s glacial icefalls and crevasses, offering the privilege of witnessing both of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers from the air.
Prepare for breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, the summit of Mount Cook, and Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
The adventure includes a snow landing, allowing you to experience the beauty of this white wonderland from ground level.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$365
Child (4 to 14 years): US$256
Infant (up to 3 years): US$182
Fox glacier helicopter tour with snow landing
This is a memorable 40-minute helicopter tour over Fox Glacier.
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the pristine Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier, and the Tasman Sea.
You’ll also marvel at the stunning vistas of South Island, alpine snowfields, lush coastal rainforests, and the Franz Josef Glacier.
Experience a thrilling snow landing atop Fox Glacier for up to 10 minutes, making this an unforgettable adventure.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$366
Child (4 to 14 years): US$256
Infant (up to 3 years): US$182
Fox Glacier and Mount Cook tour with landing
On this scenic Fox Glacier and Mount Cook heli tour, you’ll fly the entire length of Fox Glacier and come face-to-face with Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet).
This 30-minute tour also includes a snow landing above the icefalls near the summit, allowing you to spend 5 to 10 minutes taking in the breathtaking views.
Cost of the tour
Adult (15+ years): US$268
Child (4 to 14 years): US$188
Infant (up to 3 years): US$134
Things to know before booking a tour
While these tours provide breathtaking aerial views and memorable snow landings, it’s important to be well-informed about the logistics and guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
In this section, we’ll cover essential details such as where the flights take off from, the timing of the tours, and the specific restrictions you need to be aware of.
Additionally, we’ll outline the exclusions and explain the tourist-friendly cancellation policy in place.
By understanding these key points, you can better prepare for your helicopter tour and make the most of this life-changing experience.
Where do flights take off from
Depending on your booking, you will need to reach either the Franz Glacier Helicopter base or the Fox Glacier Helicopter base.
If you are staying in Franz Josef or Fox townships, you’ll be able to reach these bases within ten minutes due to the small size of the townships.
The address of the helicopter bases is provided on your booking voucher, and both bases are conveniently located near public transportation. All Fox Glacier and Franz Glacier helicopter tours end at the starting point.
Timing of helicopter tours
Franz Josef helicopter tours operate daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm year-round.
Whether you book a helicopter flight with a snow landing or a helicopter hike tour, the departure times remain the same.
Restrictions strictly followed
- Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Franz Glacier.
- A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required for tours; otherwise, they may be canceled.
- Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
- Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended due to cold temperatures.
- Most Franz Josef heli tours, except the Twin Glacier flight from Franz Josef, are not wheelchair accessible.
- For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed onboard: selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads/tablets, and large bags.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- No pets are allowed onboard except for service animals.
- Flight times are approximate and depend on winds, weights, and conditions.
- Seating arrangements are often determined by the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tours
Most Fox and Franz Josef Glacier heli tours do not include hotel transfers, food, or drinks unless specified otherwise. Gratuities and personal items are also excluded from your ticket.
Cancellation policy
All these tours offer a tourist-friendly cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel at least 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.
Your flight is subject to favorable weather conditions. If your Franz Josef or Fox Glacier helicopter tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
What to carry for the heli hike
During the hike, you need to bring:
- Warm, breathable inner layers. Preferably made of merino or polypropylene
- Two to four warm upper- body layers
- Long, quick-drying pants, such as tracksuits and leggings. Jeans aren’t recommended
- Sturdy footwear
- Sunglasses are essential. If you forget to bring them, you can buy them from the tour operator
- Ample amount of sunblock
- A warm hat and gloves (if you don’t have one, the tour operator can provide this for free)
- Your camera or phone to capture memories
- A water bottle (preferably small) and a little snack if you may need one during the hike
What the operator provides
- A small waist pack to carry your essentials
- Crampons to improve your mobility on snow
- Snow-friendly walking boots and socks
- Trekking Poles
- Waterproof jackets
- Waterproof over-pants to wear over your long pants
Recommended Reading: Fitness needed for a heli hike experience
The Legend of Franz Josef Glacier: The Franz Josef Glacier, also known as Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere, means ‘The Frozen Tears of Hinehukatere’ in the Maori language. According to Maori legend, thousands of years ago, a local woman named Hinehukatere loved climbing mountains. Her lover, Wawe, did not share her passion but agreed to accompany her one day despite his inexperience. Tragically, Wawe was caught in an avalanche and died during the climb. Devastated, Hinehukatere blamed herself and wept for days on end atop a mountain. The Maori Gods, moved by her sorrow, froze her tears as a memorial. Today, those frozen tears are known as the Franz Josef Glacier.
Where to stay glacier helicopter tours? You can stay either in Fox township or the Franz Josef township. Fox and Franz Josef are less than 30 mins drive from each other. And both the townships have their own helicopter bases. Find out more on the best place to stay for glacier helicopter tours.
What to expect on a Franz Josef Glacier heli hike: Make your way to the base station listed on your booking voucher for check-in and gear up. After a pre-trip briefing and a walk through the native forest, you’ll board the helicopter for a breathtaking flight over the glaciers. Once you land on the snow, embark on a 2 or 3-hour hike across the stunning icescape. During the hike, your guide will lead you through narrow crevasses, towering ice walls, blue ice tunnels, and ice caves. When it’s time to return, you’ll head back to the helicopter for your return flight.
Here are our four reasons why we think Franz Josef Glacier heli hike are worth it.
- Glaciers are melting, and we don’t have much time
- Breathtaking scenery
- The adrenaline rush
- Bucket-list worthy experience
Image: Relaxingjourneys.co.nz
The Franz Josef Glacier hot pools were once a complimentary experience for those who booked a helicopter tour of the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the hot pools have been closed.
More helicopter tours in New Zealand
# Mount Cook helicopter tours
# Helicopter tours to Milford Sound
# Helicopter tours from Queenstown
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# Why helicopter tours are fun
# FAQs about Helicopter tours
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