Fox Glacier

Spring activities

See two of New Zealand’s biggest glaciers — the Franz Josef and then either the Fox or Tasman Glacier with uninterrupted views from a helicopter. After you check in and have a safety briefing, you will be transferred to the activity provider's hangar, where you will meet your pilot and guide and board the helicopter. You will be provided with headsets in order to hear your guide’s commentary. Fly amongst the Southern Alps, admiring the ice pinnacles and crevasses whilst learning about the awesome spectacle from your pilot. You will make a stop and get to explore on foot for 10 minutes at an elevated site which is perfect for taking photos.

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.

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.

Experience double the excitement as you fly over the stunning Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier on a helicopter ride over stunning mountain landscapes that includes a scenic snow landing.  Depart from Franz Josef town and within minutes you will be soaring across the majestic icefall of the Franz Josef Glacier where you will ascend among the mountain tops for your snow landing experience. As you fly, admire below you the snowfields of the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, and magnificent views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman. After 10 minutes of feeling the snow on your feet, jump back in the helicopter and take off once again across the snowfield expanse and then land back where you departed from.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Fox Glacier. A gentle, gradual climb awaits, making this adventure accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Departing at the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in the township of Franz Josef Glacier - we’ll drive you to Fox Glacier from Franz Josef Glacier (a 30-minute drive) or if you are staying in Fox Glacier we'll pick you up from our meeting point in the Fox Glacier township (or your accommodation). This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata and rimu trees, vibrant mosses, and breathtaking views of the upper Fox Glacier, the Fox Neve and Mt Tasman—one of New Zealand's tallest peaks. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the area's geology, glaciation, and thermology (including a chance to dip your hand in a geothermal spring) and its diverse flora and fauna. Discover the rich history and local stories that make this region so unique. Join us for an educational and memorable hike that blends natural beauty with deep environmental understanding. Book your adventure today and explore one of New Zealand’s most remarkable treasures! Check-in: 1.15 pm (Franz Josef Glacier base) Departs Franz Josef Glacier: 1:30 pm from Glacier Valley Eco Tours office - Franz Josef. Pick up at the Department of Conservation building, Fox Glacier at 2 pm. Returns: 5 pm (Fox Glacier), Franz Josef Glacier (5:30 pm). IF BOOKING ON THE SAME DAY PLEASE CALL US. Please note this tour does not get close to the glacier or walk on the glacier due to safety reasons.

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.

Fox Glacier is fed by four alpine glaciers and, at 13km in length, it is the longest of the West Coast glaciers. You’ll land on a snowfield surrounded by the glacial formations at the top of the glacier. By helicopter is the only way to access and see these magnificent ice formations and stand on the gradually receding glacier. After your landing up top of Fox Glacier, your pilot will take you past our highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, (aka; 'The Cloud Piercer’), and take in the enormity of this historic mountain before returning to Fox Village. (Available from Fox Glacier Village only).

Experience a helicopter flight like no other to where only the very few would consider climbing and where we get our wilderness fix every day. First, you will fly over Tasman Glacier Lake before following the path of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier which is 23km long and up to 4km wide in places. Once further up into the mountains you will then land in the snow (subject to snow levels) with Aoraki/Mount Cook before you. Once photos and videos have been taken at the landing spot, the next part of your trip is traversing through the rugged Southern Alps to the West Coast and see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers before coming full circle with views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Experience the ultimate adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Franz Joseph to Queenstown via Wanaka. This one way, small group, fully-guided tour takes you along the beautiful beaches of the West Coast, over the Hast Pass, past the stunning lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, plus other must see stops on our way back to Queenstown. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Itinerary: 1. Franz Josef - Your tour starts in the stunning village of Franz Josef. We will be heading south down the coast on our fully guided adventure to Queenstown. 2. Lake Matheson -This spot is every photographers dream. On a calm day you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km / 90 minute easy bushwalk will reward you with breathtaking views across the southern alps. 3. Bruce Bay - At this location you will see where the thick native rainforest meets a seemingly endless open ocean of the Tasman Sea. This beautiful beach really is the best of the west. 4. Ship Creek – As we make our way south along the boarder where ancient rainforest meets the ocean we will make a stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relenting waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track. 5. Thunder Creek Falls – This easy 5 minute walk will reward you with the spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28 meter waterfall is the remanence of a once great glacier that pours from a hanging valley into the Haast River below. 6. Blue Pools – Located in Mt Aspiring National Park is the aptly named Blue Pools. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to see the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River. 7. Lake Hawea – As we leave the national park behind make sure to keep your eyes open as we make our way westwards and past stunning Lake Hawea. We will stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. 8. Wanaka – Stretch your legs take a walk down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wanaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps. This is truly a photo opportunity that you do not want to miss! 9. Cardrona Hotel – From Wanaka we head over the Crown Range Road that connects Queenstown and Wanaka. We do a quick stop here to see the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must see while in Central Otago. 10. Queenstown - Your tour concludes in the stunning town of Queenstown. As we drive into the town your guide will point out key sites and any local highlights before dropping you off to your central Queenstown accommodation.