Tours and Tickets to Experience Fox Glacier

There are plenty of ways to experience Fox Glacier. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Heli Hike Fox Glacier

• Pilot's Choice—2 Glaciers With Snow Landing—35 Mins

• Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight From Franz Josef

• Mount Cook and the Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

• Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight From Franz Josef

Visiting Fox Glacier independently is free, as entry to New Zealand national parks is free. Guided tour prices vary depending on the tour's duration and type. Sightseeing helicopter flights are a popular way of seeing Fox Glacier. Expect to pay between US$220 and US$500 for a 20–60-minute flight.

Heli-hiking tours of Fox Glacier typically include 2-way helicopter transfers to/from the glacier, a professional guide, and some snow and ice gear, including leather boots and socks, crampons, walking poles, and a wet-weather jacket and trousers if necessary. You’ll need to provide your own upper-body layers and sun protection.

Fox Glacier is a year-round destination. Accessibility remains good even in winter (June–August). In summer (December–February), you can chill on the glacier in the morning and bask on a sunny beach or lakeshore in the afternoon. The West Coast of the South Island has wet conditions year-round, which can disrupt sightseeing activities.

Your clothing depends on the season and activity. For sightseeing flights with a snow landing, bring a season-appropriate jacket and sunglasses. In summer (December–February), temperatures on the glacier are similar to those at sea level, so extra gear isn't necessary. At other times, you’ll need a heftier jacket.

Yes, you can visit Fox Glacier independently and don’t need to join a tour. However, Fox isn’t as accessible as nearby Franz Josef Glacier, where you can reach lookout points after a short walk from the parking lot. The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway is about a 2-hour return walk.