Top Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Bus Tours

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Josef town. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, avoiding the risk of getting lost and learning about the landscape and geology as you go. Enjoy uninterrupted views and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary and explore some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.t.

Hike the Fox Glacier Valley on a guided small-group walking tour that explores glaciology, geology, local plants, and animals. Walking alongside a local guide is a great way to learn the natural history of Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the area than you would by sticking to the paved roads.

Take in views of Mt. Cook (Aoraki) and the Southern Alps from a vantage point that most travelers miss on this small-group helicopter tour. Fly above the snow-capped peaks, taking in Fox Glacier, the Franz Josef Glacier, and much more before landing for a quick opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness on foot.

Add a bit of mystery to your day when you opt for the pilot’s choice glacier tour. Fly deep into the Southern Alps and over Franz Josef Glacier, admiring views that you can’t get from the ground. Then, depending on the day’s conditions and your pilot’s judgment, fly over Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier, and into the Southern Alps for a snow landing and special photo opportunity.

Traveling with us offers a range of exceptional features designed to enhance your journey. Enjoy entertaining driver commentary that adds a delightful touch to your trip, making it both informative and fun. Our premium coach comes equipped with an onboard toilet for your convenience, ensuring you travel comfortably without unnecessary stops. Relax in our leather reclining seats, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience. Stay connected with free WIFI and onboard USB charging docks, so you can keep your devices powered throughout the journey. Additionally, we offer plenty of luggage storage, ensuring that you can bring along everything you need without any hassle.

Take in the truly magnificent views of Franz Josef Glacier and surrounds with this helicopter flight. See lush rainforest, the amazing glacier, and the impressive Southern Alps mountain range. Part of this flight time is an alpine landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you get to land on top of a peak and pause to take in the dramatic scenery.

Explore beyond the glacier at Franz Josef with a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. See the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake on a calm, clear day, as you cruise across the lake to a hidden nature trail through the ancient, untouched rainforest. Visit a kiwi sanctuary and look out for other birds along the way.

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild beauty, hidden gems, and ever-changing landscapes, before boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine train for a breathtaking rail journey across the Southern Alps. With curated stops, expert local guides, and unforgettable views, this small group adventure captures the essence of the South Island’s natural wonder and charm.

See more mountains and glaciers from the air on a scenic 45-minute helicopter ride than you can from the ground at Franz Josef. You’ll fly deep into the Southern Alps, where you’ll see Mount Cook and three major glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman. Land on the snow for an up-close encounter and to take some unique photos.

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes. 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.

Travel north along the wild West Coast from Franz Josef to Greymouth on this small group, fully guided one-way tour. Discover historic towns, pristine lakes, and striking coastal scenery as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. With passionate local guides, comfortable transport, and plenty of photo stops, this is more than a transfer - it’s an unforgettable West Coast experience.

Experience far more of New Zealand’s South Island than you could exploring alone on this full-day small-group one-way tour from Franz Josef to Christchurch. Take in a range of natural landscapes and habitats as you journey from the west coast to the east, including rainforests, mountain passes, and ancient glaciers, and enjoy rest stops in rural towns along the way.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014, and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our PRIVATE Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10-minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

On our private Glacier Explorer flight, you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow or alpine landing for photos. Snow levels on the landing site do vary seasonally on this flight. Total experience time: approx. 25 minutes. Please allow an extra 45 minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to the helicopter, loading, unloading, and returning to our office. Please note that while this is a private flight, you may share the check-in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. The total weight of the passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

Explore the untamed beauty of New Zealand's Wild West Coast on this small group, fully-guided tour from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Your journey takes you along the rugged beaches of the West Coast, soaking in the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique. As you traverse the unforgettable Haast Pass, you'll be captivated by the lush rainforests and coastal plains before arriving at the serene, glacier-fed lakes of Wānaka and Hāwea. Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and enjoy a provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions. At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart. We also offer tours from Queenstown to Franz Josef, Franz Josef to Christchurch or Christchurch to Franz Josef.

There’s more to the West Coast than its two famous glaciers, and this half-day eco-tour gives you the chance to discover one of the area’s hidden gems. Explore the coastal village of Okarito, a 19th-century gold mining town that’s far from the resort village crowds and right on the doorstep of an expansive wetland area. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful hike through native bush to a lookout that offers impressive views of the Southern Alps on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other.

Hike around Lake Matheson while learning more about the area’s ecology on a private nature walk. With a guide in the lead, you can focus on the scenery and on learning about the area's flora, fauna, and unique ecosystem. Admire the reflections of Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook in the glassy surface of the lake. Evening departures give the best chance of calm conditions for the best reflections.

Situated in the heart of the South Island, Christchurch, or Ōtautahi, is a stellar example of what happens when urban innovation collides with nature, heritage, and culture. With plenty to see and do from the mountains to the sea, the city is a great place to base yourself while exploring the wider regional highlights, such as Akaroa, Kaikoura, and Hanmer Springs. So why not join us as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s west to east coast, experiencing the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast has to offer as we make our way to Christchurch on this 1 way tour. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute flight includes flying over the Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Fly past Mount Cook & Mount Tasman and then through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings. You'll have an included 15minute snow landing on the Shackleton Glacier where a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample. We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef and please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

Welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute flight includes: - Franz Josef, Tasman and Shackleton Glaciers - Mount Cook & Mount Tasman - Fly through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings - 15-minute snow landing included - Complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample it with the glacial ice Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy own the company and are both commercial pilots. If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight.

The Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers are often called accessible glaciers, but you can’t see much of them from ground level. For the best views, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight, with a short landing atop one glacier to touch the snow and ice. Enjoy unparalleled views on a private flight, without the risk of strangers hogging the window seat. Flights depart from Franz Josef town.

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier past Mount Cook and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes. We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.