Top Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Outdoor Activities

The rugged peaks, wild glacial valleys, and frozen rivers of the Fox Glacier are even more impressive from above and a helicopter flight offers an unbeatable viewpoint. Hop aboard for a scenic helicopter ride, gaze out over the magnificent landscapes, then enjoy a thrilling snow landing overlooking the glacier.

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.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

Get aerial views of Franz Josef Glacier on this seriously scenic helicopter flight, including a 2-minute snow landing. Take fantastic photos of the pinnacles and sheer crevasses as you pass parts of the glacier and mountains you couldn’t access any other way. Multiple departure times throughout the day make for a flexible outing, and you'll learn more about the national park and its mountains as you fly above them.

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.

The Westland Tai Poutini National Park has been shaped by the flow and freezing of water over millennia. Experience the park’s ancient pathways up close with a quad bike ride over the lush landscape on this off-road adventure tour. Take in sights of the distant Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier as you ford shallow rivers and sped through dense rainforests.

Visit both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single tour on this flight tour that includes a snow landing. Depart from either Franz Josef or Fox villages, to suit your plans. Get up close to the blue ice of these mammoth glaciers and snap unbelievable aerial and ground-level photos. Learn about the glaciology and environment of the area through your pilot's guided commentary.

Your tour operator 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 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. 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. 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.

Learn about the New Zealand native bird, the kiwi, with admission to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Tour the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island and opt to include a Backstage Pass Tour, where you'll get 30 minutes of access behind the scenes. Your ticket also includes access to the West Coast storytelling areas and an interactive glacier exhibition. Buy your passes in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular attraction, great for all weather and all times of year.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking one of the glaciers. You’ll enjoy views of the mountainous landscape that you can’t get any other way.

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.

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.

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

The mighty peak of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the immense Fox Glacier are two of the most spectacular natural wonders in the South Island. Enjoy dramatic aerial views of both as you soar overhead in a helicopter. This 30-minute flight travels the length of the glacier, swoops through the Southern Alps and around the west face of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, and includes an unforgettable snow landing.

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.

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.

Land atop Fox Glacier during a 30-minute helicopter tour, narrated by an experienced alpine pilot. Watch snowfields and ice formations come into view as you hover above the glacier, then land in the snow above the icefalls at the top. Your scenic aerial tour takes in the majestic Southern Alps, with impressive views of Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Skydive over Aoraki Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers on this tandem excursion from Franz Josef. Get the best possible views of the area and an adventurous experience in the company of a seasoned instructor. This 3-hour experience departs multiple times a day, allowing for flexibility of scheduling.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the pilot before landing atop one of the glaciers. Then hop out to get a better view of one of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

See two remarkable glaciers from the air on a 30-minute helicopter tour of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Lift off from a helipad at Fox Glacier twon, then fly across ice falls, formations, and crevasses on your way to Franz Josef Glacier, and touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session. Departures are available throughout the day for this 30-minute helicopter tour of two New Zealand glaciers.

A glacier tour unlike anything else in the world. Cross the main divide and experience amazing views of the La Peruse & Balfour Glaciers, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, lush greens of the native rainforest, and towering peaks of Aoraki Mount cook and Mount Tasman to land on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Once landed, the Helicopter will shut down completely for passengers to enjoy the tranquility and silence of the beautiful alpine surroundings. Enjoying clean air, glistening snow and plenty of time for photography before returning to the West Coast and descending the Franz Josef Glacier back to Franz Josef Heliport.

Go straight to the best fishing spots on Lake Mapourika without wasting time searching for them when you join this half-day fishing charter. Trout and salmon can be found here, which you can take home to prepare for dinner (if they’re of a legal size and in season). Enjoy the sounds of native birdsong and views of ancient forest along the way. The boat is fully covered for your comfort.