All Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

Enjoy the amazing natural scenery around the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier with this nature-focused tour. Starting out in the town of Franz Josef, drive to the glacier car park and then head off into the forest. Learn about the local environment, as your guide provides lots of information about glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora & fauna and more.

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.

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.

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 Fox Glacier is widely considered among New Zealand’s most impressive natural attractions—but it’s impossible to appreciate its beauty from ground level. On this tour, take to the skies by helicopter for panoramic views over the glacier, and trek deep into the icy wilderness with your guide—where the forces of nature work their magic. With safety kit and crampons included, see the best of the Fox Glacier up-close.

Enjoy views of Jurassic-era rainforests, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains reflected on calm Lake Mapourika on this small-group boat cruise on the lake. Visit a kiwi conservation area and learn more about New Zealand’s native bird. You’ll cruise for around two hours so bring some snacks or a bottle of wine to drink as you relax and take in the beauty of the West Coast.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panoramic views of the West Coast and surrounding mountain ranges. Land on the iconic glacier and spend 15 minutes on the stunning ice with our expert guides, immersing yourself in this iconic natural wonder. This adventure is perfect for all fitness levels: A hassle-free experience that’s accessible to everyone. With exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we are the only operator permitted to land on the Franz Josef Glacier.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There’s an easier way of getting great views of the South Island than climbing Aoraki Mt. Cook: a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Meet at the convenient central meeting place in Franz Josef, then board your flight. Take a window seat to enjoy the view before strapping to your instructor and enjoying the dive from the plane.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.