All Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Make the most of a travel day without needing to self-drive with this handy small-group service between Franz Josef and Christchurch. Travel the first part of the journey by vehicle, stopping along the West Coast at interesting and scenic spots. At Greymouth, board the TranzAlpine train to travel across the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Enjoy the spaciousness, personal headsets, dining cart, and viewing carriages on the train.

Experience the thrill of tandem skydiving from 16,500 feet (5,029 meters) and marvel at expansive views that include Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. An instructor provides training and skydive gear plus round-trip transport from Franz Josef village. You’ll plunge from an aircraft amid the vivid scenery of glaciers, lakes, rivers, and ocean. Choose from multiple departure times, from early morning to early evening.

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.

The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.  This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)

See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

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.

This 30-minute helicopter flight with an expert alpine pilot takes you over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, with a snow landing at the head of Fox Glacier. At the landing site above the icefalls, step out to marvel at the phenomenal glacial beauty of the crevasse-filled landscape below. Your helicopter will take you above the magnificent carved valleys of the Southern Alps, for phenomenal views.

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.

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!

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.

Fly above Mount Cook’s glacial icefalls, crevasses, and neves on a 40-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef, and see both of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers from the air. Your route crosses the spine of the Southern Alps, circles the summit of Mount Cook, then touches down for a snow landing, with spectacular aerial views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park throughout the flight.

The scenic Southern Alps are a popular flyover destination, with incredible views of the mountains and glaciers from the air. Rather than just flying over, this tour adds a snow landing during your flight, so you can enjoy the sprawling alpine views and get astonishing landscape photos without a massive hike. Fly around the ice-trapped Fox Glacier and past Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

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.

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.

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the highlights of the South Island’s West Coast, but you can’t see much from ground-level. Take to the skies in a helicopter for a scenic flight that gives unparalleled views of the glacier, the Southern Alps, and the surrounding landscape. Land on the snow high in the mountains for a 10-minute photo stop. Everyone is guaranteed an unobstructed view on this private flight.

This 20-minute scenic helicopter flight takes you soaring above Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing at the top — the perfect opportunity to get up close to a glacier in the South Island. You’ll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over towering ice formations before a soft landing in a snowfield. Admire Mt Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, from the glacial summit.

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.

Fox Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Fox glacier town Heliport to the top of the Fox Glacier icefall and land on the snow for fantastic photographic opportunities. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinnacles that form the ice scape's of the Fox Glacier. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Fox Glacier)

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.

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.

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.

Let the alpine wonder of Fox Glacier captivate your senses on a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight and snow landing. From your vantage point in the air, you’ll experience the solitude of the remote landscape, nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. Hover above the ice-blue fissures of Fox Glacier before landing in a snowfield with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

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.