12 Best Tours & Experiences In Fox Glacier (With Reviews & Prices)

Fox Glacier is a place where nature’s ice sculptures seem to shift day by day, offering travelers a chance to see some of New Zealand’s most stunning glacial landscapes. Whether you’re craving the thrill of a helicopter ride, the serenity of a lakeside walk, or the chance to descend onto an ancient ice field, Fox Glacier delivers. Our favorite experience is the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer, as it combines aerial scenery with an immersive glacier walk—perfect for those who want both adventure and a sense of scale.

What makes Fox Glacier truly special is its accessibility to visitors eager to see towering ice formations, natural caves, and arches that constantly reshape themselves. With so many options, from quick scenic flights to full-day tours exploring multiple glaciers, there’s something for every type of traveler — whether you’re a photographer wanting the perfect shot or an outdoors enthusiast eager for a hands-on ice experience.

Quick Overview

In this guide, you’ll find a variety of tours, from helicopter adventures to guided glacier hikes and scenic flights. For a comprehensive experience that combines aerial views with glacier trekking, consider the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer. If a shorter flight with a snow landing appeals, the Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing is a good pick. For those wanting to see multiple glaciers from above, the Mount Cook: Aoraki/Mt Cook & The Glaciers 55 Minute Flight offers an expansive overview. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which experience best suits your interests and schedule.

1. Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

This is the tour that really hits the sweet spot for active travelers. It starts with a scenic helicopter flight over Fox Glacier, giving you breathtaking views of towering ice and rugged mountains. Once on the ice, you’ll enjoy up to three hours of guided hiking, exploring crevasses, ice caves, and natural arches that are constantly changing. The guide shares insights into glacier formation and the effects of climate change, making this more than just a walk—it’s an educational experience.

The tour is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 290 reviews, and many mention the smooth helicopter transfer and the awe-inspiring ice formations. The combination of aerial and ground exploration makes this tour highly valued. It’s perfect for those with a moderate fitness level who want to get up close without the commitment of a full-day trek. The only potential downside is the need to be prepared for variable weather and to dress warmly.

Bottom line: If you want an authentic glacier experience with plenty of time on the ice and stunning helicopter views, this tour is a top choice.

2. Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

This 30-minute helicopter tour takes you over both the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, offering a spectacular aerial overview of two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. The highlight is the scenic snow landing, where you can step onto the icy surface and capture incredible photos of the deep blue icefalls and surrounding peaks.

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 109 reviews, guests love the magnificent views of the Southern Alps and the chance to experience a snow landing—something many travelers rank as unforgettable. The flight provides a quick but comprehensive look at the region’s glacial activity, perfect for those short on time but eager to see both glaciers from above.

Bottom line: For a quick, high-impact experience that offers a chance to walk on snow and see two glaciers, this helicopter trip is ideal.

3. Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

This 25-minute flight offers a breathtaking aerial view of Fox Glacier’s ice falls combined with a snow landing—a highlight for many travelers. The flight departs from Glacier Helicopters, and during the journey, you’ll marvel at the incredible blue ice and rugged terrain. The pilot provides commentary, pointing out features like crevasses and ice caves, enhancing your understanding of the glacier’s features.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 101 reviews, travelers appreciate the intimate size of the tour and the chance to stand on snow surrounded by glaciers. It’s particularly suited for those who want a shorter experience but still want to enjoy the thrill of flying over a massive glacier and stepping onto snow for photos.

Bottom line: If you’re after a quick but highly memorable aerial and snow experience, this scenic flight offers excellent value.

4. Mount Cook: Aoraki/Mt Cook & The Glaciers 55 Minute Flight

If your goal is to see New Zealand’s highest peaks and multiple glaciers in one go, this expansive 55-minute scenic flight is hard to beat. It begins with views of Tasman Glacier Lake and follows the longest glacier in the country. Along the way, you’ll see iconic Mount Cook and other glaciers like Franz Josef and Fox.

The flight includes a landing on an alpine location, giving you a chance to step onto the snow and soak in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery. It’s rated 4.8 out of 5, with many praising the comprehensive coverage of the Southern Alps and the opportunity to land on a glacier.

Bottom line: For travelers seeking an all-encompassing aerial journey that covers multiple glaciers and peaks, this tour offers incredible value for its duration.

5. Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

This 35-minute helicopter trip combines the glacier views of Fox Glacier with a flight past Mount Cook, offering a broader perspective of the region’s geological marvels. The tour includes a snowfield landing, where you can step onto snow and appreciate the scale of the glacier up close.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 31 reviews, travelers often mention the impressive views of both the glacier and the mountain. It’s ideal for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive helicopter adventure that pairs the icy wonder of Fox Glacier with the towering presence of Mount Cook.

Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting to see both a glacier and a mountain in a single flight, with a snow landing for extra photo opportunities.

6. Franz Josef: Half-Day Nature Tour to Lake Matheson

If your idea of a memorable experience involves reflective lakes and native forests, this half-day tour to Lake Matheson is a must. Located in ancient rainforest surroundings, Lake Matheson is famed for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, especially early in the morning or evening.

Rated 4.8 out of 5, visitors love the gentle walk and the chance to connect with nature. Your guide enriches the experience with stories about the site’s history and ecology, making it both educational and relaxing.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, easy walk immersed in native New Zealand flora with stunning mountain reflections.

7. Franz Josef to Queenstown Tour via Wānaka

This full-day guided tour takes you from Franz Josef to Queenstown, passing through Wānaka and Hāwea. You’ll stop at Lake Matheson, capture the iconic Wānaka Tree, and visit the historic Cardrona Hotel. It’s a scenic journey with plenty of photo stops.

Rated 5 out of 5 from 6 reviews, this tour is praised for its well-planned itinerary and local insights. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to combine scenic driving with cultural stops, turning a transfer into a sightseeing experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed, comprehensive day exploring multiple iconic landscapes en route to Queenstown.

8. Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 30-Minute Helicopter Flight

This short but sweet helicopter flight whisks you over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with a focus on landing on the snow at either glacier’s head. This tour is perfect for time-starved travelers who still want to see the glaciers from above and step onto ice.

The experience costs $261 per person and lasts about 30 minutes, including the snow landing. While reviews aren’t available, the compact nature of this tour makes it popular among those wanting a quick adrenaline shot.

Bottom line: For a quick glimpse of two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers with a snow landing, this tour hits the mark.

9. Queenstown to Franz Josef Tour via Wānaka (One-Way)

This one-day guided journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef offers a chance to see Lake Wānaka, the Wānaka Tree, and Hāwea. The route passes through scenic valleys and offers multiple stops, including Cardrona.

Rated 4 out of 5, though with only four reviews, it’s praised for its scenic value and small group size. It’s a convenient way to travel while also sightseeing en route.

Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting to combine transportation with sightseeing on a one-way trip.

10. Franz Josef: Grand Circle 60 Minute Scenic Flight

This extended flight is ideal for those who want a comprehensive aerial tour of multiple glaciers, including Fox, Franz, La Perouse, and Balfour, with a landing on Tasman Glacier. Over an hour long, it’s a bird’s-eye tour of the region’s most iconic ice features.

Rated 4.4 out of 5, travelers love the stunning mountain and glacier views, though some mention the tour’s high price. If you’re after the most panoramic experience possible, this is a good pick.

Bottom line: For serious glacier enthusiasts wanting to see many of New Zealand’s best glaciers from above, this flight delivers.

11. Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic 40-Minute Helicopter Flight

For a shorter but spectacular helicopter ride, this 40-minute tour covers Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with a snow landing. It’s a great way to enjoy the breathtaking views and touch down on ice, especially if your time is limited.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 with only four reviews, it remains popular for its quick access to glacier landscapes and the chance for a photo opportunity on snow.

Bottom line: The best choice for those wanting a short helicopter experience with a snow landing.

12. The Grand Adventure Helicopter Flight: Franz Josef Glacier

This 1.5-hour tour is the ultimate glacier adventure, soaring over Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers with three snow landings. It also includes breathtaking views of Mount Cook from different angles, and access to remote areas few others see.

While reviews are not provided, the itinerary suggests it’s for serious glacier lovers seeking a luxury, all-access experience including multiple landings.

Bottom line: For those with a bigger budget and more time, this tour offers an unrivaled, comprehensive look at New Zealand’s glaciers.

How to Choose Your Perfect Fox Glacier Experience

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you’re after a full-day adventure with a glacier hike, the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer is hard to beat. For a quick but impressive aerial view, the Twin Glacier helicopter trip or the Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing are solid choices.

If you love mountain scenery and multiple glaciers, the Mount Cook 55-minute flight provides a broader perspective, while the Grand Circle scenic flight is best for glacier enthusiasts wanting extensive views.

Finally, for shorter experiences that still deliver unforgettable moments, options like the 30-minute Twin Glacier helicopter are perfect.

Final thoughts:

Fox Glacier offers an impressive range of tours, from short scenic flights to full-day glacier adventures and multi-glacier flights. If you want to walk on ice or see the region from above, there’s something suited for every traveler. Remember, booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure the best times and prices. Whether you’re after a quick flight or a comprehensive glacier expedition, these experiences will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.