Fox Glacier’s 7 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours

Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most striking natural wonders, and nothing beats experiencing it from the air. Helicopter flights here aren’t just about getting a bird’s-eye view; they’re about enjoying the raw beauty of glacial icefalls, snowy peaks, and alpine landscapes. Whether you’re eager to walk on the glacier itself or prefer to see it from above, Fox Glacier offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. Among these, we especially like the Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer for combining a glacier hike with stunning aerial views, and the Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight for soaring past New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

If you’re looking for a quick but unforgettable experience, the Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing hits that sweet spot with panoramic views and a snow landing in just 25 minutes. For those who want a broader tour, the Grand Adventure Helicopter Flight offers a 90-minute journey over multiple glaciers and remote park areas, with three snow landings.

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

This tour stands out for its blend of adrenaline and education. It starts with a scenic helicopter flight over the imposing Fox Glacier, then lands on the ice for a 3-hour guided hike. The journey isn’t just about walking on ice; you’ll explore natural ice caves and arches, marveling at the ever-changing glacier formations. The guide’s commentary makes this more than just a walk—it’s an educational experience about glacial processes.

What makes this tour special is the chance to stand on the glacier’s surface while soaking in breathtaking views. The helicopter flight gives you an intimate perspective of the glacier’s scale, and the hike offers a tactile connection to this ice world. Reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the stunning scenery, making it a top choice for those wanting both adventure and insight. The value here is excellent for the length of the experience, and it’s perfect for active travelers with some fitness.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, active glacier experience with plenty of time and expert guidance, this tour delivers. Be sure to bring warm clothing, gloves, and your camera.

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

At number 2, this helicopter trip offers a spectacular flyover of both the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, giving you a rare chance to compare these two iconic ice rivers. The 30-minute flight includes views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman, with plenty of photo ops along the way, especially during the scenic snow landing.

This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. The highlight is definitely the snow landing, which allows you to step onto the glacier and snap photos of the deep blue ice and surrounding peaks. The flight’s shorter duration makes it suitable for those with tight schedules, yet it still offers a meaningful glimpse into the glaciers’ grandeur. The reviews consistently rate it highly, emphasizing the stunning vistas and professional pilots.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a quick, visually impressive flight with a snow landing, especially if you’re planning to see multiple glaciers in one trip. Remember to dress warmly!

3. Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

This scenic flight offers a 25-minute jaunt over Fox Glacier with a memorable snow landing. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a concise yet immersive experience. The flight features incredible panoramic views of the ice falls and the surrounding mountains of the Southern Alps.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of aerial sightseeing and the thrill of stepping onto the glacier’s icy surface. The pilot provides engaging commentary throughout, pointing out glaciers, peaks, and unusual ice formations. The quick trip makes it accessible, and reviews note the excellent views and friendly staff. It’s great for families or travelers with limited time who still want a taste of New Zealand’s icy wonders.

Bottom line: A compact, high-impact flight that balances scenic views and glacier exploration. Remember your camera and warm layers.

4. Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

The Fox Glacier and Mount Cook helicopter flight combines two icons in one 35-minute trip. It kicks off with dramatic views of Fox Glacier’s icefalls and then soars past Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to fly past remote areas of the national parks that are otherwise tough to access.

The highlight here is the snowfield landing on the glacier, surrounded by snow and ice that create a surreal landscape. The flight offers a mix of dramatic glacier vistas and alpine peaks, with plenty of opportunities for photos. It’s suitable for those who want a broader perspective of the region’s grandeur without a longer time commitment. The reviews are positive, especially praising the stunning views and expert pilots.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a balance between glacier and mountain scenery, with the bonus of experiencing the tallest peak in New Zealand.

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

This 30-minute flight is a streamlined option for those wanting to fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and then land on the ice. The tour allows you to follow the ice flow from above and then step onto the snow, giving a tangible sense of the glaciers’ scale.

It’s valued for its balance of scenic flight and glacier exploration in a short duration. The reviews highlight the impressive views of the icy landscape and the knowledgeable pilot commentary. The tour is well-suited for travelers who want to maximize glacier viewing without committing to longer flights.

Bottom line: A solid choice for a shorter, immersive glacier experience with a land-on-ice highlight.

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

This 40-minute flight offers a comprehensive aerial tour of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from Franz Josef. It includes breathtaking views of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks, with the option to touch down on a snowy plains for some memorable photos and a sense of the glacier’s scale.

Ideal for travelers who want to see more terrain without a full-day commitment, the tour provides a relaxed pace and excellent vistas. Reviews note the crisp air, stunning scenery, and convenient access from Franz Josef town. It’s a good fit for those interested in a scenic, less hurried experience.

Bottom line: Offers scenic variety and a snow landing in a comfortable duration, perfect for those wanting a thorough aerial overview.

7. The Grand Adventure Helicopter Flight: Franz Josef Glacier

For the ultimate aerial adventure, the Grand Adventure Helicopter Flight delivers 1.5 hours of flying over multiple glaciers, including Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman. It features three snow landings and visits some of the most remote areas in the park. This is the most extensive trip, perfect for serious scenery enthusiasts or photographers.

The flight provides a unique perspective on the scale and diversity of New Zealand’s glaciers and mountains, including rarely seen areas. Reviewers mention the variety of landscapes and the opportunity for multiple photo stops as key strengths. It’s best suited for travelers with more time and a desire to see as much as possible.

Bottom line: The best choice for those wanting a comprehensive, in-depth aerial experience, with plenty of glacier exploration and photo ops.

How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Fox Glacier

Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a full-day experience with a glacier hike, the Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer is unbeatable. For a short but scenic flight, the Scenic Flight with Snow Landing offers stunning views in under half an hour.

Those eager to see both glaciers or combine glacier and mountain views** should look at the Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers or the Fox Glacier and Mount Cook. For travelers with extra time and a love of remote landscapes, the Grand Adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Practical tips include booking early in the day for better weather and clearer views, dressing warmly, and bringing your camera. No matter which tour you choose, each promises a memorable way to see one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural sights.

Final Thoughts

Fox Glacier’s helicopter tours cover a wide spectrum—from quick scenic flights to full-day glacier hikes and extensive aerial journeys. For most travelers, the Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer delivers the best overall value, combining adventure with education. Shorter options like the Scenic Flight with Snow Landing are perfect if time is limited but a big impression is desired.

For those with more days and a passion for remote wilderness, the Grand Adventure Helicopter Flight is unmatched. No matter your choice, booking early and coming prepared will ensure you get the most out of your aerial adventure over Fox Glacier—a true highlight of New Zealand’s South Island.