Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

About This Experience

This 35-minute flight leaves from Fox Glacier village, lands on the snowfield at the top of Fox Glacier when the weather allows, then flies on past Aoraki/Mt Cook before returning. The Helicopter Line West Coast runs it from its base on the Main Road (State Highway 6) in Fox Glacier, and it costs from $280 per person, with a 4.5 from 44 GetYourGuide reviews. The 35 minutes cover the whole flight, landing included. Check in 30 minutes before your departure time.

From the base you fly up Fox Glacier, which four alpine glaciers feed and which runs roughly 12 to 13 km (sources differ on its current length). At the head of the glacier the pilot lands on the snowfield among the ice formations, and the listing allows about 10 minutes on the snow. After the landing you fly toward Aoraki/Mt Cook, at 3,724 m New Zealand's highest peak, before turning back down to Fox village. The pilot gives commentary throughout.

Book this one if you are staying in Fox Glacier, or if you want Aoraki/Mt Cook in view without paying for an hour-long flight. It only departs from Fox Glacier village, so if you are based in Franz Josef, allow about 25 minutes each way for the drive. You can still see Fox Glacier from the ground on the south side walk, but the viewpoints there sit hundreds of meters from the ice face.

The listing has no low-star review themes, and the main caveat is weather. Cloud or wind can cancel the flight or change the route, and the mountain views past the landing need clear skies. Flights also need a minimum number of passengers, so solo travelers and couples are grouped with others. If poor weather cancels the flight, you get another date or a full refund. The operator suggests booking early in your trip so you have time to rebook.

Highlights

• Fly up Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe), fed by four alpine glaciers
• Land among the glacial formations at the head of the glacier, weather permitting
• Fly past Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, after the landing
• Start and finish at the base on State Highway 6 in Fox Glacier village
• Fit the whole trip, landing included, into about 35 minutes

What's Included

• ✓ 35-minute scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier
• ✓ Snow landing at the top of Fox Glacier (about 10 minutes, weather permitting)
• ✓ Pilot with informative commentary
• ✓ Departure from and return to The Helicopter Line base on State Highway 6, Fox Glacier
• ✓ Choice of another date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the flight

Not Included

• Transport to Fox Glacier village
• Departures from Franz Josef (this flight leaves from Fox Glacier only)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Closed-toe, waterproof shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check in 30 minutes before your departure time
• Flights depend on the weather; if poor weather cancels yours, you can choose another date or a full refund
• Minimum passenger numbers apply, and bookings are combined with other passengers; a full refund is offered if the minimum is not met
• Book early in your trip so there is time to rebook after a weather cancellation
• Drones, selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed

Meeting Point

Check in at The Helicopter Line base on the Main Road (State Highway 6) in Fox Glacier village, 30 minutes before departure.