Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

About This Experience

This 25-minute Glacier Helicopters flight leaves from the operator's base in Fox Glacier village and lands on the snow above Fox Glacier. Groups are limited to 6 people, and your pilot gives commentary the whole way. Fox Glacier village is about 24 km south of Franz Josef, roughly a 25-minute drive, so this flight saves the trip north if you are staying in Fox. It costs from $223 per person and is rated 4.6 from 127 GetYourGuide reviews.

The itinerary gives about 10 minutes for the flight up, over the township and toward the mountains, then across the ice falls and crevasses of Fox Glacier. The landing stop is about 8 minutes on the snow, time for photos and a look across the Southern Alps. The flight back to Fox Glacier village takes about 7 minutes. Flight times are approximate and include the landing.

The route and landing vary with the weather and are the pilot's call. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, as open-toed shoes are not allowed, and bring warm clothes and sunglasses. The listing marks it wheelchair accessible.

It suits travelers staying in Fox Glacier who want a short flight and landing without driving to Franz Josef. A few reviewers were offered a flight without the landing when cloud closed the top, and felt they would not have gone had they known. Ask at check-in whether the landing is likely that day before you board. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, when the operator makes its final weather call.

Highlights

• Fly over the ice falls and crevasses of Fox Glacier
• Snow landing of about 8 minutes, weather permitting
• Small group, limited to 6 passengers
• Pilot-guide commentary throughout
• Views across the Southern Alps
• Leaves from Fox Glacier village

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier village
• ✓ Snow landing in the mountains, weather permitting
• ✓ Commentary from your pilot-guide
• ✓ Concession fees that go toward conservation in the park
• ✓ About 25 minutes in total including the landing

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Drones, selfie sticks and tablets (not allowed on board)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, routes and landings vary with the weather and the pilot's decision; times are approximate and include the landing.
• If poor weather cancels the flight you can choose another date or a full refund.
• Minimum passenger numbers apply; if they are not met you can move to another departure or take a full refund.
• Children aged 4 to 14 over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• Open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Meeting Point

You check in at the Glacier Helicopters base in Fox Glacier village; the exact address is on your voucher.