Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

Land on Fox Glacier: A 25-Minute Helicopter Flight Above the West Coast

You fly 25 minutes above Fox Glacier and the West Coast region, then land on the Neve for photos and alpine views. A professional guide travels with you, handling the flight and the landing so you focus on the landscape. The whole experience is weather-dependent but runs year-round, and you're back in Fox Glacier Township within the hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and snow landing

• Fly above Fox Glacier Township
• View West Coast glacier region
• Explore Fox Glacier icefalls
• Land on snow above glacier
• Stand in pristine snow
• Take photos of landscape
• Return to Fox Glacier Township

The experience

"How high do we go?" someone always asks before takeoff, and the answer is simple: high enough to see the whole glacier system spread out below you like a map that's still moving. The helicopter lifts off from Fox Glacier Township and climbs toward the ice falls, and within minutes you're looking down at terrain most people will never stand on. The flight itself is 25 minutes, which sounds short until you're actually up there and realize how much landscape fits into that time. You see the West Coast glacier region from above, the way it carves through the mountains, the crevasses and seracs catching light.

Then comes the landing. The pilot brings you down onto the Fox Glacier Neve (that's the compacted snow field high on the glacier), and you step out into air so clean it almost tastes different. There's no sound except wind and the helicopter's blades slowing down behind you. You're standing on ice that's thousands of years old, surrounded by peaks, and the only way you got here was by air. Most people spend 15 to 20 minutes on the snow, walking around, taking photos, just standing there trying to process that they're actually on a glacier. The views are the kind you'll want to show people, and they'll probably ask how you managed it.

Your guide is with you the whole time: on the flight pointing out the ice falls and the glacier's movement, and on the snow answering questions about what you're seeing. They handle the logistics so you don't have to think about anything except the experience. The helicopter brings you back down to Fox Glacier Township the same way you came up, and the whole thing (flight, landing, photos, return) takes about 25 minutes in the air. Weather permitting, they fly year-round, though Christmas operates a half-day schedule from 9 am to noon. Bring warm layers, sturdy covered shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun reflects hard off the snow and the altitude makes it colder than it looks from below.

What’s included

Your experience includes the scenic helicopter flight above Fox Glacier and the West Coast region, a professional guide throughout, a snow landing on the Fox Glacier Neve where you can walk and photograph, and all the photo opportunities during the flight and on the glacier. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glacier Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Fox Glacier from above and actually stand on it, without arranging your own transport or timing. The helicopter handles both, and the fixed 25-minute flight means you know exactly what you're getting.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual helicopter flight?

25 minutes total: roughly 20 minutes in the air and a landing on the snow field that lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

Can infants go on this flight?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, or specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear?

Warm clothing, sturdy covered shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. The altitude and snow reflection make it colder and brighter than ground level.

What's not allowed on the helicopter?

Selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads, tablets and bags of any kind.

Does this operate in winter?

Yes, year-round weather permitting. Christmas day operates 9 am to 12 pm only.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?

The flight itself is suitable for all fitness levels. The snow landing involves stepping out of the helicopter and walking on the glacier.

What if the weather is bad?

Flights operate weather permitting. If conditions aren't safe, you'll be rescheduled or offered a refund.

Do I need to bring a camera?

A camera is recommended. You'll have plenty of photo opportunities on the snow and during the flight.