Fox Glacier & Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Summary

Soaring over Fox Glacier to Mount Cook with a snow landing

You’ll lift off from Fox Glacier, glide over blue-white icefalls with a local pilot sharing stories, then land right on fresh alpine snow with views of Mount Cook rising ahead. Feel crisp mountain air on your face, snap photos nobody else will believe, and stand where silence feels almost heavy — all in just 35 minutes.

What’s the experience like?

My boots crunched into the frost as I stepped out of the helicopter, still buzzing from the flight up from Fox Glacier. The air up here is so sharp it almost stings your nose — I actually laughed out loud at how different it felt from down in the valley. Our pilot, Jamie (who grew up in Franz Josef), grinned and pointed out Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance. He called it “the cloud piercer” — I guess that’s what it means in Māori. The view was wild, all jagged white and blue, but honestly I kept glancing down at my own footprints in the untouched snow. It’s weirdly quiet up there except for everyone’s boots and a bit of wind whistling past.

The helicopter ride itself was way smoother than I expected (I’d pictured something more rattly), and Jamie had this calm voice that made me feel like we were just floating between layers of cloud. We flew right beside these huge icefalls on Fox Glacier — you could see cracks running deep into the glacier, like frozen rivers splitting apart. At one point he tilted us so we could look straight down into a crevasse; my stomach did a little flip but I couldn’t look away. Someone asked if we’d see Mount Cook up close, and sure enough, we crossed over the Southern Alps’ spine and there it was — all 3,724 meters of it just sitting there looking ancient.

I tried taking photos but honestly none of them really caught what it felt like to be standing on that snowfield with nothing but mountains around you. There’s this moment when everyone gets quiet — even the kids — and you can hear your own breath. If you’re coming for a day trip to Fox Glacier or want to see Mount Cook without hiking for days, this is probably the way to do it. Just bring sunglasses (the glare is no joke) and maybe don’t try to take selfies while stepping out onto the snow… learned that one fast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight over glaciers and mountains

• Fly from Fox Glacier base over forest
• Fly over Fox Glacier ice formations
• Land on snow fields atop Fox Glacier
• Enjoy photos and alpine scenery
• Fly over Mount Cook National Park
• View Aoraki / Mount Cook peak

Top questions

How long is the helicopter flight over Fox Glacier & Mount Cook?

The flight lasts approximately 35 minutes from takeoff to landing back at Fox Glacier.

Is there a snow landing included during the tour?

Yes, you'll land on a snowfield atop Fox Glacier during the flight for photos and time outside.

Do I need special equipment or clothing for this helicopter tour?

Warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, and a camera are recommended; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Can children join the helicopter flight?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap or use special seats.

Will we see Mount Cook up close during this tour?

You’ll fly beside the west face of Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand’s highest peak.

Does this tour operate year-round?

The helicopter flights run all year round as long as weather permits; Christmas hours are limited (9 am - 12 pm).

What’s included

Your experience includes a scenic helicopter flight with a professional pilot guiding you over Fox Glacier’s icefalls and crevasses, a snow landing for photos and fresh alpine air right on top of the glacier itself, plus views flying beside Aoraki / Mount Cook before returning to base.