Fox Glacier & Mount Cook Helicopter Flight Snow Landing

Land on the snow fields atop Fox Glacier and stand at the base of Mount Cook.

A 35-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier that crosses the Southern Alps, passes Mount Cook's west face, and includes a snow landing where you step onto the glacier itself. The flight covers glacial icefalls, crevasses and neves, with views stretching from the coast to mountain peaks. A professional pilot flies year-round, weather permitting, and the experience includes photo time on the snow.

Step-by-step itinerary

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
• Step onto snow and take photos
• Fly over Mount Cook National Park
• View Aoraki / Mount Cook peak

The Experience

The flight departs from the Fox Glacier base and climbs through lush green forest before the white ice formations take over. You'll see the glacier's structure—icefalls and crevasses—as the helicopter gains altitude, then cross the spine of the Southern Alps with views that reach from the coast to the highest peaks. Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand's tallest mountain, appears as you fly beside its west face.

The snow landing is the centerpiece: you step out onto the snow fields atop Fox Glacier itself, breathe the crisp alpine air, and have time to photograph the surrounding scenery with family and friends. The helicopter and pilot stay with you throughout, and the whole experience—flight, landing, photos—fits into 35 minutes.

Bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear and a camera; the operator flies all year round, though weather can affect departures. On Christmas, flights run only from 9am to noon. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. Selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads and bags are not permitted on board for safety reasons.

What’s included

• 35-minute scenic helicopter flight with a professional pilot.
• snow landing on Fox Glacier where you step onto the glacier.
• photo time on the snow fields.
• views of glacial icefalls, crevasses and Mount Cook.
• flight year-round, weather permitting.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glacier Helicopters

Is this one for you?The flight is a fixed 35 minutes in the air with a snow landing built in, so there's no waiting for conditions or negotiating time on the glacier—you land, step out, photograph and return on schedule. Book this if you want Mount Cook and the glacier in a single morning or afternoon without arranging transport to the base.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long does the helicopter flight actually take?

The flight is 35 minutes total, from takeoff at Fox Glacier through the snow landing and return to base.

Do we actually land on the glacier, or just fly over it?

You land on the snow fields atop Fox Glacier and step out onto the snow itself, with time to take photos and experience the alpine air before returning to the helicopter.

Will we see Mount Cook on this flight?

Yes—you fly beside the west face of Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand's highest peak, as part of the route across the Southern Alps.

What should I bring on the helicopter?

Bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear and your camera. Selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads and bags are not allowed on board.

Does the flight operate year-round?

The helicopter flies year-round weather permitting. On Christmas, operations run only from 9am to noon.

Can infants fly on this helicopter?

Infants are welcome and sit on an adult's lap during the flight; specialized infant seats are also available.