Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Summary

Helicopter above Franz Josef and Fox Glacier with a snow landing

You’ll board a helicopter for a twin glacier flight over Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, guided by a local pilot who shares stories as you soar above ancient ice fields. Land high on the glacier to walk on pristine snow, feel glacial air on your face, and take in views that linger long after you’ve left New Zealand’s South Island.

What’s the experience like?

“You ready for this?” our pilot grinned, headset crackling as the rotors picked up speed. I remember squeezing my partner’s hand — not out of fear, just that weird mix of nerves and excitement you get right before something big. The Franz Josef township looked tiny as we lifted off, and within seconds all you could see was green rainforest giving way to white, the glaciers stretching out like frozen rivers below us. It was colder than I expected up there; I could smell the metallic tang of snow through the vents.

Our guide, Mike (who grew up in Hokitika — he told us about his first time seeing the ice as a kid), pointed out crevasses and blue streaks in the Franz Josef Glacier. He kept saying “look left!” or “now right!” so fast I nearly missed half of it. Flying over Fox Glacier, it struck me how rough and alive the ice looked from above — not smooth at all, more like a giant had dragged its fingers through whipped cream. I tried to take photos but honestly, most came out blurry because my hands were shaking a bit. So yeah, pack gloves.

The moment we landed on the glacier — that crunch underfoot, wow. It’s quieter than you’d think; just wind and our boots squeaking on packed snow. We threw a few awkward snowballs (not my best form) and took those touristy photos everyone does, but then there was this pause where nobody spoke for a minute. Just soaking it in. Mike told us how much the glacier has shrunk since he was a kid — you could hear something heavy in his voice when he said it. That stuck with me more than any photo did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight over twin glaciers

• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Land on Franz Josef Glacier
• Explore ancient ice and valleys
• Fly over Fox Glacier

Top questions

How long is the Franz Josef & Fox Glacier helicopter flight?

The total trip duration is about 35 minutes including the snow landing.

Do you actually land on the glacier during this tour?

Yes, there is a guaranteed snow landing atop either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

Is commentary provided during the helicopter flight?

Yes, your pilot provides live informative commentary throughout the flight.

Is this helicopter tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants under 15kg sit on an adult's lap.

Is warm clothing required for this tour?

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended due to cold temperatures on the glacier.

Are hotel pickups included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in Franz Josef township.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this helicopter flight experience is wheelchair accessible.

Will we see both Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers from above?

Yes, you'll fly over both glaciers during your twin glacier helicopter experience.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with live commentary from your local pilot guide; plus a guaranteed snow landing high atop one of these ancient ice fields so you can step out onto real glacial snow before returning to base together.