Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Summary

Helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier with snowfield landing

You’ll fly by helicopter over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, watching wild ice formations pass below before landing on a remote snowfield. Feel the crunch under your boots, snap photos you’ll actually want to keep, and share a quiet moment high above New Zealand’s West Coast—an experience that sticks with you long after you’re back down.

What’s the experience like?

Gloves off, I pressed my hand to the window as the helicopter lifted away from Franz Josef Township—just a little nervous, honestly. Our pilot, Dave (who looked like he’s been doing this forever), grinned back and said, “You’ll want your camera ready in about thirty seconds.” He wasn’t kidding. The first sweep over Franz Josef Glacier was like looking at another planet. Blue ice cracked in wild patterns and sunlight flickered off the ridges. I could hear someone behind me whisper “wow” under their breath, but mostly it was just the thrum of rotors and that cold, high air sneaking in around my collar.

We banked toward Fox Glacier next—Dave pointed out how its shape is sharper, almost more dramatic than Franz Josef. He told us a bit about how these glaciers move faster than most in the world (I didn’t know that). It’s hard to explain what it feels like seeing both glaciers from above on one flight. You get this sense of how huge and alive everything is out here. My fingers went numb from holding my phone too long for photos, but I couldn’t stop.

The best part? Landing right up on the snowfields. Stepping out onto that untouched white—my boots sank in deeper than I expected. Everyone got quiet for a second; even Dave just let us stand there and take it in. Someone tried to make a snowball (it kind of fell apart). The air tasted so clean it almost stung. I still think about that view—mountains all around, nothing but blue sky overhead—and how small we felt up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Twin glacier helicopter flight and landing

• Fly over Fox Glacier
• Fly over Franz Josef Glacier
• Explore glacial icefalls
• Land on glacier snowfields
• Take photos and enjoy snow
• Return to Franz Josef Township

Top questions

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

The flight lasts approximately 35 minutes including the glacier landing.

Does this tour include a glacier landing?

Yes, you’ll land on a snowfield up on one of the glaciers during the flight.

Is pickup included for this helicopter tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; flights depart from Franz Josef Township.

What should I bring for the glacier helicopter tour?

You should bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera, and a sense of adventure.

Are children allowed on this helicopter flight?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this helicopter tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I bring bags or selfie sticks on board?

No bags or selfie sticks are allowed for safety reasons.

Are flights available year-round?

Yes, flights operate all year round weather permitting; limited hours on Christmas Day (9 am - 12 pm).

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic 35-minute helicopter flight over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. There’s a snow landing right up on one of the glaciers where you can step out onto untouched fields before heading back down to town—all led by an experienced local guide who knows these mountains inside out.