Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

About This Experience

This is the 25-minute Glacier Helicopters flight from Fox Glacier township, 24 km south of Franz Josef. It costs $223 per person on GetYourGuide and holds 4.6 from 127 GetYourGuide reviews. Groups are limited to six. The listing splits the time into about 10 minutes flying up, an 8-minute photo stop on the snow and about 7 minutes flying back, so the landing sits inside the 25 minutes.

You start at the Glacier Helicopters base in Fox Glacier township, where the team checks you in. After takeoff you see the town and the country around it, then head up toward the Fox Glacier. The pilot-guide gives commentary as you pass over its ice falls and deep crevasses on the climb into the Southern Alps. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.

The helicopter then sets down for a snow landing in the mountains, with about 8 minutes outside for photos and a look around. You fly back to Fox Glacier township with the panorama of the Southern Alps behind you. Weather and the pilot decide the route and whether the landing goes ahead, so nothing about the snow stop is fixed until you are in the air.

It suits travelers staying in Fox Glacier, or anyone who wants the Fox side of the park without a long flight. A few reviewers were given an overflight with no landing and said they would not have paid that price for it. Ask at check-in whether a landing is expected that day. If it is not, the weather rules let you take another date or a refund when the operator cancels.

Highlights

• Takeoff over Fox Glacier township and the surrounding country
• Ice falls and deep crevasses of the Fox Glacier
• Snow landing in the mountains with about 8 minutes for photos
• Panoramic views of the Southern Alps on the way back
• Small group, limited to six passengers

What's Included

• ✓ 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier township, landing time included
• ✓ Snow landing in the mountains, weather permitting
• ✓ Commentary from your pilot-guide throughout
• ✓ Concession fee contributing to conservation and sustainability management
• ✓ Small group of up to six passengers

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Clothing to borrow: Glacier Helicopters lends none
• Transport from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier township

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes vary with weather and the pilot's discretion. If weather cancels your flight you are offered another date or a full refund; you can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
• Glacier Helicopters needs at least three paying passengers. If a departure falls short you can move to another time or take a full refund.
• Children 4 to 14 and anyone over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• Check in 30 minutes before departure at the Fox Glacier base, not in Franz Josef.
• Not allowed: drones, selfie sticks and open-toed shoes.

Meeting Point

Check in at the Glacier Helicopters base in Fox Glacier township, 24 km south of Franz Josef, 30 minutes before departure; the exact address is on your voucher.