Top 20 Experiences in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain during this exhilarating tour from Franz Josef. Find out why New Zealand's South Island is famous for its gorgeous landscapes as you follow an experienced guide past ice caves, crevasses and pinnacles. Learn about glacier formation and movement, and enjoy supreme panoramic views. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.
Glacier Explorer - 1 Glacier with Snow Landing - 25min
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Glacier Explorer flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 25 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 10-15 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef
Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands of years. Admire the lush landscape of the dense rainforest and reconnect with Mother Nature.
Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10 minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.
Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers’ natural beauty from your helicopter high in the sky. Listen to live commentary from your professional pilot on route and gaze over the mantle of sheet ice and snow below. Land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, then hop out to experience the frozen landscape up close. Pose for photographs and capture the glacial scenery on camera.
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)
Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 30-minute helicopter flight. Discover up close their neve and unusual ice formations. Landing on the snowfields is a highlight and will make for superb photos, snowballs and memories.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 3 hour 15 minute ( approx) Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide. Navigate your way through the maze of ice on your moderately difficult hike. Learn of the dramatic environmental changes affecting the glacier and gain insight into the geological forces at play. Group size is limited to 11 to ensure a personalized experience.
Tandem Skydive 13,000ft from Franz Josef
Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef)
Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef Heliport to the top of the Franz Josef icefall and land on the snow for fantastic photographic opportunities. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinicles that form the ice scapes of the Franz Josef Glacier. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Franz Josef)
Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef
Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
The GRAND TOUR, snow landing (allow 40 minutes - departing Franz Josef)
The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier. This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)
Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!
Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef
Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.
Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our PRIVATE Ultimate Discovery flight you'll see the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy the included 15-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 45 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may end up sharing check in and van travel with other passengers on differing flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.
Cruise & Rainforest Walk - Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest.
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 20-minute helicopter flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. The flight includes a snow landing, an excellent opportunity to really take in the surroundings and breathe the clean alpine air.
4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! Paddle across the calm, reflective waters and take in the panoramic views of NZ's tallest peaks and Glaciers. Follow your guide through the rain forest trail and enjoy coffee and tea while taking in the views. Plus, FREE photos (emailed after tour)