Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier
Active
40m
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls and crevasses and neves. You will have views from the coast to mountain tops and you will get to see both Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak. Cross the spine of the Southern Alps and circle the top of magnificent Mt Cook. Topped off with a spectacular snow landing, this is the best helicopter experience on the West Coast.
Available options
Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier
What's included
See Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook
Photo opportunities throughout your experience
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Professional Pilot
Snow landing on a Glacier
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Your tour begins when you arrive at base on the Main Street of Fox Glacier.
Take off on this 40-minute ultimate Mt Cook helicopter flight when you fly over the glacial icefalls, crevasses and the neves. You will experience views from the coast to the mountain tops as you get to see both of the amazing West Coast Glaciers (Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier) and New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook.
2
Cross the Southern Alps spine and circle to the top of the magnificent Mt Cook before taking the opportunity to top it all off with a spectacular snow landing, getting your feet on snow and taking the best holiday photos.
This is the best helicopter experience on the West Coast and perhaps even in all of New Zealand.
3
Land on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier high in the snow.
4
Fly over Fox Glacier and take in the amazing views of the ice crevasses and towering peaks
What's not included
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.4
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
We recommend you bring along warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, your camera and a sense of adventure!
For safety reasons, we do not allow selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, iPads/ tablets and bags of any description on any of our flights.
We fly all year round, weather permitting. Please note: On Christmas, we only operate for half the day (9 am - 12 pm).
Meeting point
Please check in 30 minutes prior to your chosen departure time.
Important notes
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of adventure activities. These glaciers are unique for their proximity to the Tasman Sea, creating a dramatic landscape where tropical rainforest meets ice fields.
Top Attractions
Franz Josef Glacier
One of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning views and a range of adventure activities.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Fox Glacier
Another of New Zealand's famous glaciers, offering similar activities to Franz Josef but with fewer crowds.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Natural hot pools fed by glacial water, offering a relaxing experience after a day of adventure.
Relaxation
1-2 hours
Moderate
Lake Matheson
A picturesque lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Nature
1-2 hours for a walk, longer for photography
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Fresh Seafood
The West Coast is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, crayfish, and oysters.
Lunch/Dinner
Varies by dish, may contain allergens
Lamb Rack
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its quality and flavor, often served as a rack with herbs and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Guided glacier hikes
Helicopter tours
Kayaking
Hiking
Mountain biking
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Scenic walks
Beachcombing
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer offers the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking, glacier tours, and other outdoor activities. The crowds are at their highest during this period.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time, NZST) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time, NZDT during daylight saving)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are generally safe destinations, but visitors should be aware of the natural hazards associated with outdoor activities, such as glacier hikes and scenic flights.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of weather conditions and changing weather patterns
- • Follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities
- • Stay on marked trails and paths
Getting there
By air
- Christchurch International Airport • 250 km (155 miles) from Franz Josef
By bus
Christchurch, Greymouth, Wanaka
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transport in the area, with regular services to and from major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No major app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Franz Josef Township
Fox Glacier Township
Day trips
Lake Matheson
25 km (15 miles) from Franz Josef • Half-day
A scenic lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Okarito Lagoon
50 km (31 miles) from Franz Josef • Full-day
A unique coastal lagoon known for its birdlife, including the rare kotuku (white heron).
Gillespies Beach
30 km (18 miles) from Fox Glacier • Half-day to full-day
A secluded beach with dramatic coastal scenery and access to the rainforest.
Festivals
West Coast Wildfoods Festival • Annually in March
Pro tips
- Visit Lake Matheson early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Book glacier tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and always be prepared for rain
- Explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier to experience the best of both towns and their respective glaciers
- Try local specialties like Hokey Pokey ice cream and fresh seafood
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
