Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 minute Helicopter Flight
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Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 minute Helicopter Flight

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At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

  • Fly with a company that has over 27 years of experience operating in NZ's alpine environment

  • View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glaciers

  • Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier

  • Helicopter Landing on the snow

  • Professional trained staff offering commentary

Ticket Options

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Twin Glacier (HLF4) ex Franz Josef Glacier

Non-refundable
Adult -17%
SGD 411.10 SGD 340.42
Child -17%
SGD 291.01 SGD 241.07
Infant -17%
SGD 207.87 SGD 172.29
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About Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 minute Helicopter Flight

Soar above the stunning West Coast of New Zealand's South Island on this 30-minute helicopter flight over the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of ancient ice and land directly on the snowfields for an unforgettable close-up experience.

Local Legends & Stories

The glaciers are deeply significant in Māori culture, with Franz Josef named after the Austro-Hungarian emperor and Fox Glacier honoring a local police magistrate. Local lore speaks of the spirits of the mountains guarding these ancient ice rivers.

Must Do Experiences

  • Fly over the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea coastline

  • Land on the pristine snowfields of a glacier for photos and memories

  • Witness the powerful glacial icefalls and unique ice formations from above

  • Learn from expert pilots with over 27 years of alpine flying experience

Hidden Gems

  • The low-lying nature of these glaciers makes them some of the most accessible in the world

  • The contrast between the dark rainforest and bright white ice is stunning from the air

  • Winter months offer deeper snow coverage, while summer reveals striking blue ice hues

What Makes it Special

  • One of the few helicopter tours offering landings on two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers

  • Over 27 years of specialized alpine experience ensures safety and superior commentary

  • The unique combination of scenic flight and glacier landing provides a complete adventure

Available Facilities

Helicopter landing zone professional pilot commentary snow gear provided for landing scenic viewing

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Year-round operations offer different experiences; summer provides clearer skies and warmer landing conditions, while winter offers deeper snow and spectacular ice formations. Book early during peak seasons to secure your preferred time slot.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

  • Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the ice and enhance the blue hues

  • Shoot during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for soft, dramatic lighting

  • Capture both wide landscape shots from the helicopter and close-ups of ice textures during the landing

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Respect the natural and cultural significance of the glaciers to local Māori iwi Listen to your pilot's commentary to learn about the region's history and ecology Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these pristine environments

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

  • Summer season offers extended daylight hours for longer scenic flights

  • Winter months feature spectacular ice formations and the chance to see the glaciers in full snow cover

  • Special photographic tours may be available during optimal weather conditions

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

  • Follow all safety instructions provided by the professional crew before and during the flight

  • Inform the operator of any medical conditions or mobility limitations beforehand

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for snow and ice during the landing portion

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Prices vary by season and availability; the tour typically includes helicopter flight, glacier landing, and professional commentary. Check the booking platform for current pricing and any bundled package deals.

Visit Duration

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, including the scenic tour and glacier landing. Plan for the full experience from check-in to return, which may take slightly longer than the flight time alone.

Accessibility

This helicopter tour involves a short flight and a glacier landing; participants should be able to board and exit the helicopter with minimal assistance. Those with mobility issues should contact the operator in advance to discuss arrangements.

Overview

Explore two spectacular glaciers from above and actually land on one of them on this **Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier with Glacier Landing Helicopter Adventure!** These glaciers, sandwiched between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, are the most low-lying of their type in the world and are incredible sites to explore. Begin your adventure at the base of one of the glaciers, where you board the helicopter. Fly above the extraordinary alpine region, viewing the glacial icefalls and the unusual and impressive formations. After viewing it from above, you have the opportunity to experience it first hand when you land on one of the glacier’s snowfields! Roam the snowfield, take stunning photos, make snow angels and have a snowball fight! This 30-minute adventure will surely last a lifetime in your memory!

Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 minute Helicopter Flight gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Flights operate almost every 30 minutes between 8am and 5.50pm and are subject to weather and availability

What's Included

  • Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
  • 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
1

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

2

Complete secure payment at checkout.

3

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

4

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

  • On all scenic flights, minimum numbers apply of 3 passengers. Individual bookings may be combined if neccessary to achieve minimum numbers
  • Glacier Helicopters carry a maximum of six passengers per flight
  • On occasion, map routes may change at the pilots' discretion. We will keep you informed of any changes to the published information
  • A child is 4-14 years. Infants up to 3 years are FOC and are required to sit on an adult's knee. Children must be accompanied by a fee paying adult
  • Both Franz and Fox bases have parking available on the street

Location

Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau

Frequently Asked Questions

This 30-minute flight provides aerial views of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and the Southern Alps, and includes a landing on the ice to experience the alpine environment firsthand.
Yes, the flight includes landing on either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier (subject to weather and safety conditions), and you typically have 15–20 minutes on the glacier surface to walk, take photos, and explore the snowfield.
The full experience lasts approximately 45–60 minutes: 15 minutes for check-in and safety briefing, 30 minutes in the air including landing, and 5–10 minutes for post-flight disembark and walk back to the terminal.
You meet at the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Terminal (depending on your booked flight), located about 5–7 minutes by car or shuttle from the village; complimentary shuttle services are provided by most tour operators from central village locations.
The flights are operated by certified local helicopter companies such as Glacier Helicopters or Heli-South, both fully accredited by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and operating under the West Coast Glacier Landing Trust safety protocols.
The landing glacier (Fox or Franz Josef) is determined on the day based on real-time weather, snow conditions, and safety assessments — the pilot or guide will decide and announce it before takeoff.
Passengers must be able to board and disembark the helicopter independently or with minimal assistance; weight limits typically apply (usually 120–130 kg per seat), and pregnant travelers beyond 28 weeks are generally not permitted for safety reasons.
Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear; warm clothing (thermal base layers, jacket, hat, gloves) and glacier boots are provided at the terminal, but you must wear sturdy enclosed shoes for the helicopter boarding process.
If cancelled, you can reschedule to another available flight within 24 months of purchase, or receive a full refund — operators monitor weather closely and usually confirm flights 1–2 hours prior to departure.
Yes, children are welcome; lap infants (under 2 years) may travel free on a parent’s lap, and children’s harnesses or boosters are available on request — all passengers, including children, must fit securely in standard helicopter seats.
Limited accessibility is available — most operators can accommodate wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat with assistance; contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs and confirm vehicle and terminal access.

About Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 minute Helicopter Flight

Year-round operations offer different experiences; summer provides clearer skies and warmer landing conditions, while winter offers deeper snow and spectacular ice formations. Book early during peak seasons to secure your preferred time slot.
The helicopter flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, including the scenic tour and glacier landing. Plan for the full experience from check-in to return, which may take slightly longer than the flight time alone.
Helicopter flights and glacier landings are strictly weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled if visibility or wind conditions are unsafe. Visitors should wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on snow. Passengers are required to arrive at the heliport at least 30 minutes before departure for a mandatory safety briefing and weight-based seating assignment.
The Helicopter Line Glacier Flights West Coast
Helicopter Flight:
Spectacular Aerial Views: Begin your adventure by boarding a helicopter at the base of one of the glaciers. Fly above the stunning alpine region, viewing the extraordinary glacial icefalls and impressive formations from above.
Twin Glacier Experience: See both the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, two of the most low-lying glaciers in the world, nestled between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island.
Glacier Landing:
Snowfield Landing: Experience the thrill of landing on one of the glacier’s snowfields.
Exploration Time: Roam the pristine snowfield, take stunning photos, make snow angels, and have a snowball fight.

Prices vary by season and availability; the tour typically includes helicopter flight, glacier landing, and professional commentary. Check the booking platform for current pricing and any bundled package deals.
This helicopter tour involves a short flight and a glacier landing; participants should be able to board and exit the helicopter with minimal assistance. Those with mobility issues should contact the operator in advance to discuss arrangements.
Follow all safety instructions provided by the professional crew before and during the flight
Inform the operator of any medical conditions or mobility limitations beforehand
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for snow and ice during the landing portion
Respect the natural and cultural significance of the glaciers to local Māori iwi Listen to your pilot's commentary to learn about the region's history and ecology Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these pristine environments
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the ice and enhance the blue hues
Shoot during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for soft, dramatic lighting
Capture both wide landscape shots from the helicopter and close-ups of ice textures during the landing
Helicopter landing zone, professional pilot commentary, snow gear provided for landing, scenic viewing

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.
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In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.
If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.
Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.
No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.
We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.
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All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.
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Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.
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