Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, South Island Tours & Activities in 2026

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 481.66

Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 30 minute 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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 454.40

Why Choose us? New Zealand's best value glacier with highest customer satisfaction ratings - Book with us and enjoy significant savings compared to other glacier operators. The most experienced - Proudly guiding on the Fox Glacier for more than 50 Years. More operational days - Our lower operation altitude means we are less affected by weather than other operators in the area. Freedom to explore -The vast terrain of the Fox Glacier allows us to explore unique terrain and ice features daily.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 88.02

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!

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 286.49

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. If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight. 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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 233.26

From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 25-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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 227.42

Take in truly magnificent views of Franz Josef Glacier and surrounds with this helicopter flight. See lush rainforest, the amazing glacier, and the impressive Southern Alps mountain range. Part of this flight time is an alpine landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you get to land on top of a peak and pause to take in the dramatic scenery. • See unforgettable views of the West Coast region • Get a unique perspective on the Franz Josef Glacier • Work with a local husband and wife team • The snow levels on this alpine (rocky mountain) landing site vary seasonally

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 293.84

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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 38.40

Discover one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences at the West Coast Wildlife Centre — voted one of Lonely Planet’s 12 must-see attractions. Located in Franz Josef, this award-winning indoor, all-weather facility is home to Little Blue Penguins (kororā), the world’s rarest kiwi, and living Tuatara. Get guaranteed daytime kiwi viewing in our nocturnal house, explore the world-class Ambassador Penguin Encounter, and meet New Zealand’s iconic “living fossil.” Enjoy interactive glacier storytelling zones, the best shopping in Franz Josef, free Wi-Fi, and Tripadvisor-recommended coffee in our café. Perfect for all ages and any weather, this is a must-do experience for wildlife lovers, families, and travellers looking to connect with Aotearoa’s unique natural world.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 293.84

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 35-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing along the way. Discover up close their neve and unusual ice formations. You will then land on the snowfields up on one of the glaciers which is a huge highlight and will make for superb photos, snowballs and memories, before heading back down to Franz Josef Township

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 383.96

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. If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight. 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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 99.83

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)

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 64.98

This eco-tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for off-track adventures & a profound insight into the intricate workings of the ecosystem. This unforgettable journey unveils the hidden wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Meander through ancient native podocarp rainforest, stroll along a pristine glacial-fed river and marvel at the mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped mountains on an ancient kettle lake. Join us for an experience that blends serene natural beauty with educational exploration. Your knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience with fascinating stories and insights about the local history, flora, fauna, glaciology and geology. Wander at your pace through streams and native podocarp rainforest, discovering hidden treasures like wild mushrooms &many orchid species. *We cannot get to the terminal face/walk on the glacier due to safety reasons. *Contact us to request a list of the public tracks included.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 73.84

Discover the true beauty of the West Coast in a small personalized cruise on Lake Mapourika. The Jurassic rainforest fringed bays which reflect the surrounding Alps and Glaciers will leave you in awe of its beauty. Explore a kiwi conservation area with your knowledgeable local skipper and enjoy watching curious native birdlife in the surrounding rainforest shoreline. Evening cruises, with a glass of wine (BYO) in the summer time are a wonderful way to end the day.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 233.26

Take to the skies above the Fox Glacier Township before heading towards the Fox Glacier and exploring the dynamic icefalls on this 25-minute helicopter flight. A snow landing above the glacier allows you to set foot on a largely inaccessible area and breathe in the pristine alpine air as the majesty of the landscape surrounds you.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 88.02

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 & Fox Glacier , South Island

From $ 266.58

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.