The 4 Best Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Heli-Hiking Experiences for Unforgettable Views

New Zealand’s Glacier Country and the Southern Alps, located on the West Coast of the South Island, are winter wonderlands with untouched regions waiting to be explored! You can go on glacier hikes, walks, guided tours, ice climbs, and more! If you want to know more about the other awesome things you can do in glaciers, check out our ultimate guide on the best activities!

One of the best glacier experiences happens to be heli-hiking. You’ll hop on a helicopter that will sweep you away to a snowy, remote backcountry, which cannot be accessed by any other mode of transport. This means that the glacier and its surroundings remain pristine and unspoiled, showcasing the ethereal beauty only nature can sculpt. 

The most popular glaciers for heli-hiking are Fox and Franz Josef, both located in Glacier Country and are a mere 25-minutes away from each other. If you want to know more about the wonders of Fox and Franz Josef heli-hikes, you can read our guide and glacier versus glacier comparison. 

Both glaciers offer stunning snowy valleys and ice formations, which you can explore via multi-day hikes. Fun fact: glaciers aren’t stationary. They’re constantly moving masses so you’ll have a different experience with each hike!

There are several popular activities that are suitable for various skill levels if you’re going on a Franz Josef or Fox Glacier tour for the first time. You don’t need to be a heli-hiking master to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey to either of these glaciers!

Check out our top picks to kick-start your Franz Josef or Fox Glacier heli-hike adventure!

Witness nature’s icy, ethereal beauty from 800 metres above sea level on this Fox Glacier heli-hike extravaganza! Gasp in awe at the sprawling ice arches and ice trekking trails where an expert guide will show you around. You can choose from three packages: a half-day heli-hike, a full-day heli-hike, or a full-day heli-hike that includes an ice climbing experience where you can master basic cramponing and ice axing on the steep walls. All of these options are sure to be memorable adventures around Fox Glacier!

You’ll be able to fly over the rainforest that leads to Fox Glacier and see the unbelievable 12-kilometre river of ice! You’ll also have an exclusive view of Victoria Falls, which flows from the melted river of Victoria Glacier. Oh, and you don’t have to worry about bringing your own leather boots, crampons, socks, walking poles, waterproof jackets, overtrousers and backpacks. They’ll all be provided when you book your ticket from Klook!

If you’re going on a Fox Glacier heli-hike, you might need a place to stay the night after your exhilarating journey. Check out our guide for the best Fox Glacier accommodations!

With this Franz Josef and Fox Glacier helicopter tour, you’ll get the best of both worlds! Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over the two glaciers and the surrounding fields of snow, glacial icefalls, and remarkable ice formations. You’ll fly 6,000 feet up high, where you’ll get unmatched views of the spectacular white alpine scenery below.

After the 30-minute flight, you’ll land on the snowy fields between both glaciers, where you’re free to roam, snap pics, or simply have fun and start a snowball fight! Make sure to bring your cameras or phones, wear closed shoes or hiking boots and comfortable clothes suitable for snow with plenty of space for your phone. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses! The sun is still out and about even when you’re on snowy terrain, after all.

Go on the ultimate tour over the glorious Southern Alps on this helicopter tour! During the 40-minute flight, enjoy panoramic views of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. You’ll also fly past the snowy peaks of Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in the country, as well as Mt. Tasman. If the weather permits, you can also fly across the main divide to see Tasman Glacier, the biggest glacier in New Zealand. 

After your scenic adventure, you’ll land on a snowy field where you can take spectacular photos, frolic on the snow, and discover the rare alpine flora that grows on the terrain. Feel free to unleash your inner child and make snow angels or snowmen!

With this two-day-one-night Fox Glacier heli-hike experience, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and take in the beauty of Fox Glacier! The journey starts with a helicopter flight over the Southern Alps, including Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook and their surrounding rainforests and ice pinnacles. After the scenic flight, you can settle down in Chancellor Hut, a historic hut surrounded by alpine flora. 

Then, a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide will take you and your companions on an adventurous climb to Chancellor Dome in Fox Glacier. Here you can admire the awe-inspiring views of snowfields and mountain peaks that you won’t get anywhere else. After your mountainous exploration, you can call it a night in your cosy room at Chancellor Hut, where you’ll wake up refreshed by the crisp mountain breeze. You can also explore Chancellor Shelf, spot mountain antelopes called Chamois, and check out the rare mountain buttercups and daisies.