Glacier Helicopter Tours

There's no more exhilarating way to experience the dramatic ice of New Zealand's West Coast than from the air. Glacier Helicopter Tours lift you above the terminal face of Fox Glacier, then sweep you over the nevé and into the heart of the Southern Alps. The scale of the icefalls, crevasses and seracs is jaw-dropping — and you'll land on a pristine patch of snow for a few unforgettable moments of absolute quiet. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way.

Highlights & What to See

• Snow landing on the glacier: Stand on a remote part of the ice field, surrounded by peaks and silence — a true bucket-list moment.
• Aerial views of Fox Glacier: See the entire length of the glacier from its alpine source to the rainforest at its foot.
• Panoramic Southern Alps: Soar past Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand's highest peaks.
• Pilot commentary: Knowledgeable pilots share insights into the glacier's geology and the surrounding landscape.
• Photo opportunities: Unobstructed views for stunning photos of ice formations, crevasses, and mountain ranges.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours from check-in to landing back, including a 20–40 minute scenic flight. Tours operate in the morning and afternoon, weather permitting. Since weather can change fast, try to book early in your stay to allow flexibility for rescheduling. The experience itself is compact but intense — you'll feel you've seen a whole world in that short time.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier Village: Grab a coffee or a meal before or after your flight; the village has a few good cafés and a general store.
• Lake Matheson: Famous for mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook, it's an easy 15-minute drive and a lovely short walk.
• Franz Josef Glacier: Just 20 minutes north, another dramatic glacier with its own heli-tours and walks.
• Okarito Lagoon: A peaceful spot for kayaking or birdwatching, about 30 minutes north.
• West Coast glaciers scenic drive: The road between Fox and Franz Josef is lined with rainforest and mountain views — perfect for a leisurely self-drive.

Please check official sources for current details.