Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing – 45mins
Soar above Franz Josef for a 45-min helicopter ride, catching breathtaking views of Mount Cook, 3 major glaciers, and landing for unique photos.
Glacier Explorer – 1 Glacier with Snow Landing – 25min
Experience Franz Josef Glacier's stunning vistas on a helicopter ride. Witness rainforests, glaciers, and the Southern Alps with a snow landing for breathtaking views!
Pilot’s Choice – 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing – 35mins
Unveil the mystery! Pilot's choice glacier tour takes you over Franz Josef, Fox, or Tasman Glacier for breathtaking views and a snowy landing.
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
Discover Franz Josef Glacier with a heli-hike guided by professionals. Explore ice caves, then hike through crevasses and ice formations. Flexible seasonal departures available.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, nestled on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, offer extraordinary tours showcasing their icy landscapes and natural wonders. These awe-inspiring glaciers, descending from the Southern Alps to the temperate rainforests near the Tasman Sea, attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
Guided tours are the best way to experience these majestic glaciers. Visitors can embark on various excursions, including guided walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights.
Guided walks provide an up-close encounter with the glaciers, offering an opportunity to explore the crevasses, seracs, and ice caves. Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and share insights into the glaciers’ formation, their history, and the ever-evolving environment.
For a more exhilarating experience, heli-hikes take adventurers to remote and untouched areas of the glaciers. Helicopters transport visitors to higher elevations, allowing access to pristine, less-traveled parts of the ice. Guided by expert instructors, participants navigate through the ice formations, gaining a deeper appreciation for the stunning, ever-changing landscapes.
Scenic flights provide a different perspective, showcasing the glaciers from the air. Visitors witness the vast expanse of these icy giants, the labyrinth of crevasses, and the pristine alpine beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The flights offer unparalleled views, allowing travelers to capture the grandeur of the glaciers in their entirety.
Both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are not only marvels of nature but also cultural and spiritual landmarks for the indigenous Māori people. The glaciers hold significant traditional importance, and their stories are interwoven with local legends and myths.
It’s essential to note that due to the dynamic nature of glaciers, conditions can change rapidly. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines and only explore these natural wonders with certified guides to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
A journey to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers is an opportunity to witness the sheer beauty and power of nature. These tours offer a chance to connect with the primal forces that have shaped this remarkable landscape over thousands of years.