Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

About This Experience

This 25-minute helicopter flight leaves from the Glacier Helicopters base in Fox Glacier township, crosses the icefalls of Fox Glacier and lands on snow high in the Southern Alps. The pilot talks you through the route as you fly. It suits anyone who wants to see the glacier from the air and step out on snow for a few minutes without a half-day commitment. It costs from $225 per person and is rated 4.7 from 129 GetYourGuide reviews.

The listing breaks the 25 minutes into three parts: about 10 minutes flying up over the town and the glacier's icefalls and crevasses, a landing of about 8 minutes on the snow for photos, and about 7 minutes flying back to the township. Flight times include the landing and are approximate. Check in at the base about 30 minutes before your flight, as Glacier Helicopters asks of all its passengers.

Groups are limited to six people, and the operator needs a minimum number of passengers before a flight goes. If a departure does not fill, you can move to another time or take a full refund. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh more than 15 kg need their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.

The landing depends on the weather and the pilot's call on the day. A few reviewers flew over the glacier without landing because conditions at the top did not allow it, and were disappointed they had not known sooner. Ask at check-in what the pilot expects that day, and book an early day of your stay so a weather cancellation leaves you time for another try.

Highlights

• A snow landing of about 8 minutes high on the glacier, weather permitting
• Flying over the icefalls and crevasses of Fox Glacier
• Views across the Southern Alps from the air
• Commentary from your pilot the whole way
• Small groups of up to six passengers
• Leaves from the township, so no driving to Franz Josef

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier township
• ✓ Snow landing in the mountains, weather permitting
• ✓ Commentary from your pilot-guide
• ✓ Approximately 25 minutes in total, landing included
• ✓ Concession fees that go toward conservation management

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Transport to the base (no pickup is listed)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses for the snow glare
• A camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes depend on the weather and the pilot's judgment. If poor weather cancels your flight, you can take another date or a full refund.
• A minimum number of passengers is needed for each flight; if it is not met you can move to another departure or get a full refund.
• Children 4 to 14 over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
• Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not allowed on board, and open-toed shoes are not permitted.
• Cancel up to 24 hours ahead on GetYourGuide for a full refund.

Meeting Point

The Glacier Helicopters base in Fox Glacier township; check in about 30 minutes before your flight.