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See two of New Zealand’s greatest glaciers from the air and step onto a snowfield on a 35-minute helicopter trip from Fox Glacier. Expect up-close icefalls, a controlled snow landing and weather-dependent scheduling.
See two of New Zealand’s greatest glaciers from the air and step onto a snowfield on a 35-minute helicopter trip from Fox Glacier. Expect up-close icefalls, a controlled snow landing and weather-dependent scheduling.
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Book directly with Glacier Helicopters for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Glacier Helicopters · Fox Glacier, West Coast
You lift from the strip at Fox Glacier and the coast slips away; the West Coast rainforest drops its canopy and the sky opens to ice. From the helicopter’s low hover the glaciers read like living maps — blue crevasses, serrated icefalls and broad neve fields that shine against the dark valley walls. A short landing on one of the snowfields lets you step onto the glacier itself: the snow compresses underfoot, the air bites, and the silence is an immediate, clean contrast to the rotor’s roar.
easy.
35 minutes flight (allow 1–2 hours total including check-in).
Minimal — able to board a helicopter and stand on packed snow for short periods
Flights are weather dependent; operators will cancel or reschedule for poor visibility or unsafe conditions and typically offer a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours prior.
There are weight considerations for balance and safety — you’ll be weighed at check-in — and children must be accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and special infant seats are available.
No — for safety reasons bags, drones, selfie sticks, tablets and flammable items are not permitted on flights.
Layer up: a windproof outer layer, midweight insulating layer, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended; bring sunglasses and avoid loose hats during boarding.
The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers occupy steep valleys formed by tectonic uplift and intense West Coast precipitation; their modern extent has changed markedly in the 20th–21st centuries.
Operators limit landing time and follow strict protocols to reduce footprint; the glaciers are sensitive to climate-driven retreat, so follow guidance, don’t disturb ice features, and pack out any waste.
Glacier Helicopters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Glacier Helicopters
Book directly with Glacier Helicopters for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now