THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A brisk helicopter hop over two of New Zealand’s most dramatic ice rivers — Fox and Franz Josef — delivers close-up crevasses, waterfalls and alpine vistas in a single, 40-minute experience. Ideal for travelers short on time who want a vivid, weather-dependent perspective on temperate glaciers.
A brisk helicopter hop over two of New Zealand’s most dramatic ice rivers — Fox and Franz Josef — delivers close-up crevasses, waterfalls and alpine vistas in a single, 40-minute experience. Ideal for travelers short on time who want a vivid, weather-dependent perspective on temperate glaciers.
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Operated by Mountain Helicopters · Fox Glacier, West Coast
The rotor wash settles and the village of Fox Glacier shrinks beneath you, a ribbon of road and tin roofs giving way to a scoured, blue-ice world. In minutes the helicopter lifts over moraines and alpine forest; the Fox Glacier unfurls like a fractured sheet, its crevasses daring you to read their depth. A short crossing brings Franz Josef into view — a steeper, more sculpted face where waterfalls braid down the ice, and the Southern Alps push the sky into sharper light.
easy.
40 minutes (including briefing and transfers).
Minimal fitness required; suitable for most travellers who can board a small helicopter.
Total product time is about 40 minutes, which includes roughly 10 minutes before and after for briefing and transfers.
Infants can fly but must sit on an adult's lap; check operator guidance and seat availability for safety.
Flights are weather-dependent; operators may reschedule or refund according to their cancellation policy—confirm options when you book.
This scenic overflight does not include glacier landings or trekking—those require separate guided glacier tours with technical gear.
European explorers named the glaciers after Emperor Franz Josef I and Sir William Fox; the valleys have long-standing Māori place names and cultural associations.
Both glaciers have retreated significantly in recent decades due to climate change; operators encourage low-impact tourism and some offer carbon-offset options.
Mountain Helicopters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Mountain Helicopters
Book directly with Mountain Helicopters for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now