Tours and Trips in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand's largest and most magnificent glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This 30-minute helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking the glacier.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, you'll land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand's Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult 3-hour hike. After your return flight, rejuvenate with a complimentary blissful soak at Glacier Hot Pools. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a 20-minute helicopter flight above ice falls, snow fields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snow field to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the 7.5-mile (12-km) maritime glacier. This 20-minute helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

Take a 3-hour guided hike to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier, scrambling along an exclusive pathway over the riverbed of the mighty Waiho. During the interpretive valley walk to the glacier, your guide covers the geographical features of this magnificent alpine landscape. Upon reaching the viewpoint, you're treated to an up-close look at the advancing glacier. Numbers are limited to 13 people per group for a more personal experience.

One of the most protected natural sites in New Zealand, the Franz Joseph Glacier is a wilderness of deep crevasses and frozen ice. On this round-trip eco-tour from Franz Joseph, travel lightly through the native rainforest with all equipment provided and admire uninterrupted views over the Waiho River and the Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour - limited to six people.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the professional pilot before landing atop either Fox or Franz Josef. Then hop out and focus your camera lens on a glacial scene of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields and plunging crevasses - considered to be among New Zealand's most stunning landscapes.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand's famous Kiwi birds.

See two remarkable glaciers from the air on a 30-minute helicopter tour of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Lift off from a helipad at Fox Glacier, then fly across ice falls, formations, and crevasses on your way to Franz Josef Glacier, and touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session. Departures are available throughout the day for this 30-minute helicopter tour of two New Zealand glaciers.

Explore the landscape around the Franz Josef glacier and New Zealand's rugged West Coast on a 2-hour ATV tour from Franz Josef village. Take in the mountains and rainforest of the Southern Alps as you go offroad and follow paths carved by ancient glaciers paths in the wilderness. Your guide leads you through the rainforest, riverbeds, grasslands, and mud on a thrilling tour that includes use of ATV equipment and wet weather gear.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand's glacier country on this 3-hour kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand's most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region's fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country's oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

Enjoy unrivalled views over the landscapes of New Zealand from the air with a 40-minute Mt. Cook helicopter flight from the Fox Glacier township. In addition to flying among the peaks of Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Southern Alps with a pilot, gaze out as far as the coast - where the Tasman Sea rolls in. Land on Mt. Cook to photograph the scenery, then return to base.

This 20-minute scenic helicopter flight takes you soaring above Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier with a snow landing at the top - the perfect opportunity to get up close to a glacier in the South Island. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over towering ice formations before a soft landing in a snowfield. Admire Mt Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand's highest peak, from the glacial summit.

See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide.  Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a 2-hour guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.