Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours

Take in truly magnificent views of Franz Josef Glacier and surrounds with this helicopter flight. See lush rainforest, amazing glaciers, and the impressive Southern Alps mountain range. Part of this flight is a snow landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you get to land on top of a snowy peak and pause to take in the dramatic scenery.

Add a bit of mystery to your day when you opt for the pilot’s choice glacier tour. Fly deep into the Southern Alps and over Franz Josef Glacier, admiring views that you can’t get from the ground. Then, depending on the day’s conditions and your pilot’s judgment, fly over Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier, and into the Southern Alps for a snow landing and special photo opportunity.

See more mountains and glaciers from the air on a scenic 45-minute helicopter ride than you can from the ground at Franz Josef. You’ll fly deep into the Southern Alps, where you’ll see Mount Cook and three major glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman. Land on the snow for an up-close encounter and to take some unique photos.

Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands of years. Admire the lush landscape of the dense rainforest and reconnect with Mother Nature.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, 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 hike. After your return flight.. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

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.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10 minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office.

Get aerial views of Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier on this air flight, including a snow landing. Take fantastic photos of the pinnacles and sheer crevasses, then make a snow landing for more shots of you and your party. Multiple departure times throughout the day make for a flexible outing, and you'll learn about the glaciers through your guide/pilot's informative commentary.

Visit both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single tour from Franz Josef on this flight tour that includes a snow landing. Get up close with the blue ice of these mammoth glaciers and snap unbelievable aerial photos from both the air and the ground level. Learn about the glaciology and environment of the area through your pilot's guided commentary.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

This short helicopter tour offers the unique opportunity to get close to two of New Zealand’s iconic glaciers, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Fly by some of the region’s many natural wonders, including Mount Tasman, Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, and make the most of incredible photo opportunities. This tour is operated by the only local company with Government permission to land on the snow inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park – you won’t get this chance with anyone else.

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute flight includes flying over the Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Fly past Mount Cook & Mount Tasman and then through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings. You'll have an included 15minute snow landing on the Shackleton Glacier where a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample. We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef and please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this 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 views of Jurassic rainforests, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains reflected on calm Lake Mapourika on this small-group boat cruise on the lake. Visit a kiwi conservation area and learn more about New Zealand’s native bird. You’ll be cruising for around two hours so bring some snacks or a bottle of wine to drink as you relax and take in the beauty of the West Coast.

Skydive over Mount Cook (Aoraki) and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers on this tandem excursion from Franz Josef. Get the best possible views of the area and an adventurous experience in the company of a seasoned instructor. This 3-hour experience departs multiple times a day, allowing for flexibility of scheduling.

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 helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking the glacier.

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.

Explore beyond the glacier at Franz Josef with a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. See the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake on a calm, clear day, as you cruise across the lake to a hidden nature trail through the ancient, untouched rainforest. Visit a kiwi sanctuary and look out for other birds along the way.

Welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute flight includes: - Franz Josef, Tasman and Shackleton Glaciers - Mount Cook & Mount Tasman - Fly through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings - 15-minute snow landing included - Complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample it with the glacial ice Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy own the company and are both commercial pilots.

Skydive Franz Josef Glacier for a spectacular free fall with views of soaring mountains, ice fields, and the rugged coast. The option to select between tandem jumps from 16,500 or 19,000 feet (5,029 or 5,791 mt.) means you can customize the day to your preferences and budget, and all-digital video and photography will arrive in your inbox within 48 hours so you can share your skydiving experience with friends and family.

Go straight to the best fishing spots on Lake Mapourika without wasting time searching for them when you join this half-day fishing charter. Trout and salmon can be found here, which you can take home to prepare for dinner (if they’re of a legal size and in season). Enjoy the sounds of native birdsong and views of ancient forest along the way. The boat is fully covered for your comfort.

Experience the thrill of tandem skydiving from 16,500 feet (5,029 meters) and marvel at expansive views that include Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. An instructor provides training and skydive gear plus round-trip transport from Franz Josef village. You’ll plunge from an aircraft amid the vivid scenery of glaciers, lakes, rivers, and ocean. Choose from multiple departure times.

Learn about the New Zealand native bird, the kiwi, with admission to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Tour the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island and opt to include a Backstage Pass Tour, where you'll get 30 minutes of access behind the scenes. Your ticket also includes access to the West Coast storytelling areas and an interactive glacier exhibition. Buy your passes in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular attraction, great for all weather and all times of year.