Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

If you’re considering a helicopter trip over New Zealand’s iconic glaciers, the Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing promises a memorable peek into some of the country’s most breathtaking icy landscapes. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty vivid picture of what you can expect—whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply someone eager to see glaciers from a new perspective.

What I really like about this experience is its combination of aerial views and a snow landing—a rare chance to step onto the glacier itself. Plus, the expert commentary from knowledgeable pilots makes the journey not just scenic but also educational. On the flip side, the tour’s price point might seem steep to some, but when you factor in the unique access and the glacier landing, many find it to be worth the expense. This tour is especially suitable for those who love nature, glaciers, and a touch of adrenaline, with plenty of room for anyone eager to tick a bucket list item.

Key Points

• Unmatched views of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from the sky
• Includes a snow landing on Fox Glacier—an experience many travelers cherish
• Guided by professional pilots offering engaging and informative commentary
• Short but sweet duration of about 30 minutes, perfect for a scenic highlight
• Good value considering the exclusive access and glacier landing
• Limited group size (max 6 travelers) enhances the experience

An In-Depth Look at the Fox Glacier Helicopter Tour

An Introduction to the Experience

This helicopter tour offers a way to see parts of the Southern Alps that are otherwise inaccessible. The highlight? A snow landing on Fox Glacier, which transforms the flight from a simple scenic tour into a memorable adventure that feels close to nature’s raw power. If you’re someone who values stunning scenery paired with a bit of thrill, this tour is likely to appeal.

From the moment you arrive at the Fox Glacier base, you’ll notice how streamlined and professional everything seems. The flight duration of roughly 25 to 30 minutes might sound brief, but most travelers agree it’s enough to get a solid sense of the area’s grandeur without feeling rushed. The price of around $308.70 per person reflects its premium nature, but considering the glacier landing and the spectacular views, many think it offers fair value.

Who Will Love This?

This tour tends to attract travelers who want a short but impactful experience—perfect if you’re already exploring the West Coast or are on a tight schedule. It’s suitable for those who are comfortable with helicopter rides and don’t mind the cold, as you’ll be stepping out onto a snowy landscape. Families with kids weighing over 15 kg will find it accessible, but the intimate group size means you’ll get plenty of attention from the crew.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Scenic Flight: Over Two Glaciers

The main draw? Flying over both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier in one trip. You’ll get to see these icy giants cloaked in vibrant blue ice, with the Southern Alps stretching out around you. The pilots are typically very knowledgeable, providing interesting commentary about the landscape, geology, and surrounding peaks like Aoraki Mt. Cook, which towers at over 12,000 feet.

The Snow Landing: A Glacier Encounter

Landing on Fox Glacier itself is where this tour gets a real wow factor. You’ll step out into a snowfield at the glacier’s head, above the icefalls. The feeling of standing on the icy surface, surrounded by crevasse-filled ice and the vastness of the glacier, is something many reviews highlight as a highlight. As one traveler put it, “Some awesome views when we landed on top of the glacier,” and it’s a moment many won’t forget.

The View from Above

From the open cabin of the helicopter, you’ll get panoramic views that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. The hovering aspect allows you to look down and marvel at the crevasses and ice sculptures. One reviewer shared how they loved to sit next to the pilot for better photos, though the typical seating arrangement doesn’t guarantee this.

What Does the Itinerary Look Like?

The trip starts at the helicopter base in Fox Glacier village, where you check in and board a twin-engine helicopter designed for scenic flights. The helicopter comfortably holds up to six passengers, making the experience intimate and allowing for better interaction with the pilot.

Once airborne, the pilot takes you on a flight over both glaciers. The flight is narrated, with commentary on the glaciers’ formation, the surrounding peaks, and the area’s geology. After a few minutes of flying over the glaciers, the helicopter descends to land at the head of Fox Glacier.

Here, you’ll disembark onto the snowfield—an exciting moment where you’ll get around 10 minutes to take photos, soak in the views, and simply marvel at the landscape. Many reviews mention how surreal it is to be standing on a glacier, surrounded by icy crevasses and towering icefalls.

After the stop, the helicopter lifts off again for the return journey, flying over more of the glacier’s crevassed surface and the carved valleys of the Southern Alps, offering a different perspective on the landscape. The entire experience lasts approximately 35 minutes, with about 25-30 minutes of actual flying.

Highlights of the Route

• A scenic flight over both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
• The snow landing on Fox Glacier’s icefall area
• Viewing Aoraki Mt. Cook and the surrounding peaks
• Flying over glacial crevasses and ice formations

The Experience from the Reviews

Travelers seem to overwhelmingly enjoy the stunning views and professional guides. Many highlight the smoothness of the flight and the quality of the commentary—”Pilot Simon was very helpful with information about the area,” one review notes.

The snow landing, in particular, earns praise as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Multiple reviewers mention how “awesome” and “exciting” it was to step onto the glacier, with some wishing they could have spent more time there.

However, there are a few critiques worth noting. A handful of reviews mention delays or weather-related cancellations. One reviewer felt the flight was cut short or that certain promised aspects weren’t delivered, but most understand that weather can impact such tours, and the company’s safety is the priority.

The Value of the Experience

At just over $300, the tour offers a fraction of the cost of more extensive glacier hikes or hikes combined with helicopter rides. Considering the exclusive access to the glacier surface and the aerial views, many consider it a good value for a unique experience.

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly—temperatures can be chilly on the glacier and in the helicopter.
• Arrive early or on time, as flights are scheduled and subject to weather conditions.
• If you want the best photos, ask the pilot if you can sit on the side closer to the glacier (not always guaranteed).
• Travel light—don’t bring large bags, as storage space in the helicopter is limited.

The Sum Up

This Fox Glacier helicopter tour strikes a well-balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and safety. It’s perfect for travelers who want a short but impactful peek at some of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, gaining access to a landscape that’s truly awe-inspiring. The combination of aerial views and the snow landing makes it stand out from ordinary sightseeing trips, offering a tangible connection to the icy wilderness.

If you’re someone eager to capture incredible photos, stand on a glacier, and enjoy expert narration, this tour will deliver. It’s especially suited for those comfortable with helicopter rides and who don’t mind the potential for weather-related changes. The limited group size makes it a more personal experience, and many reviews speak highly of the professionalism and friendliness of the crew.

While it’s not the cheapest activity in the region, the value is reflected in the rarity and quality of the experience. For a bucket-list-worthy adventure that combines breathtaking views and a snow encounter, this helicopter flight is really hard to beat.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children weighing less than 15 kg can sit on a parent’s lap. Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because it can be cold on the glacier and in the helicopter. Bringing along gloves and a hat might also be helpful, especially for winter or early spring flights.

How long is the actual flight?
The helicopter ride lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes, with the entire experience including check-in and safety briefings lasting about 35 minutes.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the scenic helicopter flight, live commentary, a professional guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax), and the snow landing itself, which lasts around 10 minutes.

Are there any safety concerns?
Safety is a priority. The pilot provides informative commentary, and the flights are conducted by experienced alpine pilots. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply after some spectacular photos, this helicopter flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers offers a rare glimpse into New Zealand’s icy heart. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the snow melts.