The 15 Best Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier, see ice pinnacles and crevasses, then land in the Southern Alps for 10 minutes of mountain views.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Review of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike, with helicopter views, a guided ice walk, gear details, fitness advice, weather risks, and value tips.

“A decent level of fitness is definitely needed, be aware can be cancelled up to the last minute if weather changes, they do however offer a full refund or change day. Staff are amazing and extremely well trained. We had Sarah as our guide who was superb.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly over Fox Glacier, then hike its changing ice caves, arches, and crevasses with expert guides on this memorable four-hour adventure.

“Absolutely brilliant experience and company. I had guide Charlie who was fantastic. I made a booking error (totally my fault) and they fixed it up for me no dramas. 10/ 10 recommend .”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glacier, then land on snow in the Southern Alps during this memorable 35-minute helicopter trip.

“What a well run company, from start to finish. Our pilot Mark was beyond amazing, I know it’s his job but he shares his knowledge and would happily answer any questions. The reception staff were all lovely especially the dark haired lady. This is a must do with this company if you are in the area. Would definitely come back!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $92

Paddle Lake Mapourika from Franz Josef, spot native wildlife, explore ancient rainforest, and enjoy guide-led kayaking with photos included.

“A lovely experience for family, but be prepared to do most of the work as the kids get tired! Interesting and fun. Our guide Max was knowledgable, extremely patient with our vivacious children and their 18493639 questions and just all round great guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, land on the snow, and see rainforest, icefalls, and the Southern Alps from a 35-minute helicopter ride.

“The whole experience was perfect. The flight was awesome, and landing on the top of Franz Joseph glacier was perfect. Our pilot Jay was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had, and took a perfect photo of us on top of the glacier. The staff in the offices, and the ground crew were also very helpful and professional. A wonderful experience, we would recommend to everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glacier, then land on the snow in the Southern Alps on this 35-minute helicopter tour.

“The company has been very proactive in informing guests of flight probabilities as impacted by impending weather. Communication was excellent and there was a high degree of flexibility in adapting flight schedules according to customers’ needs and weather.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef to a changing ice world, then hike crevasses and caves on a guided 2.5-hour glacier adventure.

“We hiked a glacier in Alaska and it was mainly a flat hike. This experience was totally different and provided us a completely unique experience. It was up and down, we went through two tight crevasses and an ice cave! We had to use ropes and even a ladder at one point. You definitely need to be fairly fit. We loved the experience from the training, helicopter ride and guided hiking. This is a must do for those who want a unique and challenging experience. Even though we had to unfortunately cut the hike short due to weather, we still had more than sufficient time on the hike and appreciated…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Walk Fox Glacier for up to three hours after a scenic helicopter flight, with ice caves, crampons, expert guides, and weather-tested planning.

“Campbell and Oliver were great guides who were so well informed, despite our 100 questions, and led us even in poor weather. The flight itself was scenic and well handled, with the hike well laid out and suitable for everybody.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · from $105

Ride quad bikes through Franz Josef rainforest, rivers, and glacier country with guides, gear, mountain views, and free photos included.

“Best day !! Highly recommend !! This is a must do !! The staff (Benji) especially made this the greatest experience Absolutely worth the money”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier, then land in the alpine heights for 10 minutes of snow, rock, rainforest, and Southern Alps views.

“A fantastic helicopter tour over the central glaciers at Mount Cook, with good information from the pilot, landing with good opportunities to take photos, and a pleasant and safe pilot. And in good weather the experiences are fantastic.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 205 reviews · from $146

Ride a 450cc quad through Franz Josef rainforest, riverbeds, and muddy creeks with glacier views, wet-weather gear, and free photos.

“Had an amazing time! Was very bumpy and not for the feint hearted, but we had a great time! They do a couple of short demos before going as well to make sure everyone is ok with the tour. Was beautiful way to see Franz Josef and the surrounding rain forests.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier, land on its snowfield, and take in icefalls, crevasses, and Southern Alps views on a 25-minute flight.

“Very nice experience, very professional. We think that it doesn't matter which operator you use in this town.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, land on the snow, and enjoy Southern Alps views with a pilot guide on this 35-minute helicopter trip.

“Flying over the glacier. Absolutely awesome flight up to glacier and then landing on the plateau. The snow was packed harder than what we anticipated.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 170 reviews · 3h 30m · from $65

Explore Fox Glacier rainforest with a local guide, mountain views, geothermal stops, hot drinks, and practical rain gear for $65.

“Our guide Bella was very knowledgeable and ensured the pace was good for everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.”

Check availability →Read our full review