New Zealand · FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER TOURS

The 15 Best Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours

80 tours  ·  from $25

The terminal faces have retreated past easy walking, so the ice you actually stand on arrives by helicopter. These 15 compare the flights, the heli-hikes and the valley walks, with prices and how often weather grounds each one.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - The helicopter climb over the terminal moraine
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

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

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, see ice pinnacles and crevasses, then spend 10 minutes on a snow or alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam have provided lively commentary, but weather can cancel the landing or the entire flight.

“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”

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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - Getting fitted for boots, crampons, and warm layers
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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

Fly from Franz Josef village onto the moving Franz Josef Glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes exploring crevasses, ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs with a guide. Gear is supplied, groups are capped at 11, and guides such as Angus and Sarah add glaciology and Māori stories to the walk.

“Everything was incredibly well managed. Safety of all participants was an obvious top priority. Our guide Sarah was working hard throughout the walk to make it as easy as possible for all, while being a joy to be around. The views of and from the glazier were breathtaking.”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Up to three hours walking on the ice
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

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

Fly into Te Moeka o Tuawe, Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking through changing ice caves, arches, crevasses, and blue tunnels. Your guide, perhaps Charlie, Serena, Henry, or Billy, cuts steps and leads the way. Boots, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied.

“This is an amazing experience! Zeki our guide was fantastic. Great at explaining the glacier & providing an interesting path across the surface. The helicopter flight is short but fantastic. We booked early in the day & the weather was clear, Read more”

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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - From Franz Josef township to the hangar
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

4.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

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

You’ll fly over Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman Glacier with an English-speaking pilot such as Poppy, Mike, or Mark, then spend 10 minutes on a snow landing site. Headsets provide commentary, and routes may change with the weather.

“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”

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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier - Why the dark water matters
Canoes & Kayaks, Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Tour Reviews

Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

5.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

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

Spend about three hours kayaking Lake Mapourika with a local guide such as Ollie, Max, or Dani. Paddle calm water toward a protected kiwi area and untouched rainforest, learn about local wildlife and geology, and receive digital photos. Transport, instruction, kayaks, dry bags, and weather gear are included.

“We had a great time with guides Pickles and Farrah. Both were knowledgeable of area, especially wildlife. Good instructions on safety procedures which led to a great paddle. It’s a challenging but do able paddle for all levels. Highly recommend!”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Seeing Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from above
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

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

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

From the Glacier Helicopters base in Franz Josef, you’ll fly over the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, hear commentary from your English-speaking pilot, and make a snow landing on one glacier. Pilots such as Jay, Paul, Simon, and Tom are praised for smooth flying and friendly guidance.

“We enjoyed the flight very much. We unfortunately couldn't get our original allocated time slot due to weather but the staff were very accommodating and managed to get us in on an afternoon slot. Definitely well worth the experience.”

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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min - The second glacier: Fox or Tasman
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

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

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

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

From Franz Josef, fly with an experienced pilot such as Gus, Mark, Mike, or Aaron above Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier. The 35-minute flight includes a snow landing of about 10 minutes, with the final route chosen for the day’s weather and conditions.

“The experience on the helicopter to see Franz Josef Glacier from the sky is truly remarkable. It is something that is worth doing. The helicopter ride gave a different perspective on what Franz Josef Glacier is about. However, the advertising "PilRead more”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - A short helicopter flight with a big view
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

8.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest, waterfalls, and rugged terrain, then spend 2.5 hours hiking Franz Josef Glacier with a trained guide. You will use crampons and may crawl through ice caves or crevasses. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby add local stories, glaciology, and Maori legends.

“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…”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Check-in at 44 Main Road
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

9.Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Fly into a remote section of Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours walking across blue ice, through caves, and beneath arches. Your guide cuts steps as needed and explains glacier features, from crevasses to Victoria Falls. Boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are supplied.

“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.”

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Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef - Riding into the rainforest
Cycling Tours, Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

10.Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

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

Spend about two hours riding single or double quad bikes, or a three-seat buggy, through rainforest, shallow rivers, and an old glacier riverbed near Franz Josef. Guides such as Jason, Brooklyn, Benji, and Amy teach beginners, provide wet-weather gear, and take photos for free.

“Good fun experience. The guide gave some interesting information about the area. We were a group of 6. Bikes were easy to handle.”

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - Meeting the local helicopter team
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

11.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

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

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your 25-minute flight includes about 10 minutes on an alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Sam, and Rachel have received strong praise, but snow is seasonal and the landing may be on rock in summer.

“Amazing - well organised, from rescheduling to suit the weather, to getting there, going up and coming down!”

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Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear - Getting set up beside The Landing Restaurant
Cycling Tours, Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Franz Josef Town: Scenic Glacier Quad Bike Tour with Gear

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

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

Drive your own automatic 450cc Can-Am quad through Jurassic rainforest tracks, glacier-carved riverbeds, creeks, and rough West Coast terrain. Guides such as Karl, Mitch, Rosie, Tayla, and Nick have earned strong praise for safety and encouragement. Wet-weather gear, gumboots, helmets, and free photos are included.

“Awesome fun! Fantastic activity and so much fun. Our tour guide was a legend, loved that he took photos of us throughout the tour. 2 hour ride was great value for money, highly recommend!”

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Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - Ten minutes on a Franz Josef snowfield
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

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

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

Fly from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and the Southern Alps, then land on a glacier snowfield for about 10 minutes. A professional pilot such as Richard, James, Simon, or Steve guides the flight. Expect a small group of up to six, weather permitting.

“A must do at FJG! You won’t regret it! Fantastic scenery, glacier flyover, and the 10 min outside on the glacier is spectacular!”

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Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - From Franz Josef town to the helipad
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Snow Landing Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

14.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

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

From central Franz Josef, fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with pilot commentary, then land on Franz Josef Glacier for about 10 minutes. The small group flight carries up to six people and includes a guaranteed snow landing, weather permitting.

“The weather on the day we went was fantastic and our pilot was very informative and easy to chat with.”

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Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide - From Franz Josef to Fox Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

15.Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

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

Spend 3.5 hours walking through Fox Glacier’s old rainforest and moraine with guides such as Mel, Cliff, Bella, and Sophia. Expect a gentle climb, glacier and Mt Tasman viewpoints, local stories, geothermal features, and a hot drink break. Rain gear and boots are available.

“A really great walk with expert guide Cliff who highlighted lots of nature points of interest whether this be about the glacier, the area, the wildlife or the planation - he had some great knowledge of the area and also knew really good routes that you possibly would not have found for yourself. A very pleasant afternoon with great cookies too!”

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