NEW ZEALAND · REGION
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular franz josef and fox glacier tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier, then a guided crampon hike through ice caves and crevasses with warm gear and expert ice-guides.
“We lucked out with a beautiful morning! It was such an amazing experience and our guide was great. You MUST do this!”
A heli-hike on Fox Glacier: short helicopter flights, up to 3 hours walking on the ice with crampons, plus panoramic views and guide-led safety.
“Amazing experience, you feel like you are on another planet. It does require a bit of balance to maneuver some of the stairs and patience for the photo ops if you are with a larger group - we were about 15 people.”
Paddle Lake Mapourika on a small-group tour from Franz Josef, with gear, guide-led wildlife stops, and digital photos after your trip.
“Danny was our guide, she is wonderful. The kayak was one of the best that we have done in years. We have done a few but this one was unique. It was raining that day a I thought this was not going to be good, but then the water is warmer and as we reached…”
Fly 35 minutes over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glacier, with a glacier snow landing for photos on a small-group helicopter tour.
“I had a very poor experience with Glacier Country Helicopters and strongly advise potential customers to avoid them. I booked the “Pilot’s Choice, 2-Glacier Tour.” Just before the flight, I was informed that a landing could not be guaranteed Read more”
Two hours of off-road quad biking in Franz Josef. Wet gear and gumboots included, with rainforest, river crossings, and glacier views.
“Gear provided, great instructions on how to drive and also a mini test drive before the fun. We had Brooklyn as our guide who was amazing, had so much fun with our kids. Would do it again and consider it a must do activity for parents with kids. Great views and ended up with spectacular…”
Fly the West Coast glaciers in a helicopter with an alpine landing near Franz Josef, where weather decides the snow show.
“Wonderful experience! The staff was nice! Our pilot, Mark, is a pro! Thank you for this amazing experience!”
Take a 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing for up-close ice views, photos, and wow-factor.
“Amazing views. Great Pilot and crew. First ride in a helicopter and now it will not be my last. Crew made you feel relaxed, amazing how smooth a helicopter ride is.”
Twin Glacier helicopter from Franz Josef with panoramic views, snow landing on the ice top, and Fox Glacier flyover.
“There was cloud coverage coming in so we spent more time on the glacier than I believe is normal. Our pilot wasn't the most informative but that was ok.”
Skip the line at Franz Josef Wildlife Centre to see Rowi kiwi, tuatara and glacier displays, with optional VIP backstage access.
“Loved seeing the kiwis and tautaras! I learned a lot! Glad folks are working to make sure these native gems of NZ do not go extinct!!!!”
Twin Glacier heli flight from Franz Josef to Fox, with live narration, low passes, and a glacier snow landing for photos.
“What a fantastic experience!! Great views! Awesome flight! Landing on top of the mountain made the trip. Very good and chatty pilot - never felt so save, so high up in something so small!”
Paddle Lake Mapourika, then hike the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Easy half-day in Southern Alps country with gear, hot drinks, and photos.
“Nice peaceful trip kayaking on the lake. Only saw a couple of other people& good walk through natural NZ forest. Kurt was a good guide!”
See Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers from the air plus a snow landing when conditions allow on a small-group helicopter flight.
“Incredible flight. Mike, the pilot, was amazing, navigating through clouds and making sure we enjoyed the whole trip. Highly recommended.”
Small-group 2-hour cruise on Lake Mapourika near Franz Josef. Hot drinks included, bring wine, kiwi conservation, calm reflections.
“A beautiful morning on the lake, amazing scenery and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to our lovely guide Rosie. Fabulous views of the mountains and lots of bird life, including a white heron. It was peaceful, serene and a joy to be there. Rosie made our experience great.”
A small-group rainforest walk to Franz Josef Glacier viewpoints, with guides sharing local legends, plants, and glacier science, plus weather-ready gear.
“Amazing 😀 Jake was a brilliant guide and getting away from the crowds was perfect. Highly recommended”
Take a 25-minute Fox Glacier helicopter flight with a snow landing, live pilot commentary, and great photo chances over New Zealand’s West Coast.
“Not to be missed, weather was fabulous which made for a spectacular flight. Organisation was great and our pilot gave a great commentary on our journey”
