Things to Do in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Enjoy a 25-minute helicopter flight above the incredible Franz Josef Glacier. Take in its ice pinnacles, crevasses, then fly into the Southern Alps and take stunning photos on the alpine landing site.

Explore the untamed beauty of New Zealand's Wild West Coast on this small group, fully-guided tour from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Your journey takes you along the rugged beaches of the West Coast, soaking in the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique. As you traverse the unforgettable Haast Pass, you'll be captivated by the lush rainforests and coastal plains before arriving at the serene, glacier-fed lakes of Wānaka and Hāwea. Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and enjoy a provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions. At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart. We also offer tours from Queenstown to Franz Josef, Franz Josef to Christchurch or Christchurch to Franz Josef.

Combine an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery, and a hike through spectacular glacier features on the Franz Josef Glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Experience the rugged, untamed nature of the West Coast by Quad Bike. Marvel at the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding mountains as you drive along the dirt trails of a dense rainforest.

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore. You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

Take on this twin glacier flight and encounter the jaw-dropping Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Enjoy the thrill of a snow landing and experience two very different glacial formations. See the epic vastness of these steep and remote landscapes.

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Fly by helicopter above 2 of New Zealand's biggest glaciers – the Franz Josef and then either the Fox or Tasman Glaciers. Fly past Mount Cook and into the Southern Alps for a 10-minute snow landing.

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the coastal village of Ōkārito offers superb bird-watching amidst stunning natural diversity. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes a shuttle from Franz Josef or an option to meet in Ōkārito. Guides lead you through lush rainforests, estuaries, sea cliffs, and wetlands, revealing views of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, and Franz Josef Glacier. Discover the area's gold mining history and encounter up to 76 bird species such as the white heron, kea, fernbirds, and kakariki. Visit the Ōkārito Community Native Plant Nursery to plant a native tree for our Ōkārito Restoration project. Immerse yourself in Ōkārito's mystique and spectacular sunsets. Book your tour today to uncover Ōkārito's natural wonders!

Helicopter over both the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef glaciers for astounding views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman and experience a scenic snow landing.

Our most popular flight! Explore the rugged Southern Alps and the iconic Fox Glacier. After experiencing the Fox Glaciers main features of awe inspiring blue ice and eye opening crevasses you will fly past waterfalls and alpine huts to reach the view of the much anticipated Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. After you think you have seen it all experience the snow for yourself with a snow landing for exciting photo opportunities and a chat with your friendly pilot.

Experience the thrill of a skydive over Franz Josef as you jump with an experienced instructor. Enjoy views over dramatic mountains, stunning temperate rainforest, and glowing glaciers.

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier past Mount Cook and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes. We are 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. 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. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share 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.

Join a scenic eco-cruise on Lake Mapourika, in the UNESCO World Heritage area. Take in panoramic views of the Southern Alps while your local skipper shares insights on the area's wildlife and history.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Enjoy a gentle climb up the Fox Glacier valley and travel thorugh the rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Enjoy views of Mt Tasman while learning about local geology, flora, and fauna.

Get the best of both worlds with experiencing the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in one flight. Both glaciers are very distinct from each other and have their own unique features but together they show off the beauty of nature with crystal clear blue ice, eye opening crevasses and cerax as well as numerous alpine glacial fed waterfalls. This flight also includes views of the Victoria, Baumann and Fritz glaciers.

A fully guided 40-minute Behind The Scenes Tour to see the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility on the South Island.Also see live Tuatara.

The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.  This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)

Fly by helicopter above the Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers on a tour from Franz Josef Town. Take sweeping photos of the mountain scenery from the snow landing site amongst the Southern Alps.

Get the best of both worlds along with a snow landing! Experience both the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glaciers. See for your self the distinctive beauty that both glaciers on their own have to offer. After you have been amazed by the stunning scenery stop and take pictures along with an informative chat with your pilot. Enjoy personal friendly local hospitality from a locally family owned and operated small business that have been operating in the area for more than 25 years. This Scenic Flight and Snow Landing experience is great for travellers of all ages and levels of physical fitness.

Explore the enchanting rainforest and Franz Josef Glacier Valley on a guided walking tour. Enjoy a personalized tour of the glacier valley, stunning in clear skies and magical in misty rain.

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 PRIVATE 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. 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.

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef on the South Island. See live kiwi and tuatara and learn about the fantastic glaciers of the region.

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz Josef over lush rainforest, landing at 1200m on the glacier. You'll explore the glacier for up to 6 hours with a guide. With a small group size of 1 guide to 4 guests, the adventure can be customized to your preferred level of difficulty.

Soar above scenic snowy landscapes and enjoy unsurpassed views of Franz Josef Glacier on this epic helicopter tour. From a unique birds-eye perspective, admire views of some of New Zealand’s highest peaks, then stop for a once-in-a-lifetime snow landing.

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore. You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you. Memories made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour! Highlights • Castle Hill • Devils punchbowl • Arthurs Pass Village • Otira Lookout • Hokitika Beach Sign • Hokitika Gorge

Fly over Tasman Glacier Lake before following the path of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest, then traverse the rugged Southern Alps and see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Land on a glacier in a Helicopter and jump out of plane! The best views of New Zealand are from the sky, and the ultimate way to see them is to fly in a Helicopter, land on a glacier, AND free-fall out of a plane over dazzling alpine peaks, lush native rainforests, and beautiful ancient glaciers! You can’t get more next-level than this exclusive combo experience in the Southern Alps, packed with natural scenic wonders, adrenaline pumping thrills, and zero regrets!

Glide effortlessly across Lake Mapourika on a three-hour kayaking tour. Take in stunning views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest. Pick up insights from an expert guide.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panoramic views of the West Coast and surrounding mountain ranges. Land on the iconic glacier and spend 15 minutes on the stunning ice with our expert guides, immersing yourself in this iconic natural wonder. This adventure is perfect for all fitness levels: A hassle-free experience that’s accessible to everyone. With exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we are the only operator permitted to land on the Franz Josef Glacier.

Explore the Franz Josef Glacier on this combination hiking and helicopter tour. Fly up to the glacier, hike over the fast-moving ice, and marvel at stunning views.

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary enroute. You'll fly along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Book a scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier village and discover the crevasses and ice forms below you as you fly over Fox Glacier. Enjoy an incredible snowfield landing and soar past Mount Cook.

Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef Heliport to the top of the Franz Josef icefall and land on the snow for fantastic photographic opportunities. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinicles that form the ice scapes of the Franz Josef Glacier. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Franz Josef)

Paddle across Lake Mapourika’s mirror-like waters, explore a private rainforest track in the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Spot native birds and soak in the beauty of this untouched wilderness. Free photos

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a scenic 20-minute helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Experience the thrill of a snow landing to see the icy landscape up close and take in incredible views across the glacier.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Enjoy a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers with a Glacier landing.

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Experience Lake Mapourika with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Enjoy a scenic cruise into the sheltered bays of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary before a guided walk through rainforest trail.

Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above the icefalls of the glacier and experience the magnitude of the scenery surrounding you. Then let the impressive presence of Aoraki (Mount Cook) amaze you as you explore it's majestic west face, before descending down into the valleys below.

Nestled in ancient forest, Lake Matheson features mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mt Tasman. Enjoy a gentle track with bridges and streams, learning from guides. Best seen in early evening.

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Franz Josef. This flight tours covers it all including glacial icefalls and crevasses and neves. You will have views from the coast to mountain tops and you will get to see both glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak. Cross the spine of the Southern Alps and circle the top of magnificent Mt Cook. Topped off with a spectacular snow landing, this is the best helicopter experience on the West Coast.

Take a scenic flight from Aoraki/Mount Cook, soaring over the Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, experiencing the grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the West Coast.

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! Paddle across the calm, reflective waters and take in the panoramic views of NZ's tallest peaks and Glaciers. Follow your guide through the rain forest trail and enjoy coffee and tea while taking in the views. Plus, FREE photos (emailed after tour)

Take a scenic plane flight from Queenstown to explore the Franz Josef Glacier before it's gone. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight up to the glacier.

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!