4.9 (613) · Franz Josef & Fox Glacier · By Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures Free cancellation
Discover New Zealand's premier glacier experience, renowned for exceptional customer satisfaction and unbeatable value. Our extensive experience, spanning over 50 years on Fox Glacier, ensures a safe and unforgettable adventure. With a lower operational altitude, we offer more consistent flying days compared to other operators, minimizing weather-related disruptions. The expansive terrain of Fox Glacier provides unique opportunities to explore diverse ice formations daily, offering a dynamic and thrilling experience.
The most experienced - Proudly guiding on the Fox Glacier for more than 50 Years.
More operational days - Our lower operation altitude means we are less affected by weather than other operators in the area.
Freedom to explore -The vast terrain of the Fox Glacier allows us to explore unique terrain and ice features daily.
✓ Leather boots and socks provided✓ Wet weather jacket and over-trousers available if needed✓ Crampons and walking poles supplied✓ Guided by a professional✓ Two helicopter transfers included✕ Wear 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing✕ Bring sunglasses and sun protection✕ Avoid jeans; cotton pants or trackpants are recommended✕ Personal drinks and snacksActivity Schedule
4 h
Embark on an up to 3-hour exploration on the Fox Glacier.
This heli hike adventure combines the exhilaration of helicopter flights with the excitement of walking on the Te Moeka o Tuawe/Fox Glacier. Flying in allows access to a part of the glacier where its powerful forces sculpt spectacular ice caves and arches. You will be equipped with specialized boots and crampons for the icy conditions. Follow your guide's expertly cut ice steps as you discover the glacier's stunning formations.
Please be aware that this is a natural and constantly changing environment. Ice features shift daily, and there is no guarantee of viewing specific formations. This activity is subject to weather conditions.
A Risk Disclosure Statement must be signed before departure. You can access it here: https://www.foxguides.co.nz/risk-disclosure-statement/
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One ticket per booking.
Meet at the Fox Glacier Guiding building, located in the heart of Fox Glacier village.
Kindly check in 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time to complete our online Risk Disclosure Statement.
Meet at the Fox Glacier Guiding building, located in the heart of Fox Glacier village.
Kindly check in 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time to complete our online Risk Disclosure Statement.
This trip is dependent on weather conditions.
The online risk disclosure must be completed before the trip begins.
Please contact the operator at info@foxguides.co.nz for waiver instructions.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transport options are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not advised for individuals with cardiovascular health concerns. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age requirement is 9 years. Child age is considered from 9 to 16 years, inclusive. A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate. This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. A final weather assessment is made 10 minutes before check-in, so some flexibility in your travel plans is recommended. Due to aircraft weight and balance calculations, there is a maximum individual passenger weight limit of 116 kg. A Risk Disclosure Statement must be signed before departure. Please review it here: https://www.foxguides.co.nz/risk-disclosure-statement/ 11:50 AM Departure 11:50 AM: This heli hike, lasting up to four hours, combines the thrill of helicopter flights with the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier. Enjoy up to 3 hours on the ice. 8:50 AM Departure 8:50 AM: This heli hike, lasting up to four hours, combines the thrill of helicopter flights with the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier. Enjoy up to 3 hours on the ice. Book in advance, especially during peak season. Be prepared for changing weather conditions; flexibility is key. Dress in warm layers and avoid cotton clothing. Complete the Risk Disclosure Statement online before your trip. Arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes early. For a full refund, please ensure cancellation occurs at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 42720P2
Activity offered by Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Nature enthusiasts Families with children aged 9+ Individuals seeking unique experiences Experience a unique heli hike on the Fox Glacier. Benefit from the most experienced guides in the region. Enjoy more operational days due to a lower altitude. Explore diverse and spectacular ice formations. Unbeatable value and high customer satisfaction.
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 12° Jan 12° Feb 11° Mar 9° Apr 7° May 4° Jun 4° Jul 4° Aug 5° Sept 7° Oct 8° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Fox Glacier Heli Hike? + The activity lasts up to 4 hours in total, with up to 3 hours spent hiking on the Fox Glacier.
What should I wear for the heli hike? + You should wear 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing. Jeans are not recommended; cotton pants or trackpants are more suitable. Leather boots and socks are provided, along with crampons and walking poles.
Is this activity suitable for everyone? + The minimum age is 9 years. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but it is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens if the weather is bad? + This trip is weather dependent. A final weather call is made 10 minutes prior to check-in, and flexibility in your itinerary is desirable. If conditions are unfavorable, the tour may be cancelled.
Is there a weight limit for the helicopter? + Yes, due to weight and balance calculations of the aircraft, the individual passenger weight limit is 116 kg or less.
★★★★★ Viator review
Glacier Adventure
Kylie_C, October 2026
An amazing day. The team at Fox Glacier Guiding was professional, safe, educational and a whole lot of fun. A fantastic day exploring the Fox Glacier. Highly recommended
Response from the operator · FoxGlacierGuiding Thanks Kylie, for taking the time to share your 5 star experience with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience on the ice. Safety, education and ensuring our visitors have a fun, memorable time exploring the ice are our top priorities. Thank you for highly recommending the experience.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
An incredible experience
BubbleGirl13, September 2026
Our day was touch and go due to the weather however a small window was found and we made the most of it. What an unforgettable experience on the glacier. I last visited here 40 years ago and nowadays doing a tour like this is the only way to get near fox glacier. It is well worth it too. A day my family and I won’t forget. Ryan was an excellent guide who made me (who was a bit nervous) feel very calm. The entire operation functions like a well oiled machine. Highly recommend doing this. You’ll remember it forever.
Response from the operator · FoxGlacierGuiding Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re delighted that a break in the weather gave you the chance to get out onto Fox Glacier and create such a memorable day with your family. Returning after 40 years must have made the experience especially meaningful.
It’s wonderful to hear that Ryan helped you feel calm and confident, particularly when you were feeling a little nervous. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him and the wider team.
Thank you for the fantastic recommendation. We hope those glaciers memories stay with you and your family for many years to come!
★★★★★ Viator review
Fox Glacier Heli- Hike
Alison_K, September 2026
Great experience! The helicopter ride was short but beautiful and the staff has the whole thing down like a well-oiled machine. The glacier was absolutely stunning and our guide Jake cut steps for us and came up with the most interesting yet safe route for our trip. He explained that the route can change daily based on new features and ice safety. He was personable, knowledgeable, and very experienced and made it an unforgettable experience. We had a beautiful clear day after a night of heavy rain and felt very fortunate about the great visibility. We all got pretty warm after the climbing on the ice and shed layers
Response from the operator · FoxGlacierGuiding Thank you, Alison, for the fantastic review! It sounds like you had an amazing day, especially with the clear skies. The glacier is such a spectacular place to explore, and we’re delighted you enjoyed finding your way through the ice with Jake.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Jake. It’s great to hear that his knowledge, experience and approach to finding an interesting yet safe route helped make your time on the glacier so memorable.
Thanks for joining us and for the wonderful recommendation.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Exciting and fun trip
zxlmay, August 2026
It was a very exciting experience, and our guide Will is very friendly, knowledgeable, made it a very fun trip for us.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
To expensive / Watch Group
hamburg-sr, July 2026
I booked the Fox Glacier Heli Hike on short notice because of the excellent reviews and because I really wanted to experience the glacier. While the operation is well organized, I underestimated how heavily commercialized the whole experience is. The constant helicopter traffic and the large number of visitors take away much of the natural atmosphere.
Our group was relatively large, and many participants ignored the guides’ instructions, including the assigned helicopter seating for both the outbound and return flights. Unfortunately, the guide had little control over the group, which made the experience less enjoyable.
The helicopter flight itself lasted less than a minute, making the overall experience feel very expensive for what was actually provided. When I tried to discuss my concerns afterwards, the staff were polite but clearly not interested in addressing them.
Overall, this was not worth the high price for me, and I would not book it again.
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