Top Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Nature and Wildlife Tours

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the professional pilot before landing atop either Fox or Franz Josef. Then hop out and focus your camera lens on a glacial scene of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields and plunging crevasses — considered to be among New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. After your return flight.. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Explore the landscape around the Franz Josef glacier and New Zealand's rugged West Coast on a 2-hour ATV tour from Franz Josef village. Take in the mountains and rainforest of the Southern Alps as you go offroad and follow paths carved by ancient glaciers paths in the wilderness. Your guide leads you through the rainforest, riverbeds, grasslands, and mud on a thrilling tour that includes use of ATV equipment and wet weather gear.

This 20-minute scenic helicopter flight takes you soaring above Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier with a snow landing at the top — the perfect opportunity to get up close to a glacier in the South Island. You’ll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over towering ice formations before a soft landing in a snowfield. Admire Mt Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, from the glacial summit.

Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide.  Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.

See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

This short helicopter tour offers the unique opportunity to get close to two of New Zealand’s iconic glaciers, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Fly by some of the region’s many natural wonders, including Mount Tasman, Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier, and make the most of incredible photo opportunities. This tour is operated by the only local company with Government permission to land on the snow inside Westland Tai Poutini National Park – you won’t get this chance with anyone else.

Visit both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single tour from Franz Josef on this flight tour that includes a snow landing. Get up close with the blue ice of these mammoth glaciers and snap unbelievable aerial photos from both the air and the ground level. Learn about the glaciology and environment of the area through your pilot's guided commentary.

Lake Mapourika holds great stock of New Zealand Brown Trout and Wild Sea-Run Salmon. The calm waters and scenic views will keep all anglers entertained. Our unique comfortable tour boat makes fishing and excellent activity rain or shine.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand’s famous Kiwi birds.

Learn about the New Zealand native bird, the kiwi, with admission to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Tour the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island and opt to include a Backstage Pass Tour, where you'll get 30 minutes of access behind the scenes. Your ticket also includes access to the West Coast storytelling areas and an interactive glacier exhibition. Buy your passes in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular attraction, great for all weather and all times of year.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand’s largest and most magnificent glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking the glacier.

Get aerial views of Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier on this air flight, including a snow landing. Take fantastic photos of the pinnacles and sheer crevasses, then make a snow landing for more shots of you and your party. Multiple departure times throughout the day make for a flexible outing, and you'll learn about the glaciers through your guide/pilot's informative commentary.

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.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps enjoying a 15 minute snow landing on our 45 minute Ultimate Discovery Flight.

Locally owned at operated family business. Informative small group tours with experienced nature guide. . Family-friendly and suitable for all ages & abilities, we cater tours to suit you, at your pace. Lots of information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora & fauna, local legends & history.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See the Franz Josef Glacier, Geikie Snowfields and the Southern Alps and enjoy a 10 minute snow landing on our 30 minute Glacier Plus Flight.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014. They still have their sleeves rolled up each day working their roles in the business and are both experienced pilots themselves. Our small team are passionate about what we do, to us it’s more than just a scenic flight. We want you to experience the real West Coast and would love for you to join us to see the rainforests, glaciers and mountains that form our incredible backyard. See the Franz Josef Glacier, the Southern Alps and enjoy a 10 minute snow landing on our 25 minute Glacier Explorer Flight.