Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight From Fox Glacier

Soaring high above the magnificent Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight offers an unparalleled aerial adventure. With a 30-minute journey showcasing the breathtaking 8.1-mile-long Fox Glacier and the picturesque Franz Josef Glacier, this experience promises to leave visitors in awe of nature’s raw power and beauty. Guided by knowledgeable pilots, the tour includes a remarkable landing on a glacial snowfield, providing an opportunity to capture stunning photographs against a backdrop of intricate ice formations. For those seeking an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of New Zealand’s renowned glacial landscapes, this helicopter flight is a must-consider addition to any Westland itinerary.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Fox Glacier.

Key Points

• The 30-minute aerial tour showcases the stunning Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers with their ice falls, crevasses, and a landing on a snowfield.
• Experienced pilots provide engaging insights during the flight, enhancing the overall tour experience amidst New Zealand’s natural wonders.
• The tour offers flexibility with multiple daily departures, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the flight.
• Guests have the opportunity to disembark on a glacial snowfield for memorable photo opportunities, subject to safety restrictions.
• The meeting point at Glacier Helicopters is well-marked and easily accessible, with ample parking and friendly staff to assist with check-in.

Tour Overview

The Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight offers a 30-minute aerial tour of the stunning glacial landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, including both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Departing from the Fox Glacier township, you’ll soar over the glaciers’ ice falls, formations, and crevasses, with the opportunity to touch down on a snowfield for photo ops.

Throughout the day, multiple daily departures are available, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking aerial views or the chance to play in the snow, this helicopter excursion promises an unforgettable experience amid New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Highlight Attractions

One of the highlights of the Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight is the aerial views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, showcasing the stunning natural landscapes.

Soaring over the dramatic glaciers, passengers will be treated to breathtaking sights of the 8.1-mile-long Fox Glacier and the picturesque Franz Josef Glacier, named after the former Emperor of Austria in 1865.

The flight also offers the unique opportunity to touch down on a glacial snowfield, where passengers can enjoy the thrill of throwing snowballs and capturing memorable selfies against the glacier’s serene backdrop.

With the knowledgeable pilot providing insights throughout the tour, this aerial adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Logistics

Professional guides handle the tour’s logistics, providing hotel pickup and drop-off for passengers. The meeting point is Glacier Helicopters, located along the Main South Road (SH6) in Fox Glacier.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available for families. However, certain safety restrictions apply – passengers can’t bring selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, or bags on the flights.

The helicopter flights operate year-round, with limited hours on Christmas Day. Travelers enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

With a maximum group size of 100, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience in the stunning Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Given that the helicopter flights are weather-dependent, they operate year-round, though with limited hours on Christmas Day.

Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience, ensuring flexibility in planning their visit.

The helicopter tours may be subject to delays or cancellations due to inclement weather conditions, such as strong winds, low visibility, or heavy rain or snow.

In the event of a cancellation, the tour operator will work to accommodate travelers by rescheduling their flight or offering a full refund.

Guests are advised to check the weather forecast and be prepared for potential changes to the tour schedule on the day of their experience.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight, with an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews.

Reviewers consistently highlight the stunning aerial views of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, including the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Customers also praise the engaging and knowledgeable pilots, who provide an informative and memorable experience.

While some noted weather-related cancellations, they appreciated the flexibility in rescheduling or arranging alternative arrangements.

Many travelers recommend booking morning flights to increase the chances of ideal weather conditions.

Glacier Helicopter Flights

Glacier helicopter flights offer visitors a unique and breathtaking perspective of New Zealand’s stunning glacial landscapes. These aerial tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above, showcasing the intricate ice formations, crevasses, and dramatic vistas that can’t be fully appreciated from the ground.

During the flights, travelers can:

• Marvel at the sheer scale and grandeur of the glaciers

• Capture awe-inspiring aerial photographs and selfies

• Disembark on a snowfield for an unforgettable on-ice experience

With professional pilots at the helm, these helicopter excursions deliver an exhilarating and unforgettable way to explore the natural wonder of these iconic New Zealand glaciers.

Snowfield Photography Opportunities

One of the highlights of the Fox Glacier helicopter flight is the opportunity to disembark on a glacial snowfield and capture memorable selfies and photographs.

During the 30-minute aerial tour, the helicopter lands on a pristine snowfield surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Here, guests can step out, throw some snowballs, and take stunning photos of the towering ice formations and crevasses.

The pilots are well-versed in finding the best landing spots, ensuring guests have ample time to explore and immortalize their experience.

With no selfie sticks or drones allowed, travelers can focus on enjoying the moment and creating lasting memories of their glacier adventure.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Situated along the Main South Road, or State Highway 6, the Glacier Helicopters meeting point in Fox Glacier township provides a convenient starting point for the helicopter tour. Visitors can easily locate the meeting point, which is well-marked and easily accessible. The team at Glacier Helicopters ensures a seamless experience, from check-in to takeoff. Getting to the meeting point is a breeze, allowing travelers to focus on the excitement of the upcoming aerial adventure.

The meeting point offers:

• Ample parking for visitors
• Friendly staff to assist with check-in and logistics
• A comfortable waiting area to enjoy before the flight

With the meeting point conveniently located, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable helicopter tour of the stunning Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helicopter Flight Suitable for Young Children?

The helicopter flight is suitable for young children. Infant seats are available, and the tour includes memorable family experiences. However, some safety restrictions apply, such as no selfie sticks or drones allowed on the flights.

Are There Any Weight or Height Restrictions for Passengers?

There are no explicit weight or height restrictions for passengers on the glacier helicopter tour. However, the helicopter’s maximum capacity and safety considerations may limit the tour’s suitability for very young children or individuals of certain sizes. It’s best to consult the tour operator for specifics.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Flight?

No, passengers are not allowed to bring their own snacks or drinks on the helicopter flight. The tour operator has restrictions in place for safety and to maintain the cleanliness of the aircraft.

How Many Passengers Can Fit in the Helicopter at a Time?

The helicopter tour can accommodate up to 6 passengers at a time. This information is specified in the tour details, which state the maximum group size is 100 travelers across multiple flights throughout the day.

Is the Helicopter Ride Suitable for Those With a Fear of Heights?

The helicopter ride may not be suitable for those with a severe fear of heights, as it offers aerial views and a landing on the glacier. However, the safety precautions and guides can help alleviate concerns for some travelers.

Recap

This breathtaking Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight offers an unforgettable aerial adventure over Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Soar above the magnificent 8.1-mile-long Fox Glacier and picturesque Franz Josef Glacier, with a memorable landing on a glacial snowfield providing fantastic photo opportunities.

Knowledgeable pilots provide insightful commentary, ensuring a truly spectacular experience.