Fox Glacier: up to 3 Hours Hike With Helicopter Transfer

Exploring the breathtaking Fox Glacier is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This guided hike offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the glacier’s stunning ice formations up close. Participants will soar above the landscape in a helicopter before embarking on a thrilling 3-hour trek across the glacier’s challenging terrain. With expert commentary from knowledgeable guides, visitors will explore the intricacies of this natural wonder, uncovering its hidden beauty and learning about its remarkable formation. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a deeper connection with the environment, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the power and majesty of Fox Glacier.

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

Key Points

• The tour includes a 3-hour guided glacier hike and a 5-minute helicopter transfer to reach the glacier’s surface.
• Participants can explore ice caves, arches, and unique glacial formations while learning from an expert guide about the glacier’s formation and features.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 9, wheelchair users, or individuals over 115 kg due to the challenging terrain and fitness requirements.
• Scenic helicopter flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
• The tour includes a 30-minute safety briefing, ground transportation, and all necessary safety gear, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The tour combines a guided hiking experience on Fox Glacier with a scenic helicopter transfer, offering visitors a unique and immersive glacial adventure.

This 4-hour experience includes 3 hours of hiking on the glacier, along with a 5-minute helicopter flight to and from the glacial landing site.

The tour departs from 44 Main Road, Fox Glacier, and is priced from NZ$9,748 per person.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Participants must meet certain requirements, as the tour isn’t suitable for children under 9, wheelchair users, or those over 115 kg.

The tour provides all necessary safety gear and offers an informative commentary from local expert guides.

Itinerary Details

The itinerary kicks off with a 30-minute safety briefing, followed by a 5-minute bus transfer to the glacier’s base.

From there, participants board a helicopter for a 5-minute flight that lands them directly on the glacier’s surface.

Once on the ice, the guided tour begins:

• Guests can enjoy photo stops to capture the stunning, ever-changing landscape.

• An expert guide leads the 3-hour hike, providing informative commentary on the glacier’s formation and features.

• Explorers can venture into mesmerizing ice caves, arches, and other unique glacial formations.

After the hike, there’s a 10-minute break before the return trip by helicopter and bus.

The entire experience, from start to finish, lasts approximately 4 hours.

Experience Highlights

Scenic flights over the majestic Fox Glacier provide breathtaking aerial views of the icy landscape, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Descending onto the glacier, explorers are treated to a guided tour showcasing the ever-changing ice caves, arches, and formations that dot the surface.

With commentary from local expert guides, visitors gain valuable insights into the glacier’s unique features and the forces that shape them.

The highlight of the tour is the three-hour hike, where adventurers can enjoy the glacier’s awe-inspiring beauty while navigating its challenging terrain.

Whether it’s capturing the perfect photo or simply marveling at the grandeur of nature, this tour offers a truly unique and memorable glacier experience.

Inclusions and Requirements

This tour package includes two helicopter flights, an expert guide, ground transportation, and all necessary safety gear such as leather boots, socks, crampons, walking poles, and a wet weather jacket.

However, it isn’t suitable for children under 9 years old, wheelchair users, or individuals over 254 lbs (115 kg).

Guests are recommended to bring:

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Camera
• Food and drinks
• Sunscreen and gloves

Plus, jeans and drones are prohibited on this tour.

Participants should be aware that a reasonable level of fitness and agility is required due to the challenging terrain, and all trips are subject to favorable weather conditions.

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Important Information

Fitness and agility are crucial for this tour, as the challenging terrain requires reasonable physical capabilities.

Weather conditions also heavily impact the experience, so booking the earliest available date provides flexibility in case of unfavorable forecasts.

The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 137 reviews, with highlights including the expertise of the guides and the quality of the transportation.

Customers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the organized distribution of safety equipment.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 9 years old, wheelchair users, or individuals over 254 lbs (115 kg).

Proper gear is essential, and the use of drones is prohibited.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have consistently praised the expertise of the guides, who provide informative commentary throughout the experience.

Customers have also highlighted the organized distribution of essential safety equipment, such as leather boots, crampons, and walking poles, which helps ensure a comfortable and secure trek on the glacier.

Reviews indicate that this tour offers a truly unique and memorable experience:

• Breathtaking scenery during the helicopter flights over the glacier

• Fascinating exploration of the ever-changing ice caves, arches, and formations

• Sense of accomplishment from completing the challenging 3-hour hike

• Appreciation for the guide’s deep knowledge of the local environment

• Overall rating of 4.8/5 from 137 reviewers, with high marks for transportation and guide expertise.

Safety Briefing

The safety briefing provides participants with crucial information to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Fox Glacier hike. During this 30-minute session, expert guides cover essential safety protocols and glacier etiquette. Hikers learn how to use their provided gear, including crampons and walking poles, to navigate the dynamic and slippery terrain effectively. The briefing also covers emergency procedures and highlights the importance of adhering to the guide’s instructions at all times. By equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills, the safety briefing empowers hikers to explore the glacier confidently and responsibly.

Safety Briefing Topics	Key Points
Glacier Hazards	Crevasses, ice caves, slippery surfaces
Gear Usage	Proper use of crampons, poles, and safety equipment
Emergency Procedures	Reporting incidents, following guide instructions
Glacier Etiquette	Staying together, respecting the environment
Health and Fitness	Ensuring appropriate physical condition for the hike

Scenic Helicopter Flight

The exhilarating helicopter flight whisks participants over the stunning landscapes of Fox Glacier, providing a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking natural wonder. This thrilling aerial experience offers a unique perspective:

Soar over the glacier’s vast expanse, marveling at the intricate patterns and crevasses carved into the ice.

Witness the dramatic mountainous terrain surrounding the glacier, with towering peaks and rugged cliffs.

Gain a newfound appreciation for the scale and grandeur of this natural phenomenon.

Spot the tiny hikers below, dwarfed by the sheer size of the glacier.

Return to the landing site with a heightened sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature.

Recap

This unforgettable Fox Glacier adventure combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the natural wonder of a guided glacier hike.

Explore stunning ice formations and caverns while learning from knowledgeable guides.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a deeper connection with nature, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s glacial landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: