FOX GLACIER / WAIAU AIRPLANE FIELD GUIDE
Heli-Soar Above Fox and Franz Josef — Land on the Snow Where Ice Carved the Valleys
A 35-minute scenic helicopter flight from Fox Glacier that flies over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soars above the townships and Southern Alps, and lands on the glacier snow to view the valleys below.
Heli-Soar Above Fox and Franz Josef — Land on the Snow Where Ice Carved the Valleys.
From Fox Glacier / Waiau on New Zealand’s West Coast, this short but intense helicopter outing climbs above township roofs and the braided ice of two great glaciers—Franz Josef and Fox—tracing their flows into the upper reaches of the Southern Alps before settling on snow at a glacier head to survey the valleys carved by moving ice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Glaciers from Above
The flight takes you over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, offering a rare aerial perspective on their ice flows and the rugged Southern Alps that sculpt them.
Township to Upper Ice
You’ll soar above the township, then follow the glacier’s ice flow up to the upper reaches, seeing the transitions from coastal settlement to alpine ice.
Snow Landing and Valley Views
The helicopter lands on the snow at the head of one glacier, where you can look down into the deep valleys the glacier has carved below.
What the day feels like
What the Flight Feels Like
In roughly 35 minutes you climb out of Fox Glacier township, cross lowland and moraine, and rise into alpine air. The sequence—township, ice flow, upper reaches, snow landing—compresses a dramatic landscape story into a single aerial arc, ending with a snow touchdown where the scale of glacial carving is visible at a glance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best—and who should check details first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow 35 minutes for the scenic helicopter flight.
Meet at Main South Road, Franz Josef before departure.
Warm clothing (jacket), comfortable sturdy shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and phone or camera (large cameras on a strap).
Do not bring bags, selfie sticks, iPads, loose scarves, or dangerous goods on the aircraft.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the flight?
Allow 35 minutes for the scenic helicopter flight.
Where do we meet for the flight?
The meeting location is Main South Road, Franz Josef.
Will we land on the glacier snow?
Yes — the flight includes a landing on the snow at the head of one of the glaciers to view the valleys below.
What should I bring on the flight?
Bring warm clothing (a jacket), comfortable, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a phone or camera (large cameras should be on a strap).
Are there items I cannot bring on the aircraft?
Bags, selfie sticks, iPads, loose clothing and scarves, and dangerous goods are not permitted on the aircraft.
Is this experience suitable for children?
The outing is described as suitable for all ages—check specific operator guidance for any age-related details prior to booking.