New Zealand · GLACIER TOURS

The 15 Best Glacier Tours in New Zealand

93 tours  ·  from $65

Franz Josef, Fox and the Tasman all now need a helicopter or a boat to reach the ice. These 15 compare the heli-hikes, the terminal-lake cruises and the valley walks on price, effort and cancellation odds.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - What happens at the Franz Josef meeting point
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Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, then land for 10 minutes on snow or alpine terrain when conditions allow. You will see ice pinnacles, crevasses, and Southern Alps peaks from a helicopter, with pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Aaron providing commentary. Weather can change the route or cancel the landing.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The helicopter flight over the Southern Alps
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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Fly by helicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among blue ice, crevasses, pinnacles, and caves. Your guide handles the route and glacier safety while you use supplied boots, crampons, warm layers, and an ice axe. Groups are limited to 11, with guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Hannah leading recent trips.

“We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Gearing up at Fox Glacier Guiding
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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Take a short helicopter flight from Fox Glacier onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, then spend up to three hours walking through changing ice formations with a guide such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, or Billy. Boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are provided. Expect excellent views, careful safety work, and a real glacier walk rather than a quick photo stop.

“This was a fun trip to do. Keeley was our guide and looked after us really well. It’s just a short 4 minute helicopter ride to the glacier. It was fun to hike up it and into some caves - I imagine it’d be epic with more snowfall”

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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - The first views: rainforest, rivers, and Franz Josef Glacier
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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

4.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

You’ll fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in view. Your English-speaking pilot, such as Poppy, Mike, Mark, or Gus, provides commentary before landing on a high snowfield for 10 minutes. Expect a small group, changing routes, and weather-dependent departures.

“Enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather. Highly recommend this activity.”

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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier - The two-and-a-half-hour paddle across Lake Mapourika
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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

5.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $92

Kayak Lake Mapourika for about three hours with a local guide such as Ollie, Max, or Dani. Paddle calm, dark waters toward a protected kiwi area and untouched rainforest, with views toward the Southern Alps on clear days. Gear, transport, instruction, and digital photos are included.

“It was a nice lake kayaking activity, but we could not see the glacier from where we were on the lake.. The Staff were friendly, nice, and informative as well as passionate about the local wildlife and the protection plan to save the Kiwi. It was a rare good weather day.”

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch - The early start from Christchurch
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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

6.Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $155

Travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in a small group of up to 20. Guide Anuj is often praised for thoughtful care, useful commentary, snacks and photo stops. You get free time for lunch and the Tasman Glacier walk, but expect about eight hours on the road.

“This is a great trip. It’s been on my bucket list to see glaciers before they melt, so this was awesome. Our guide, Anuj, was amazing. He was very kind, had plenty of snacks for us, and made sure everyone had a good time. The scenery is also incredible! Just be prepared for a long drive.”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Check-in at the Franz Josef helicopter base
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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

7.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly above Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photographs and mountain views. The 35-minute trip includes about 30 minutes in the air. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your stay and allow time for a change.

“great day with a great guide. You couldn't expect more in this tour.”

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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min - Franz Josef Glacier from above
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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

8.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300

From Franz Josef, take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and, depending on weather, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the safest and most scenic route, then lands on snow for about 10 minutes of photos. Pilots including Gus, Mark, Mike, Aaron, Eddy, and Steve have been praised for calm flying and clear commentary.

“Fantastic thing to do as a family, the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Would highly recommend to do it.”

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From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour - Kawarau Gorge and the Roaring Meg lookout
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From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

9.Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 329 reviews · from $146

Spend 12 hours traveling from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with a guide and driver. Stop at Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, Omarama, Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, and High Country Salmon. Snacks and water are included, but bring lunch, sturdy shoes, and clothing for fast-changing weather.

“good time and great views a must see in south island”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From Glacier Base to the helipad
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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

10.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef town onto the glacier, then spend 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring crevasses, ice caves, ropes, and changing blue ice. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby are praised for clear safety help and lively stories. Allow at least four hours, and build in extra days for weather.

“Well planned, the entire trip took 4 hours + including preparation, debriefing etc before heading out to the helipad and glaciers. The glaciers presented a moderate challenge, as we meandered through deep crevasses, engaging in some exhilarating climbing with the aid of sturdy ropes. From a physical standpoint, the demands were manageable, and the staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring that everyone received the necessary assistance to navigate the terrain. The views were absolutely breathtaking, offering a visual feast that was undeniably worth every penny spent. The helicopter ride, in particular, served as an exhilarating aerial tour, showcasing the region's stunning landscapes from...”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Starting at 44 Main Road in Fox Glacier
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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

11.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly onto Fox Glacier, fit crampons, and spend up to three hours exploring ice caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels with guides such as Kate, Billy, or Keeley. You’ll return by helicopter after a safety-led hike on changing glacier terrain. Warm clothing, food, sunscreen, and gloves are still worth bringing.

“Super recommend, nice walking is the glacier.friendly staff”

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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - What the helicopter adds
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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

12.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

At Mount Cook Aerodrome, you’ll fly by ski plane and helicopter over the Tasman Valley, blue glacier lake, Hochstetter Icefall, and Aoraki Mount Cook. The aircraft lands on the Tasman Glacier, shuts down, and lets you step onto the snow. Flight order can change, and weather may require a reschedule or alternate glacier.

“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - The 45-minute briefing at Mount Cook Airport
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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

13.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote Tasman Glacier landing site, then follow guides such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and caves. You get boots, crampons, warm layers, and two scenic helicopter flights, with up to two hours on the glacier when weather allows.

“We had the most amazing time viewing the blue caves and heli hike on the glacier. Highly recommend.”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Check-in at Mount Cook Airport
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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

14.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Take a helicopter from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend two hours exploring its uneven ice with a professional guide, glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket if needed. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have helped make this a careful, informative outing. The return flight passes close to Aoraki’s huge Hochstetter Icefall.

“A very well organised, friendly and informative trip up with a lovely walk-around the glacier. Wwe lucked out with cleat blue skies and a great view of Mount Cook. The clouds did come down the mountains very quickly though, but thankfully sat on the mountains and didn't come down further.just a reminder of how exposed we can be to the elements. Thoroughly recommend!”

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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - The 25-minute flight and alpine landing
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Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

15.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your flight includes an alpine landing of about 10 minutes, though snow is seasonal. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm, informative flying. Weather may change the route or landing site.

“Fantastic experience. Safe and comfortable helicopter ride with a very informative pilot/ guide. Great feeling walking on the glacier.”

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New in Glacier Tours

★ 5.0Glentanner High Country Heli HikeFrom $30752 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45minFrom $403112 reviews
★ 4.5Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3088 reviews
★ 4.5Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing – 45mins14 reviews
★ 5.0Private Flight – 2 Glaciers – Snow Landing – Franz Josef – 35mins5 reviews
★ 5.0Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings – 60minsFrom $52743 reviews
★ 4.5Mt Cook and Fox Glacier with snow landing (allow 30 mins – departs Fox Glacier)From $28020 reviews
★ 4.5Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox GlacierFrom $4169 reviews
★ 5.0Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Endurance – 50minsFrom $4349 reviews
★ 5.0Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier LandingFrom $3783 reviews
★ 5.0Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes – departs Franz Josef)63 reviews
★ 5.0Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $308135 reviews
★ 5.0Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow LandingFrom $30840 reviews
★ 5.0Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins – departing Franz Josef)From $28086 reviews
★ 4.53-Hour Fishing Charter Experience at Franz Josef GlacierFrom $13925 reviews

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