The Grand Helicopter Tour: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

You'll set out for a flying adventure from Franz Josef and travel over the unique landscape of the Southern Alps. Soar over the Fox Glacier and get a glimpse into the flora and fauna of the mountainous regions. You'll see the steep incline of the Franz Josef glacier and appreciate the rugged geography of its rock formations and waterfalls.

Flying by the peaks of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, you're in for stunning panoramic views of this intriguing part of New Zealand. You'll get a chance to see the largest glacier in the country, Tasman Glacier, in all its glory - its ice structures reflecting sunlight perfectly. As you enjoy the snow landing in the vast snowfields, you can play a fun snowball fight and take photographs of these once-in-a-lifetime Kodak moments.

The Grand Helicopter Tour: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's Southern Alps on this guided helicopter tour that includes stops at Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Mt. Cook, Mt. Tasman, and the Tasman Glacier. Spanning approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, this adventure offers unparalleled views of unique waterfalls, rock formations, and ice structures. The tour is available in multiple languages including English, Mandarin, and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of international visitors. It covers an expansive area of over 20,000 square kilometers, providing an immersive experience that highlights the region's natural beauty. With stops at iconic landmarks such as the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, this tour offers a rare vantage point from which to appreciate the glacial formations and snowfields of the Southern Alps.

Explore Unique Ice Structures at Franz Josef Glacier

Your tour stops at Franz Josef Glacier where guests can marvel at its vast expanse. Established in 1872, this glacier covers an area of approximately 6 square kilometers and extends over 12 kilometers in length. Visitors will see the unique ice structures known as seracs, which are towering ice columns formed by glacial crevasses. Additionally, guests can observe the stunning blue ice caves that form within the glacier's interior during summer months. The tour includes a smooth landing onto the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps, offering an opportunity to engage in a playful snowball fight for approximately 15 minutes. This experience is unique compared to other tours as it provides hands-on interaction with the natural environment while also delivering educational insights from knowledgeable guides.

Witness Spectacular Glacial Views at Fox Glacier

Your tour continues to Fox Glacier, where guests can witness its stunning glacial views and learn about its historical significance. The glacier covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometers and is known for its fast-moving ice that has advanced over the past decade. Visitors will see unique rock formations such as the Hooker Rocks and the distinctive blue coloration of the ice, which results from compressed air bubbles within the glacial ice. Additionally, guests can observe rare waterfalls cascading down the glacier's sides during summer months. The tour includes approximately 20 minutes at Fox Glacier, providing ample time for photography and contemplation of this natural wonder.

Marvel at Mt. Cook

Your tour takes you to New Zealand's highest peak, Mt. Cook, where guests can marvel at its majestic presence. Standing at an impressive height of 3,724 meters above sea level, Mt. Cook is known for its snow-capped summit and surrounding alpine meadows. Visitors will see the unique rock formations that characterize this area, including the distinctive Hooker Rocks near the base of the mountain. Additionally, guests can observe rare waterfalls cascading down the slopes during summer months. The tour includes approximately 15 minutes at Mt. Cook, providing ample time for photography and contemplation of this natural wonder.

Experience the Tasman Glacier

Your tour continues to the Tasman Glacier, where guests can experience its vast expanse from a rare vantage point. Spanning over 90 square kilometers, the Tasman Glacier is one of New Zealand's largest glaciers and offers stunning views of its ice structures and surrounding rock formations. Visitors will see unique features such as the Hooker Lake, which forms at the foot of the glacier during summer months. Additionally, guests can observe rare waterfalls cascading down the slopes during spring and summer seasons. The tour includes approximately 20 minutes at Tasman Glacier, providing ample time for photography and contemplation of this natural wonder.

Tour Highlights

• Admire ice structures at Fox Glacier
• Helicopter ride over Mt. Cook for 15 min
• Guide narration in English, Mandarin, Japanese
• Play a snowball fight on Southern Alps snowfields
• Observe unique waterfalls and rock formations at Franz Josef Glacier
• Explore Hooker Rocks near Mt. Cook base
• See Hooker Lake formed by Tasman Glacier meltwater
• Learn rare-known facts about the region from your guide

Perfect for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and photography buffs, this guided helicopter tour provides an immersive experience of New Zealand's Southern Alps. The 1 hour and 45 minutes duration allows you to explore the unique ice structures at Fox Glacier, witness the majestic presence of Mt. Cook, marvel at the vast expanse of the Tasman Glacier, and engage in a playful snowball fight on the Southern Alps' snowfields. This tour offers unparalleled views and hands-on interaction with natural wonders, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.