Fox Glacier Return Flight, 35 Minutes

Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

11 reviews

from $288.37 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 35 minutes
Meeting point: Main South Road, Fox Glacier
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 35-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters leaves from Main South Road on State Highway 6 in Fox Glacier and packs a snow landing into a short window. After checking in half an hour before departure, you fly over the glacier country, touch down on the snow of Fox Glacier itself when conditions allow, and continue past Aoraki / Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in the country, before returning to the same base.

A professional pilot flies the helicopter, and the itinerary allocates roughly 10 minutes each over Fox Glacier, the surrounding area, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park within Te Wahipounamu. Photo chances come throughout the flight. Anything payable on arrival beyond the booking is not mentioned; check the live booking page.

It suits most travellers who can board a helicopter, with children welcome when accompanied by an adult and infants able to sit on laps. It does not suit wheelchair users, and anyone over the per-passenger weight limit of 150 kg should check options before booking. Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not part of the package, so plan to arrive and eat independently.

From$288.37 per person

Duration35 minutes

Reviews11 reviews

What's Included

Included

Professional Pilot
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Snow landing on Fox Glacier
Fly by New Zealand's tallest mountain - Aoraki / Mt Cook
Photo opportunities throughout the experience

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Fox Glacier baseMeet at Main South Road, SH6, Fox Glacier 7859, and check in 30 minutes before the chosen departure time. The flight ends back at the same point.
Fox Glacier flyoverThe flight includes about 10 minutes over Fox Glacier.
Surrounding glacier area
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe route continues into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) for about 10 minutes, flying by New Zealand's tallest mountain.
Return to baseThe helicopter lands back at the Glacier Helicopters base on Main South Road, where the experience ends.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from what you can carry on board to how the weather call is made.

A distant helicopter crossing low over the main divide's ice neves toward Aoraki / Mount Cook as sun breaks through cloud.

What to bring. The operator recommends warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, a camera, and a sense of adventure. Bags of any kind are banned on board, so pockets only.
Leave behind. Selfie sticks, drones, flammable liquids, lighters, and iPads or tablets are not allowed on any of the flights. The operator cites safety reasons for the list.
Weather dependence. Flights run all year round, weather permitting. If poor weather cancels a departure, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund.
Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers make their own way to the Main South Road base. The site is near public transportation.
Group and kids. The flight carries a maximum of 12 travellers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants sit on laps, and infant seats are available.
Weight limit. Total weight per passenger is capped at 150 kg. Confirmation is sent at the time of booking.

From$288.37 per person

Reviews11 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Bookings can be disrupted even after confirmation: one reviewer described being told their flight was unconfirmed shortly before departure after another passenger moved flights, leaving them out of pocket pending a refund. On Christmas Day the operator runs only from 9 am to 12 pm. The flight is not wheelchair accessible, requires a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, and depends entirely on suitable weather, so last-minute changes to the schedule are a real possibility.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A professional pilot, the scenic helicopter flight, a snow landing on Fox Glacier, a fly-by of Aoraki / Mount Cook, and photo opportunities throughout. The flight lasts 35 minutes.

Is Food Or Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded too. Travellers meet at Main South Road, SH6, Fox Glacier 7859, and check in 30 minutes before departure.

Is There A Weight Limit?

Yes, total weight per passenger is limited to 150 kg. The limit is listed in the booking conditions for this flight.

Can Children Join The Flight?

Children can fly when accompanied by an adult. Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, a different date or a full refund is offered.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, and a camera are recommended. Bags, selfie sticks, drones, lighters, flammable liquids, and tablets are not permitted on board.