Fox Glacier Flight, Snow Landing

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★ 4.9 50 reviews

from $288.37 per person

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

Overview

Thirty-five minutes is all this flight needs. The Helicopter Line lifts off from Fox Glacier, on State Highway 6, and climbs over the Southern Alps toward the ice, with a pilot narrating the whole way. The flight includes a snow landing of roughly ten minutes. Several travellers call this flight the highlight of their New Zealand trip.

The route passes over the Fox Glacier and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, listed by its Te Wahipounamu name. You stay in the aircraft for most of it, stepping out only at the alpine landing. One traveller advises grabbing a window seat if you can and photographing absolutely everything.

It suits most people: the experience is wheelchair accessible, infants ride on laps, and children come along with an adult, up to six travellers per flight. Glacier scenery and a snow landing fit into a single short outing in the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier area. Check-in happens thirty minutes before departure, when the weather call is also made.

From$288.37 per person

Duration35 minutes

Rating4.9 from 50 reviews

What's Included

Included

Scenic helicopter flight
Live commentary on board
Pilot guide
Snow landing approx. 10 minutes
Allow 35-minute total trip duration including alpine landing

Not Included

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Run byThe Helicopter Line

Itinerary

Check in at Fox GlacierMeet at The Helicopter Line base on Main South Road SH6, Fox Glacier. Arrive thirty minutes before departure, as the weather check happens at check-in.
Scenic flight over the Southern AlpsTake off for a helicopter flight across the Southern Alps, with live commentary from the pilot throughout.
Fly over Fox GlacierPass over Fox Glacier itself, one of the headline sights of the flight.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkContinue past Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, within the Te Wahipounamu area.
Snow landingTouch down on the snow for approximately ten minutes for photos before lifting off again.
Return to baseFly back to the same Fox Glacier meeting point. Total trip duration, including the alpine landing, is 35 minutes.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from the weight limit to what the landing allows.

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

Dress warmly. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures, especially at the snow landing. Clear skies and sun are mentioned, but the alpine air stays cold regardless.
Plan your photos. One reviewer said to get near a window and take photos of absolutely everything, and to listen to the pilot's commentary. With the flight lasting 35 minutes in total, decide early what shots matter most.
Weather is decisive. Conditions in the Southern Alps change fast, and the weather check happens at check-in, thirty minutes before departure. One reviewer described the company working hard to get flights airborne when weather intervened, so build some flexibility into your day.
Maximum of six. Each flight carries a maximum of six travellers, with a pilot guide providing live commentary. Reviewers repeatedly praise the pilots as informative and the staff as friendly and helpful.
No food or drink. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Gratuities are also not included.
Weight and mobility. The total weight limit per passenger is 125 kg. The experience is wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

From$288.37 per person

Rating4.9 from 50 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The flight depends on good weather, and it also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, so cancellations happen and you may be offered a different date or a full refund. Weather can also stop flights from getting up onto the glacier at all, though one traveller reported the company worked hard to get them airborne and the trip was still great. Refunds are only guaranteed if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the scenic helicopter flight, live commentary on board, a pilot guide, and a snow landing of roughly ten minutes. The total trip duration is 35 minutes including the alpine landing. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

The meeting point is The Helicopter Line base on Main South Road SH6, Fox Glacier. You check in thirty minutes before departure, and the weather check happens at that same time. The flight ends back at the same point. Pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need transport to the base.

How Long Is The Flight?

Allow 35 minutes total, including the alpine snow landing of about ten minutes. The flight itself covers the Southern Alps, Fox Glacier and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park scenery.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

Yes, with conditions. The experience is wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most travellers can participate, and each flight takes a maximum of six people.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, no refund or changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear because of cold temperatures at altitude and on the snow. Bring a camera or a phone for photos; getting near a window and photographing everything is suggested. Note the total weight limit of 125 kg per passenger.