Fox Glacier Flight, Snow Landing

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★ 4.9 50 reviews

from $291.78 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

This 35-minute helicopter trip runs from The Helicopter Line base on Fox Glacier Main South Road, SH6, and combines a scenic flight over the glacier with roughly 10 minutes standing on snow. The route passes by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) and over Fox Glacier itself, with the pilot providing live commentary the whole way. A snow landing of about 10 minutes is included when weather allows.

Check-in happens 30 minutes before departure, and this is also when the weather call is made, since conditions in the area change fast. The flight carries a maximum of 6 travellers. Infants sit on laps, children come with an adult, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Most travellers can participate, and the short 35-minute duration keeps the time commitment low. Reviewers repeatedly praise the pilots' clear commentary and the helpful staff. Several travellers describe the flight as a trip highlight.

From$291.78 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 baseArrive at The Helicopter Line, Fox Glacier Main South Road SH6, 30 minutes before departure. The weather check happens at this same check-in time.
Scenic helicopter flightBoard with up to 6 travellers for the flight, with live commentary from the pilot guide throughout.
Pass Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe route passes by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), a listed pass-by on the itinerary.
Fox Glacier flyoverThe helicopter passes over Fox Glacier, giving aerial views of the ice.
Snow landingLand on the snow for approximately 10 minutes, included in the tour, before returning to the base.

Snow Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from the weight limit to the weather call.

Two travellers lean on a timber railing and look up at a distant helicopter flying toward snow-covered Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Dress warmly. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures. This applies both to the flight and to the 10-minute snow landing.
Photography pace. Reviewers advise getting near a window and photographing everything, and several mention coming away with photos and videos of the scenery. Listening to the pilot's commentary is also worth prioritising while in the air.
Weather flexibility. Weather in the region is very changeable, and the weather decision is made at check-in. One reviewer reported the company working hard to get flights up when conditions were difficult, and that traveller still described a great experience.
Group of six. The flight carries a maximum of 6 travellers. Several reviewers describe friendly, helpful staff and first-class commentary from the pilots.
No food provided. Food and drinks are not included, and gratuities are not included either.
Weight limit. Total weight per passenger is capped at 125 kg. Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

From$291.78 per person

Rating4.9 from 50 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The biggest variable is weather: the flight requires good conditions, and the check happens only 30 minutes before departure, so a landing or even the flight itself may not go ahead. Poor-weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers, and if that minimum is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a refund.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Time Is On The Snow?

The total trip duration is 35 minutes, which includes the snow landing. The snow landing itself lasts approximately 10 minutes.

What Is Included In The Price?

The experience includes the scenic helicopter flight, live commentary on board, a pilot guide, and the approximately 10-minute snow landing. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

It starts and ends at The Helicopter Line, Fox Glacier Main South Road SH6, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand. You check in 30 minutes before departure, and the weather check happens at that same check-in time. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need transport to the base.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

The experience is wheelchair accessible and most travellers can participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. The maximum group size is 6 travellers, and the per-passenger weight limit is 125 kg.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times use the local experience time. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear, as temperatures are cold. Bring a camera, and reviewers suggest getting near a window and filming the flight.