From Fox Glacier: Expert Guided Heli-Hike Tour at Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures

Fox Glacier Guided Heli-Hike Tour

This guided heli-hike tour combines scenic helicopter flights with expert-led glacier trekking across Fox Glacier. Your adventure begins with a helicopter departure from Fox Glacier village, soaring over dense rainforest and rivers as the landscape transforms into glistening ice and alpine peaks. The helicopter provides aerial perspectives of the glacier nestled between verdant forests and Mt Tasman.

Upon landing at the glacier's lower icefalls, your expert mountaineer guide will kit you out with professional gear and lead you on a three-hour exploration across the constantly evolving ice surface. You'll traverse crunchy blue ice, navigate through crevasses, walk beside towering seracs, and explore natural ice tunnels carved by glacial forces. Fox Glacier moves up to 10 times faster than most glaciers worldwide, creating new formations and dramatic ice shapes throughout the year.

The contrast between the icy wilderness and thriving rainforest below makes this one of the few places worldwide where glaciers descend into temperate rainforest. Your small group size is limited to 11 participants, ensuring personalised attention and safety throughout the experience.

What is Included

• Return helicopter flights from Fox Glacier village
• Three-hour guided glacier trek with expert mountaineer guide
• All specialist glacier equipment: crampons, walking poles, helmet, leather boots, waterproof outerwear, gloves and backpack
• Safety briefing and instruction
• Small group experience (maximum 11 participants)

Good to Know

The total duration is approximately four hours including helicopter flights and glacier hiking. You must arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and safety briefing. A reasonable level of fitness is required as you'll be hiking on uneven, icy terrain for several hours.

Participants must be aged 8 and above, and under 116kg in weight. The experience is not wheelchair accessible. Wear warm underlayers and lightweight trousers or leggings under the provided gear - jeans are not suitable. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen as the glacier surface is highly reflective even in winter.

Weather conditions may affect helicopter flights and glacier access. Tours may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons, with refunds or rebooking options available. The meeting point is at Fox Glacier Guiding base in Fox Glacier village.