Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tickets: Top 5 Tours Compared

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tickets: Top 5 Tours Compared

Franz Josef Glacier aerial view

Visiting New Zealand’s glaciers is really something. It’s almost like stepping into a postcard. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, these icy giants nestled on the west coast of the South Island, pull people in with their amazing beauty and promise adventure around every corner. But getting there and knowing which tour is the best? That could be a little tough. Let’s get into five of the best tickets and passes, that, for the glaciers, are sure to make that adventure you are after something worth remembering.

1. Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour

Seeing the glaciers from above is seriously spectacular. The Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing really gives you, like your, special view, landing on snow far up, allowing that mountain air to slap you about. You, as a customer, get, actually, to go into places otherwise totally off limits and grab that memory for life.

What’s Cool: The ride is almost as good as the landing. I mean, seriously, you get the wide views you are after without those pesky trails. The glaciers almost glow that beautiful blue, from a bird’s eye view, it is that intense!

Potential Downsides: This sort of thing leans towards the, frankly, pricier side of touring, so you might have to spend more if you are thinking about doing it. If it gets rough out there, your flight could get moved about or even canceled. So make sure you have travel insurance or flexibility, okay?

Read our full review: Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour)

2. Fox Glacier Valley Walk

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

Looking for something a bit less in the air and a bit more under the, you know, boots? This Valley Walk option takes you through that rocky river area that goes right up to Fox Glacier. It’s, basically, a good choice for taking pictures and really feeling that natural power.

What’s Cool: Because this goes on down in that valley floor it’s way cheaper than those big rides, right? You’re really near all that frozen ice; feel that crisp, freezing wind that’s kind of powerful. So powerful. And this walk can be suitable for most folks – like your grandma even!

Potential Downsides: How far up the trail is, and how good your pics might be, are just a little subject to weather conditions that shift the access point from time to time. Be prepared for things a little wet!

Read our full review: Fox Glacier Valley Walk Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Fox Glacier Valley Walk)

3. Glacier Heli Hike Combo (Franz Josef or Fox)

Glacier Heli Hike Combo

I mean, imagine if you could almost put both great ideas we spoke of, a little, into one, so you could? That’s what you get with that Heli Hike thingy. This involves riding to your spot with a chopper, getting down there, going for a wander across your glacier on foot with that knowledgeable guide, right up there with you, of course, just to do some things safely.

What’s Cool: It means you, sort of, do all stuff at the glaciers with both perspectives from above plus an on foot personal walk across, allowing full engagement plus great photo memories you’d want. Having guides also tends to give you little insights around safety while adding some historical facts too which some might find interesting or maybe not! Who knows?

Potential Downsides: Weather can mess this trip just a bit. And this tour really requires a bit of moderate fitness so one can get out there safely to go glacier exploring. I mean seriously, just a bit.

Read our full review: Glacier Heli Hike Combo Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glacier Heli Hike Combo)

4. Franz Josef Wildlife Centre Ticket

Franz Josef Wildlife Centre

How about a way to go beyond ice now? Located in Franz Josef township sits this wildlife center featuring rare Kiwi viewing areas, alright? Now you might get a sight of those amazing national birds.

What’s Cool: That wildlife centre makes that sure spot for witnessing kiwis which can be, generally, something challenging out in those wild, you know? The setting often provides cool engagement with locals while sharing information around the area wildlife preservation initiatives.

Potential Downsides: Glacier views aren’t really involved, which some folks wanting just that experience for themselves could potentially deem disappointing when viewing what one thought of being that Glacier experience around New Zealand from outside countries, etc.

Read our full review: Franz Josef Wildlife Centre Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Franz Josef Wildlife Centre)

5. Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight

Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight

So now you have got one to, kind of, check all around those surrounding spots in the region – now try checking out those scenic flights taking folks all around Tasman Glacier instead – basically a helicopter tour offering views out above the Southern Alps region.

What’s Cool: Being flown round Mount Cook can be breathtaking and provides really awesome scenes that others tours maybe don’t usually provide, alright? It brings you above all the Southern Alps. So just be ready to remember!

Potential Downsides: That glacier region doesn’t take you through either Franz Josef nor Fox Glacier region and focuses outside of this and also the tickets probably costs additional expenses compared directly with any others closer still around there. I mean, seriously.

Read our full review: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight)