Fox Glacier Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing Adventures in New Zealand

So, you’re wanting to get up close and personal with the Fox Glacier, are you? That glistening river of ice located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island is almost like something out of a movie, and it’s truly worth seeing. As a matter of fact, people travel from all around to glimpse at this beauty. Choosing the tour that suits you, though, can be a bit of a puzzle. This breakdown shows you five stellar sightseeing experiences so you can pick what floats your boat. These tours are each unique and provide some very wonderful ways to witness Fox Glacier’s majesty.

1. Fox Glacier Heli-Hike: Walking on Ice in Style

Want to really amp things up? A heli-hike could be just your style! To start off with, you get whisked away in a helicopter to some almost other-worldly spot right on the glacier. Actually, landing on the ice is in itself, rather thrilling. And right after that, trained guides kit you out with crampons (basically, spiky shoes for ice) and lead you on a hike that you aren’t going to forget anytime soon. Speaking of which, the views are spectacular, with ice formations and deep blue crevasses all around you. That said, this tour is ideal for anyone who wants a mix of excitement and stunning natural charm.

Typically, these trips go for about four hours and sometimes have photo stops, too. Of course, they’re not exactly budget-friendly, yet, many feel that flying and trekking on a glacier is worth every penny. Very, very, worth it.

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

2. Glacier Valley Walk: Footsteps to Majesty

So, perhaps helicopters aren’t quite your jam. You still want to experience the magic up close, of course. Actually, the Glacier Valley Walk could just do the trick. Right, these walks usually start near the glacier’s terminal face and lead you along a pathway sculpted by the glacier over centuries. You get to see the sheer power of the ice, without needing to get on the ice itself, for instance. So, that sounds safe enough.

Along the route, a guide often shares a bit about the area’s geology, natural world, and Maori history, you know. Obviously, they’ll point out neat details you would have overlooked all by yourself. And naturally, the valley views alone are fantastic. In fact, if you like being active and learning as you go, you might very well consider this outing to be a home run.

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

3. Fox Glacier Ice Explorer: Up Close Encounters

Speaking of adventure! For folks who like things up close, the Fox Glacier Ice Explorer tour might just be it. Typically, it starts with a scenic walk through rainforest that looks almost prehistoric, leading you straight to the glacier’s edge. Then comes the interesting part. So, gear up and get right on the ice with your guides!

Is that tour right for you? So, they cut steps into the glacier so you can see its beauty safely, venturing in ways that are generally unavailable on your own. That’s without experience or fancy equipment, anyway. Actually, they explain cool facts and provide insight regarding glacial formation, so that you see that it’s both exciting and very, very educational.

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

4. Scenic Helicopter Flight: Glacier Views from Above

So, think that touching the ice is perhaps not a requirement for your bucket list? Consider a scenic helicopter trip over Fox Glacier! Basically, these flights are all about the panoramic vistas. Usually, they get you soaring high, so the scale of the glacier shows you what it is – gigantic. So, the vast ice fields, the crevasses, and that intense blue ice…it all makes one heck of a snapshot.

Also, a bonus is when the copter flies all around Mount Cook (Aoraki) if you picked out a slightly extended version of your adventure. Seeing New Zealand’s hugest peak adds yet another level to this trip, you know. I mean, even without landing, this trip gets you incredible shots and unique points of view that ground trips really can’t offer. After all, seeing this much terrain from a birds eye perspective will absolutely provide fantastic material to look back on someday!

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

5. Lake Matheson Walk: Reflections of Perfection

Alright, I hear you! Do you love serene views and easy-going trails, perhaps? The Lake Matheson Walk may be quite pleasant for you! That is, while it is not directly on Fox Glacier, that is the reason it’s more charming. Basically, you amble through some awesome native forest up to a lake renowned as the very best place in New Zealand to capture some mirror reflections. Think the snow-clad peaks of Fox Glacier and Mt Cook reflecting in the almost glassy waters – talk about picture postcard material!

So, the trail’s not hard, and there’s a cafe at the trailhead, alright. That means that one can simply savor a brew post-walk, watching the fantastic landscape. The cherry on top? Sunsets tend to be stunning. Seriously, get there near sunset and the already breathtaking location turns quite magical.

Read our full review: Lake Matheson Walk Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Matheson Walk)

There you have it: five really incredible ways to witness Fox Glacier. Either with crampons firmly digging into icy slopes or simply admiring its reflection, so many of them really display this great glacial landscape. When picking the best tour just for you, take a long, hard look at what appeals the most. What a journey you’re heading for!

Read our full review: Fox Glacier Tours Full Review and Details