Glacier Tours

The walks to the Fox Glacier viewpoint and Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint are the easiest and cheapest ways to see the ice of a glacier. Landing on a glacier by helicopter and perhaps joining a guided walk on the ice is unforgettable. All the helicopter companies listed here offer similar tours and prices, as well as similarly stunning spectacles.

Fox and Franz Heliservices. These guys have been operating since 1986 and run the only 100% locally owned venture licensed to land on the glaciers. If your time is limited, try a 20-minute spin with a landing on either Fox or Franz Josef glacier. Longer flights also including glacier landings, explore around Mt. Aoraki/Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, and, weather permitting, across the Main Divide. Departures are from both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships. The company also runs the Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon, in Fox Glacier township. Alpine Adventure Centre, Main Rd., Fox Glacier, West Coast, 7856. 03/752–0793; 0800/800–793; www.scenic-flights.co.nz.

Fox Glacier Guiding. Glacier walks and climbs suit all fitness levels, budgets, and time frames, and some are suitable for kids. Options range from the terminal face walk (you won't walk on the glacier but you will learn all about it's power—from five years and up), to walks up onto the glacier of varying durations (four hours to eight or nine). Kids aged from seven are allowed on the four-hour trip. For longer trips 13 is the minimum age. There's also heli-ice climbing on the upper icefall, plus an overnight heli-trek adventure where you stay high above the glacier in a historic alpine hut. Reservations are recommended. Fox Glacier Guiding Bldg., 44 Main Rd., Fox Glacier, West Coast, 7859. 03/751–0825; 0800/111–600; www.foxguides.co.nz. From NZ$59 (valley walk) and NZ$115 (heli-hikes).

Franz Josef Glacier Guides. You'll be flown up onto the ice field and guided on a glacier exploration on two heli-hike options, four hours (three on the ice) and three hours (two on the ice with additional scenic flight). They also offer a guided glacier valley walk up the canyon-like floor where the glacier once ground its icy way before retreating. You won't get onto the ice on this trip but you'll learn about its awesome power. Bookings are essential. 63 Cron St., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7856. 03/752–0763; 0800/484–337; www.franzjosefglacier.com. From NZ$75 (valley walk) and NZ$339 (heli-hike).

Glacier Country Scenic Flights. Flights leave from Whataroa Valley, just a 30-minute drive north of Franz Josef township. The advantage is you get to see more mountains en route to the glaciers, and the weather can be more settled in the open valley, away from the glaciers. Both scenic flights and heli-hikes are available. You can be picked up from Franz Josef or Fox townships. Main Rd., Whataroa , West Coast, 7886. 03/753–4096; 0800/423–463; glacieradventures.co.nz. From NZ$195 (scenic flights) and NZ$435 (heli-hikes).

Glacier Helicopters. Offer scenic flights, starting from 20 minutes (NZ$235) to either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, and a four-hour heli-hike, flying to and landing on Fox Glacier and walking on the ice (NZ$399). Bases in both Franz Josef and Fox townships. Main Rd., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7886. 0800/800--732; glacierhelicopters.co.nz.

Helicopter Line. Several scenic flights include quick flight over the glaciers (20 minutes) and/or longer trips around Aoraki/Mt. Cook, from heliports at either Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. Three-hour heli-hikes on Franz Josef Glacier are another option, with two hours up on the ice. Reservations are recommended in summer and essential for the heli-hikes. Main Rd., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7856. 03/752–0767; 0800/807–767; www.helicopter.co.nz/glaciers. From NZ$235 (quick flights) and NZ$425 (heli-hikes).

Mountain Helicopters. Fly out of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier on helicopter flights as short as 10 minutes. Smaller choppers mean that everyone gets a window seat, and the experience is more intimate than it can be with the bigger operators. They also have an office on the main street at Fox Glacier. Fern Grove Souvenir Bldg., Main St., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7856. 03/751–0045; 0800/369–423; www.mountainhelicopters.co.nz. From NZ$99.