Fox Glacier Helicopter Flying & Hiking Tour | New Zealand

The hike is easy and nice view from the heli

Friendly staff, friendly guide, great service, enjoyed an amazing hiking tour with Janny (girl with blonde hair)

The counter staff and tour guides are very friendly and suggest reserving two days in case of weather changes.

It’s really cool to actually step onto the glacier. The glacier continues to retreat every year and you really have to experience it as soon as possible. It looks flat, but there are actually many different terrains hidden in it. You can experience a lot of ways to play by following the tour guide. It’s highly recommended!

Must go if you travel in New Zealand

This time we participated in the KKDay Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight Experience & Glacier Hike. We originally planned to order it on the official website, but later we found that the time of KKday was more suitable for us, and there were coupons available, so it was more cost-effective. Because of climate change, the riverbed has retreated, and the glacier that was previously accessible on foot can only be reached by helicopter. When booking, we were informed that the tour might be cancelled due to bad weather. It happened to be cloudy when we went, and we were worried about the cancellation, but fortunately we completed the tour smoothly and saw different appearances of sunny days, cloudy days, rainy days and foggy days. After checking in, each person will be asked to measure their weight on site, and then their helicopter seat will be assigned based on their height and weight. The back seat can accommodate four people, and on the return trip the passengers will be asked to exchange seats so that everyone has the opportunity to sit by the window, which is very thoughtful. I find it very convenient to join this package tour. Basically, the necessary equipment required for the trip, such as hiking boots, waterproof jackets, pants, backpacks, trekking poles, crampons, etc., are provided. A group of 5-6 people will be paired with 2 guides. As long as you follow them obediently, your safety will be more guaranteed. The characteristics of the ice layer may change at any time, and each guide will take a different route, and adjustments will be made based on everyone's conditions. The clothing explanation took about 30 minutes, and then from boarding the helicopter to the end of the glacier hike and returning, the trip was solid for 3 hours. I think it was a very cost-effective experience considering the price.

It happened that the weather was good and my companions were all relatively young people. The guide took us directly to the highest peak of the glacier. It was really spectacular and beautiful. It is definitely worth a visit.

Before departure, you will be informed about getting on and off the helicopter and glacier hiking, and the briefing will also include simple Chinese. I was very nervous when I took a helicopter for the first time. The scenery along the way was beautiful and I felt very safe during the flight. To hike with crampons on, you need to learn the guide's way of walking, and the only thing left is not to have too little physical strength. If weight distribution allows, we will try to give the person sitting in the middle the opportunity to sit by the window on the return trip.

We were lucky to have good weather. The whole trip took nearly four hours. The weather changed very quickly. You don't need to wear too much or too thick clothes. I am afraid of the cold, so I wore a thermal jacket, a thick hoodie, a thin windproof jacket, and a wool hat. It was enough because it would be a bit hot climbing up and down. They also provided windproof and waterproof jackets and pants, as well as thick socks.

After booking, check in at the counter. The staff is very friendly and teaches safety tips and how to change cold-proof clothes and shoes and socks. Then take a helicopter to the glacier. A professional and humorous tour guide will lead you to climb the glacier. The scenery is amazing.