Tucked into the foothills of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the 12-km (7.5-mile) Fox Glacier is the country’s longest glacier, as well as a hot spot for some cool hikes. It’s not as steep and demanding as the neighboring glaciers, which means you get to focus your attention on the sights, sounds, and shapes of the ice rather than the leg burn. And the sights are magnificent—the glacier offers phenomenal views of both the temperate rainforest below and the soaring peaks above, and there are plenty of ice caves, walls, and frosted arches to explore. And the best part—the ice shifts and changes constantly, meaning that two different visits could mean two completely different experiences.
Enjoy two helicopter rides over icy peaks and lush rainforests
Explore some of New Zealand’s most dramatic glacial landscapes
The glacier isn’t steep, meaning family hikes are a great option
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Fox Glacier, please refer to the New Zealand Government’s official COVID-19 travel guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
For the Half-Day Heli Hike, a moderate level of fitness is required. You should be able to ascend and descend 500-800 m (1600-2,600 ft) over 4-6 hours in variable conditions while carrying a light pack weighing in at 10 kg (22 lbs) or more.
For the Full-Day Heli Hike and the Full-Day Heli Trek, you need to have good physical fitness levels. You should be able to ascend and descend 1,000+ m (3,280+ ft) over 8 or more hours in variable conditions while carrying a pack weighing in at 12 kg (26 lbs) or more.
No prior glacier hiking experience is required for any of these tours.
There are no individual passenger weight restrictions for heli hikes. However, if you are over 125kg/275lbs, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Drones are strictly forbidden in Fox Glacier, so we urge you to leave them behind. If not, they will be confiscated and you will face a $5,000 NZD ($3,270 USD) fine
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Heli hiking in Fox Glacier can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Fox Glacier township, the starting point of these tours, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport 5 hours away from Westland National Park, where the hut is located. From there, your easiest option is to rent a car and drive to the hut.
Alternatively, Christchurch offers daily local flights to Hokitika-Sea View Airport in Hokitika, which is only two hours away from the hut. Once there, take one of the regular bus lines to Fox Glacier.
You’ll usually be meeting your guides at their building in the Fox Glacier Township. Make sure to arrive for the check-in at least 10 minutes before departure.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
