New Zealand · WINTER ACTIVITIES
Good winter activities fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with a snow landing and pilot commentary. Panoramic Southern Alps views in 35 mins.
“We were lucky to have a great day for the helicopter ride which I’m sure makes all the difference.”
A 35-minute helicopter hop over Franz Josef plus Fox or Tasman, with a weather-permitting snow landing for photos in a small group.
“The Franz Josef heli tour was absolutely incredible! We got to land on the snow and see multiple glaciers up close. Our pilot, Mark, was fantastic—he clearly knew the area well and shared interesting details about each glacier we flew over. The whole experience was unforgettable and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting!”
25-minute Franz Josef glacier helicopter with snow landing. Step onto an icefield, spot crevasses from above, and snap photos fast.
“Our 2pm flight was canceled due to cloud cover but the staff were able to put us on an 8am the next day. We had blue skies and wonderful conditions. It’s only a very short amount of time out of the helicopter, just enough time to get some pics and head back down. The flight itself was amazing, flying low over the glacier and up close to the waterfall.”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight in Franz Josef with snow landing on the ice, plus Fox Glacier views from the air and pilot narration.
“Waking to cloud cover only to see the skies clearing just in time to lift off and be able to land on the glacier..a stunning view of snow and ice and a truly amazing experience. Tim was our pilot and gave us an unforgettable and joyous trip.”
Queenstown Ice Bar beside Skyline Gondola. 1 hour, warm gear included, ice-carved rooms, premium cocktails or mocktails in ice glasses.
“Brilliant experience. Ice sculptures were incredible. The cocktails were absolutely delicious and boozy. The guide Lucy was so lovely & made it a great experience for myself and my friend. The music was great and smashing the ice cup at the end was the highlight for sure! Highly recommend this place !”
Helicopter flight with snow landing to see Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers plus Mount Cook, in a small group.
“Enjoyed every minute. Trip cut short due to weather but part of money refunded.. they kept us up to date the day before about this being a possibility. Pilot Poppy was very friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable re the ride. I would do this again.”
25-minute Fox Glacier helicopter flight with an on-snow landing, expert pilot commentary, and big Southern Alps views for about $230.
“Great trip and I was surprised to be upgraded at the last moment. Jay was a great pilot and gave us just enough info to further enhance the trip.”
A 20-minute helicopter ride from Franz Josef with a glacier snow landing, headset commentary, and Southern Alps views of the South Island.
“It was absolutely stunning! We were so lucky that the weather was perfect. I am so happy that we have booked this activity as it is one of the highlights of our trip. Our pilot was very nice and he made us feel really comfortable all throughout the flight! We highly recommend this activity!☺️”
Fox Glacier 25-min helicopter with snow landing. Aerial icefalls, peaks and rivers plus onboard commentary, small-group ride.
“Not to be missed, weather was fabulous which made for a spectacular flight. Organisation was great and our pilot gave a great commentary on our journey”
Fly from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to see both glaciers, with a snow landing for up-close blue ice views and great photos.
“Being able to view the glacier and mountain from above prior to landing on the glacier. It was my wife's first time in a chopper and she felt very comfortable with the flying experience. Although it is sad to hear the glacier is receding.”
Fly over Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, with a short snow landing for close-up views, crevasses, and guided commentary from Franz Josef.
“Great experience! Wish we could have more time spent in the snow! Pilot and ground staff were friendly and helpful!”
See Franz Josef Glacier from above on a 20-minute helicopter flight, including a snow landing for close-up views of icefalls.
Queenstown helicopter tour with an alpine snow landing, hotel pickup, and a quiet shut-down moment for unforgettable winter photos.
“Best part of the trip. Superb professionalism and safety. Fun to the supreme. A must do while in Queenstown. See sights that you can only imagine.”
Fly from Franz Josef over four glaciers to Mt Cook, then enjoy two 10-minute snow and Shackleton landings on this 1-hour helicopter tour.
“Our flight was reduced to the 45 minute Ultimate Discovery with 1 landing, refunding us for the difference. The flight in was beautiful with knowledgeable commentary from Mark. The landing spot was spectacular, with unbeatable views of tRead more”
Fly Fox Glacier with a snow landing, then soar to Aoraki Mt. Cook. Small-group helicopter ride with pilot narration from NZ’s Alps.
“Cool , cool ,cool ! Get near a window and take photos of absolutely everything . Listen to the pilot . Enjoy”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
