New Zealand · WINTER ACTIVITIES
Good winter activities fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 13 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 !”
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!☺️”
See Franz Josef Glacier from above on a 20-minute helicopter flight, including a snow landing for close-up views of icefalls.
30-minute Queenstown helicopter flight with an alpine snow landing over the Whakatipu Basin. Panoramic views, pilot commentary, winter fun.
“from booking to check-in to flying, the entire experience was incredible. this is a must do when visiting queenstown. the staff are amazing and so friendly and our pilot eddie was fantastic. couldn't have asked for anything better, highly recommend!”
Fly over the Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman glaciers, then land on snow for standout photos on a 40 minute Franz Josef helicopter tour.
“The entire experience was definitely the best thing tour wise that we have ever done..strewth it was both awe inspiring and thrilling at the same time..with just a little bit of crikey thrown in as well..flying in between the snow covered summits of Mt Tasman and Mt Cook was unbelievable and then getting to land on and then walk Franz Josef Glacier for ten or so minutes was the icing on the cake ..would recommend this to everyone visiting this area of South Island NZ.. worth every cent guys.”
Twin-glacier helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with a snow landing at the glacier head and pilot commentary, 35 minutes.
Franz Josef helicopter flight over glaciers with a guaranteed snow landing, photo stops, and pilot commentary in a small group.
Fly over Glenorchy on a 25 to 30 minute helicopter ride, then step onto an alpine snow peak for panoramic winter views.
“Amazing , Matt was great, very knowledgable, in terms of geology and local history. Very smooth flying and landing . Thank you Matt 🤲🏾”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
