Twin Glacier Flights on a Campervan Trip: Franz Josef and Fox in One Flight

Quick summary: On a campervan trip down the West Coast, a twin glacier flight takes in both of the West Coast’s great glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox, in a single trip, usually with a snow landing high among the peaks. It’s one of the most popular scenic flights in New Zealand, and an ideal choice for campervan and motorhome travellers with limited time on the coast. Flights leave from both townships, last around 30–40 minutes, and give a sense of the scale of the ice that’s impossible to get from the ground.

At a glance
Glaciers	Franz Josef and Fox
Flights from	Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships
Flight length	Around 30–40 minutes
Snow landing	Usually included, on a glacier snowfield
Aircraft	Helicopters, and sometimes ski-planes
Tours	Twin glacier tours

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What do you see on a twin glacier flight?

The flight climbs one glacier valley from the rainforest, crosses the snowfields at its head, lands on the snow for a few minutes, then crosses over the ridge and descends the other glacier. Along the way you see icefalls, crevasse fields and the high peaks of the Southern Alps, with Aoraki/Mount Cook and Aoraki/Mount Tasman often in view, and the Tasman Sea on the horizon.

Why choose a twin glacier flight?

Because it shows you both glaciers in the time it takes to drive between them. Franz Josef and Fox are only around 25 km apart by road, but each has its own character, and seeing them from above shows how they flow from the same vast snowfields. It’s also a good option if you have only one night on the West Coast, since one flight covers both.

Should you fly from Franz Josef or Fox?

It makes little difference to the flight itself. Choose the township where you’re staying, so you can walk to the base from your holiday park. If you’re travelling north, fly from Fox; if you’re travelling south, fly from Franz Josef. See Franz Josef by campervan and Fox Glacier by campervan.

Can you squeeze a twin glacier flight into a one-night RV stop?

You can, if the weather cooperates. Book the flight for the morning after you arrive, and choose a holiday park within walking distance of the base. If the flight is cancelled, you’ll need to decide whether to stay another night or move on, so a second night on the coast gives a much better chance. See our guide to weather and spare days.

How does it compare with other flights?

Option	What it adds
Single glacier flight	A shorter, simpler flight over one glacier
Twin glacier flight	Both glaciers and a snow landing
Mount Cook flight	Adds a circuit of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier
Heli-hike	Time walking on the ice rather than flying over it

See helicopter flights and snow landings and heli-hiking.

Where can you book?

Browse twin glacier tours, or all helicopter tours from the glacier townships.

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Frequently Asked Questions