Photo: Jörg Hempel · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons
Two of the most accessible glaciers in the world descend from the Southern Alps nearly to sea level on New Zealand's West Coast. Visible on flights across the South Island.
35Flight Routes
9 kmClosest Pass
🧊 IceType
Routes that pass it35
AKL → ZQN
Left
CHC → DXB
Left
DXB → CHC
Right
ZQN → AKL
Right
CHC → PER
Right
PER → CHC
Left
SYD → MUC
Left
AKL → HNL
Right
HNL → AKL
Left
MBW → SAW
Right
SAW → MBW
Left
CHC → MBW
Left
MBW → CHC
Right
CHC → MEB
Left
CHC → MEL
Left
MEB → CHC
Right
MEL → CHC
Right
BNE → BRU
Left
BRU → BNE
Right
SEA → ZQN
Right
ZQN → SEA
Left
NSN → ZQN
Right
ZQN → NSN
Left
BNE → SCL
Right
SCL → BNE
Left
SYD → ZRH
Left
ZRH → SYD
Right
CHC → CHS
Left
CHS → CHC
Right
SFO → ZQN
Right
ZQN → SFO
Left
CHC → SIN
Left
CHC → XSP
Left
SIN → CHC
Right
XSP → CHC
Right
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers from a plane?
Yes — 35 flight routes pass within 60 km of Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers. The closest routes include Auckland to Queenstown International, Christchurch to Dubai, Dubai to Christchurch. Sit on the Left side, with the landmark passing about 9 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers: on a Auckland to Queenstown International flight, sit on the Left side; on a Christchurch to Dubai flight, sit on the Left side; on a Dubai to Christchurch flight, sit on the Right side.