Franz Josef Glacier
- Address:Franz Josef
- Admission:Free
11:58 PM Saturday, May 26
Clear. Cool.
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One of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, the Franz Josef Glacier is a spectacular river of ice. It is one of the world's steepest glaciers descending 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) over its 7.5 mile (12 kilometer) path through the valley, ending in lush temperate rainforest. As it flows it travels over bumpy steps which forces ice upwards to create dramatic ice cliffs and sharp crevasses.
Over 2,700 people visit the ice a day during peak season. Some spend their time exploring the terminal face while others take helicopters to take advantage of the views and get access to higher icefalls, so they can clamor over the less-populated ice and carve out an adventure in the stunning and challenging terrain.
Latest Reviews All Franz Josef Glacier Reviews »
Our guide, Kyle, did an excellent job of educating us about the glacier as well as pacing the hike to our group's abilities. My husband and I were the oldest in our group (61 and 57 yr.) and although we consider ourselves in pretty decent shape, this was extremely physically demanding. We are really glad we did the full day experience, but we were exhausted by the end of it. Still, if we were to have the choice to do it or not, we'd go for it--quite the experience!
Continue Reading »Note from Viator: This review was based on an alternate itinerary that is no longer offered due to natural changes in the glacier. The current itinerary provides you with a similar great experience.
Practical Info
Franz Josef is a small town 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the terminal face of the glacier. It only has a population of 330 but it has around 2,000 beds, so you don’t have to travel to and from Queenstown (5 hours) in the same day. There are two bus lines that drive the route, to and from, daily.
