Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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New Zealand's two most famous glaciers are major attractions in their own right. The frosty majesty of these mighty cascades of ice juggernauting their way toward the sea are the highlight of Westland Tai Poutini National Park in New Zealand's South Island. Franz Josef is considered the more visually impressive glacier, while the walk to Fox is shorter and gets you closer to the ice.
The region's heavy tourist traffic is catered for in the twin picture-postcard towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Franz Josef is livelier but Fox has more Alpine-village charm. The best way to experience the awe-inspiring splendor of the glaciers is on a guided walking tour.
Best of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Top 3 Must-Do Experiences
Best of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Suggested Itineraries
Whether hovering over the glaciers by helicopter or strapping on crampons to hike the ice, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are true don't-miss destinations. Flying in for a close-up view of a glacier face isn't something you do every day, and many flights involve the experience of landing directly onto the snowy glaciers themselves. Hikers are provided with everything they need, from boots to jackets, for hiking to ice climbing.
The most jaw-dropping introduction to the two glaciers is by helicopter tour. Twin Glacier flights depart from and land at both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, showing off the glaciers' pristine beauty on 30-minute flights.
Or take separate 40-minute helicopter flights over each glacier. The sensationally scenic flights over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier feature fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. And combine a Fox Glacier heli ride with a close-up encounter with Mt Cook's western face, as the crevasses and ice forms race by below you.
Taking a guided walk on Franz Josef Glacier has to be one of the coolest experiences you'll have in New Zealand. The best of both worlds come together on the popular heli hike combo. Take a scenic flight over the glacier in a helicopter, then land to go on a two-hour guided walk in spectacular icefall terrain, usually only seen by experienced mountaineers. Or sign up for a full-day glacier adventure through challenging glacier terrain, with a full six hours on the ice. For a less-strenuous experience, the Valley Walk doesn't involve any ice walking but takes you right up to the dramatic face of this ever-advancing glacier. Still wanting more? Then you can't possibly leave until you've given ice climbing a whirl - safely secured to your guide, climb the soaring ice walls, testing your limits and moving on to progressively harder climbs throughout the day.
Best of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Top 3 Hotels
Self-contained, architect-designed luxury in the alps of Franz Josef, with all mod-cons and stupendous mountain views.
Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat
Homestead-style accommodation in peaceful farmland, five minutes from Franz Josef village. Expect luxury furnishings and a huge home-cooked breakfast to start the day.
Contemporary motel-style accommodation lifts the game with its stylish eye for detail, spa baths and other luxury comforts. Centrally located in the Fox Glacier township.
Our complete list of things to see & do in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
- Plan Franz Josef Glacier vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Hotels in New Zealand from PlanetWare
- Franz Josef hotels from HotelsCombined.com
