Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Travelers Recommend

Set in New Zealand's Westland Tai Poutini National Park—part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are two of the world's most accessible glaciers. Unlike polar glaciers, they exist in a temperate climate, making hiking a much more attractive proposition. Here are some of the top trail options.

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Hiking on the sheer icy surface of this glacier is a real thrill. Fly to the glacier crest via helicopter, and land on top where you’ll begin your trek. Using ice axes and crampons, make your way along the vast icy terrain, passing ice caves, pinnacles, seracs, and crevasses. Because of the dangerous and changeable nature of the terrain, hiking on the glacier should only be done with a guide.

Fox Glacier Hike

As with Franz Josef Glacier treks, hikes on the Fox Glacier typically begin with a helicopter ride to the top, followed by a guided trek through the icy wilderness. Equipped with appropriate equipment, hikers make their way along the remote icy expanse, passing sculptural ice formations, ice caves, and arches.

Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk

Suitable for those of moderate fitness, this 3.3-mile (5.3-kilometer) trail is ideal for those who would prefer to stay off the ice. It follows the shingle and rock riverbed through the glacier valley, where the glacier once flowed. The route leads to a viewing area, which overlooks the ever-changing terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier.

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

This 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) walk leads hikers to within 1,640 feet (500 meters) of the terminal face of Fox Glacier, where ice and rock can sometimes be seen calving off. Though it’s not a long route, the surface is somewhat rough and uneven, and hikers may need to cross several small streams.

Douglas Walk

Ideal for families, this easy 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) loop walk passes through the temperate rain forest, where different areas of vegetation represent the stages of regrowth following the retreat of the glacial ice. It leads to Peters Pool, a small reflective kettle lake formed by meltwater from Franz Josef Glacier, where you can see a mirrored image of the surrounding peaks.

With two days in Franz Josef, you can enjoy panoramic views while from skydiving or taking a scenic helicopter flight, take a guided glacier hike among the ice caves and pinnacles, and enjoy fishing or kayaking on the lake. Here are a few ways to enjoy your 2-day stay in Franz Josef.

Day 1: See Glaciers Up Close

**Morning:**Start your trip with a (literal) overview of the area on a sightseeing helicopter flight. Excursions include a quick stop in the snow above the ice-falls on Mt. Cook's western face so you can get up close to the glacier.

**Afternoon:**If you want to spend more time on a glacier, book a heli-hike along the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, and enjoy an adventurous trek on terrain usually only enjoyed by experienced mountaineers. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping and admire stunning views while you free fall from 19,000–9,000 feet (5,791–2,743 meters) on a tandem skydive.

**Night:**After an adventurous day, spend your evening doing some serious relaxing. Take a scenic cruises around Lake Mapourika to enjoy postcard-perfect views of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier, or go for a soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools, an ideal way to settle the nerves and sooth sore muscles.

Day 2: Explore the Lakes and Rain Forest

**Morning:**Head to Lake Mapourika for some fishing or kayaking; most tours offer transportation from accommodations in the village. You could also charter a boat or enjoy a walk around the lake. All options boast mountain views, so you can’t go wrong whatever your activity. 

**Afternoon:**From the lakeshore, head to the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary to walk in the rain forest and try to spot New Zealand’s rare national bird. If the weather isn’t cooperating, or you’d prefer to stay indoors, the Franz Josef Wildlife Centre offers curious visitors another way to glimpse the nocturnal kiwi—even in the day time. 

**Night:**In the evening, enjoy a guided nature walk around the glassy waters of Lake Matheson. Snap photos of Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook reflected beautifully in the water, or focus your lens on the snowy mountain peaks bathed in the late evening’s alpenglow. Guides usually lead visitors along an easy path for optimal views.

Enjoy a full day exploring the alpine wonderland of Franz Josef, New Zealand. Get up close to the touch snow or ice, admire glaciers as they carve their way slowly down the frozen valleys, look for wildlife, and relax in hot springs. Here’s how to make the most of a 1-day visit to Franz Josef.

Morning: Glaciers Galore

For quite literally one of the coolest experiences you can have in New Zealand, take a walk on a glacier. A guided heli-hike allows you to explore terrain usually seen only by experienced mountaineers. If you’d prefer to stay warm, opt for an eco-walk through the glacier valley and learn about local rain forest ecology. Or, for another kind of thrill, take in the views above Mount Cook (Aoraki) while free falling from as high as 19,000 feet (5,791 meters) on a tandem skydive. 

Afternoon: Scenic Views From the Water

Located at the edge of the town of Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika is the place to go for fishing, kayaking, and stunning views of the nearby mountains. Charter a boat with a skipper and fish for brown trout and salmon, or simply paddle through the serene water in a kayak. Prefer a hands-free ride? Take a scenic boat cruise, which offers photo ops of the Southern Alps and the glaciers reflected in the water. Most tours last about three hours and offer several departures throughout the day and round-trip transfers.

Night: Nocturnal Creatures

After a day of adventures, you can warm up with a cozy meal or a soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. (Admission to the pools is included with some heli-hiking tours.) You might also want to search for New Zealand’s favorite night creature, the elusive kiwi, with a visit to the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. A visit to the sanctuary is included on some Lake Mapourika tours. If you’d rather stick around town for the evening, the centrally located Franz Josef Wildlife Centre allows a glimpse of the national bird inside a nocturnal house. 

Towering peaks, crevasse-filled glaciers, and sparkling waterways define the World Heritage area around the town of Franz Josef. Whether you hover over ice formations in a helicopter or strap on crampons for a hike, a trip to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers is truly unforgettable. Here’s how to make the most of three days in the region.

Day 1: Take to the Skies

A helicopter is the ideal choice for getting up close to the glaciers. Marvel at the mantle of pure white snow, then make a snow landing at the head of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and walk along the Main Divide. Lastly, head down toward the lush rainforests that sit at the edge of the Tasman Sea. 

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can take a tandem skydiving trip: Board an aircraft, then drop through the sky high above Mt. Cook. The panoramic views of both glaciers from the sky are unparalleled, and the drop includes up to 75 seconds of free fall. Alternatively, for a less heart-thumping experience, head to the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you can see flightless kiwi birds up close at the South Island’s largest hatching facility. 

Day 2: Go on a Hike

Franz Josef offers a range of hiking opportunities. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb back into a helicopter, this time for a heli-hike on a glacier. Upon landing, grab your ice axe, and follow guides on a trip that will have you squeezing through tight blue crevasses or shuffling down near-vertical walls of ice. Alternatively, take a walking tour through the valley and right up to the dramatic terminal face of the advancing glacier. 

Another option for exploring the local terrain is an ATV tour, a thrilling ride that bumps over muddy off-road paths through scenic rainforest and river beds. Or, for a quieter excursion, take a guided nature walk around nearby Lake Matheson, where the reflective waters make great photo ops of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, or learn about the region’s fascinating ecosystem on an eco-tour.  

Day 3: Get onto the Water

Franz Josef isn’t just all about the ice and snow. For a different experience, head to Lake Mapourika, which is located only minutes from the village but feels like it is worlds away.  Book  a kayaking guide to take you paddling over tranquil waters and lead you on a secluded rainforest walk, or visit the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary for a glimpse of New Zealand’s national bird. Anglers can set off on a fishing expedition on a chartered boat with a skipper on board who will help you catch salmon or brown trout; many boats provide equipment and hot beverages. On your last evening in the region, head out on a scenic evening cruise and capture majestic panoramic photos of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake and lit by sunset’s alpenglow.