Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island is where you'll find the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These two massive glaciers are located just 12 miles (20 kilometers) apart and draw adventure travelers from all over the world. Helicopter flights allow visitors to see these mighty bodies of ice from above, while trekking tours take groups right up to the terminal face of both glaciers. For the best of both worlds, choose a heli-hiking tour or a flight with a snow landing. Nearby Lake Mapourika is also a popular spot for kayaking and riverboat tours for those looking to explore more of the area.
Yes, Franz Josef Glacier is worth visiting. It’s New Zealand’s fourth-largest glacier, and it’s one of the easiest to reach due to its relatively low altitude. Some visitors explore the site on a scenic flight by helicopter or small plane, while more adventurous options include landing for a heli-hike or ice climb.
...MoreActivities at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are pretty similar, with popular options including scenic flights and glacier hikes. The biggest difference is in the nearby towns. Lakeside Fox Glacier is a bit smaller, while Franz Josef township has more dining, shopping, and the geothermal Glacier Hot Pools.
...MoreHeli-hiking at Franz Josef isn’t cheap, but it’s a spectacular way to visit remote parts of the glacier you can’t otherwise reach. After touching down on Franz Josef Glacier, hikers don metal crampons to walk across the ice and explore dripping caves and crevasses in the constantly changing glacial topography.
...MoreThe drive from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier is 14 miles (23 kilometers) and takes around 30 minutes. It’s a windy route that follows Highway 6 through the forested Fox Hills. There’s also an InterCity bus linking Franz Josef to Fox Glacier, but the limited service doesn’t run every day.
...MoreOne day is generally enough to explore Franz Josef, where the top activities include visiting the glacier and the town’s geothermal hot pools. If your heart is set on a helicopter trip to the glacier, it’s worth staying longer for flexibility, as flight cancellations due to bad weather are common.
...MoreThe Franz Josef Walk is a gorgeous, 3.4-mile (5.4-kilometer) round-trip hike from the Franz Josef parking lot to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier terminus. It generally takes around 45 minutes each way and passes through some uneven terrain, including the rocky bottom of a winding riverbed. Sturdy shoes are a must.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 4 |
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Number of Tours | 29 |
Number of Reviews | 1,913 |
Currency | NZD |
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