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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Along with nearby Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is the main tourism draw card on the wild and pristine West Coast.

 

These wonders of nature mesmerize from afar with their sheer size and beauty, and delight close up with magical ice caves and tunnels, filled with spectacular ice formations. A magnet, then, for our door enthusiasts.

Due to the combination of the temperate zone and high rainfall, the two glaciers are unique in the world in existing at low altitudes – making them easier to access.

Twelve-kilometre-long Franz Josef Glacier, the steeper and more dramatic of the two, descends from over 3,000m into lush rainforest of the Westland’s National Park. Using a fleet of helicopters, visitors can take scenic flights from the nearby township, or be dropped onto the ice for exhilarating hikes, that also include exploring ice caves and other natural formations.

One of the best places in the world to get up close to a glacier, all with a constant backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Unmissable.

Price from: £300
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Franz Josef is a five-hour drive from Queenstown, and two hours from Greymouth. There are coach services, but self-drive is best.

The only way to hike on the glacier is by taking a guided helicopter excursion; trips last around four hours, which includes around 2.5 hours on the ice. Moderate fitness is required, and a minimum age of 10. All equipment is provided.

Helicopter flights are available by Helicopter Line, New Zealand’s leading helicopter company. You can opt for flying over just Franz Josef (20 mins), or both glaciers in one flight (30 mins).

Guided hikes are only available through local specialist Franz Josef Glacier. The price includes the helicopter flight with Helicopter Line.

When to do it

While Franz Josef is a year-round destination, the weather is notoriously changeable. Helicopter tours and hiking on the glacier are weather dependent, and access roads may be impassable in winter.

Hiking tours run several times a day during summer months. Helicopter flights operate throughout the day.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Fox Glacier

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Fox Glacier

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Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

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Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 30-minute helicopter f...

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Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight

Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Westwood Lodge

Franz Josef, South Island, New Zealand

Hearty, comfortable lodge, the best around, providing a homely base from which to explore Franz Joseph glacier.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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