The west coast of the southern island of New Zealand is almost entirely enveloped by the Southern Alps. Nestling at the heart of these alps are the famous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. With dramatic ice formations, beautiful lakes, lush rainforests and glow-worm caves, Franz Josef is every traveler’s paradise. Get the lowdown on the various activities to explore here whether you’re traveling with children, with a group of friends or are on your honeymoon!
The most sought-after activity in the area, a scenic helicopter tour will take you soaring above the Southern Alps. An experienced guide will help you spot the most famous peaks of these alps, including Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook. You can even pair your helicopter tour with a guided hike above the glaciers.
The perfect way to get up close to the famous glaciers of the Southern Alps is to go hiking on them. Often paired with a short helicopter ride to the top, you can navigate the icy terrain of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier with an experienced glacier guide. Depending on what you want to see, you can choose between either glacier — Franz Josef offers a more thrilling glacier hike with dramatic ice formations, whereas Fox Glacier offers better views of the Alps and the lakes nearby and an easier hike.
If you’re one of those adrenaline junkies who seek extreme sports wherever they go, Franz Josef has something even for you. Offering one of the most scenic skydives worldwide, this activity is open for those with no prior experience too! Choose between various heights and take the plunge with a professional jumpmaster who will maneuver your descent for you. The higher you go, the longer you free-fall before the chute is deployed!
If you’ve wondered about dabbling in mountaineering, here’s your chance. Even if you have no experience, the glacier guides here will coach you until you master a few pitches. Due to the constantly shifting terminal face of the glacier, you’ll likely take a short helicopter ride to the glacier top. Improve your knowledge of chiseling through the ice to make your way to the top and enjoy some of the best views of the surrounding peaks and rainforest.
Offering a variety of half-day and full-day trails, hiking near Franz Josef and Fox Glacier is one of the best ways to get back in touch with nature. Whether you want to get beautiful views of the nearby lakes, spot native birds and wildlife, or enter a cave of glow worms, there’s plenty to discover here on a hiking trail.
The Westland temperate rainforest enveloping the Southern Alps is home to a variety of native birds and animals, some of which you may never get to spot elsewhere. Take the Whataroa walking trail to spot magnificent white herons at their only sanctuary in New Zealand. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre at Franz Josef to learn about the Rowi Kiwi breeding and incubation program. You could also try taking a wilderness trail or kayaking Okarito lagoon to spot some native birds.
With more than 32 sq.km. of shallow open waters to explore, the Okarito Lagoon is home to more than 70 species of birds. And kayaking has to be the best way to explore this giant water body and the nearby channels. Get guided kayak tours, private tours or rent a kayak, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even stay here on an overnight kayaking and camping experience! There are also other boat tours available here if you’d rather not paddle.
If you don’t want too much thrill but wouldn’t mind a 4WD adventure, then a quad bike is your best pick. With just the right amount of thrill and spectacular sceneries to discover, quad biking allows you to explore the wilderness while you drive through it! Get a single quad all for yourself, take a passenger along on a double quad or take your kid along for the ride on a triple buggy.
This serene lake near Franz Josef casts mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps on its surface and is perfect for a peaceful paddle or a scenic picnic on its shore.
The Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions are renowned for their breathtaking glaciers, but there’s much more to explore nearby. Visit Lake Matheson to see mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The West Coast Wildlife Centre allows you to learn about the rare Rowi Kiwi birds and about their breeding program. There are also several scenic lookouts, lush rainforests, and tranquil hot pools at both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Yes, detailed maps for both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier hiking trails are available online and at visitor centers in the area. Download Franz Josef glacier map and Fox Glacier map.
For an easy stroll, try the Sentinel Rock Walk, a short 20-minute walk to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier, or the Tatare Tunnel Walk to view glow worms in the ancient gold mining tunnels at Franz Josef. At Fox Glacier, the Minnehaha Walk is another gentle option, perfect for an evening stroll among glowworms.
Moderate hikers will enjoy the Okarito Coastal walk near Franz Josef that is a little over 3 hours but offers great opportunities to view wader birds. The Lake Gault track, near Fox Glacier, is another intermediate option that offers reflections of the Southern Alps on the still dark water.
For those seeking a challenge, the Alex Knob Track and the Roberts Point track are your best picks. Each track lasts about 8 hours and covers rough terrain, steep slopes and slippery surfaces. But your efforts are well rewarded with unparalleled views of the glacier and the valley from a high viewpoint.
When planning your hike, consider the weather conditions, as the West Coast is known for its unpredictable weather. It's essential to wear layered clothing, bring waterproof gear, and carry enough food and water. Make sure to inform someone of your hiking plans, especially if you’re tackling more challenging trails, and always check with local visitor centers for any trail closures or safety updates.
Yes, guided tours are available for all skill levels at both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. These tours offer the advantage of expert knowledge, safety, and access to parts of the glaciers that are otherwise restricted to the general public. Here’s a guided hiking tour of the Fox Glacier that may interest you.
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers, go kayaking in the Okarito Lagoon, Lake Mapourika or even one of the smaller streams, or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see the rare kiwi birds.
The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is warmer and the hiking trails are more accessible. However, winter months can also offer a unique experience with fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing snow-covered landscapes.
While some trails are suitable for all fitness levels, others, especially advanced hikes, require a good level of fitness and preparation. There are also a few accessible options, such as the Glacier Valley Walk at Franz Josef, which is relatively flat and can be enjoyed by those on a wheelchair too.
Yes, it is possible to visit both glaciers in one day, as they are only about a 30-minute drive apart. However, to fully appreciate the beauty and activities each location offers, it is recommended to spend more time at each site.
Yes, there are several places in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier where you can rent hiking gear such as boots, jackets, and even crampons if you’re planning to hike on the glacier itself.
Head over to the visitor centers of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park to get information about the trails, obtain maps, get trail advice, and learn about the current conditions of the glaciers.
For a day hike, pack essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, a fully charged phone, and layers of clothing to adjust to changing weather. We also suggest that you bring a waterproof overcoat to remain prepared for sudden showers.
Yes, the region is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot native birds like the white heron and the rare kiwi bird on a couple of lake trails near Franz Josef. Guided tours often include wildlife spotting, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre is a great place to learn more about the local fauna.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
From Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour with Snow Landing
Franz Josef Scenic Flight and Glacier Encounter
Guided E-Bike & Hiking Tour of Fox Glacier Valley
