Being the most sought-after activity in the area, a scenic helicopter tour will have 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. Pair this with a glacier hike or simply take a short scenic flight, a Franz Josef helicopter tour is the perfect pick for whether you’re short on time or aren’t looking for too much adventure.
Timings: 8:30am to 5pm everyday
This all-indoor attraction has a natural bush walkthrough with live young Kiwis that have been raised here in an effort to save and repopulate the extremely rare species of the Kiwi bird, the Rowi Kiwi. The VIP pass gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their hatching and incubation program, and if you’re lucky, you may just get to witness a baby kiwi hatching.
Waiau Visitor Centre: 8:30am to 5pm everyday
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, this national park stretches across 1320 sq. km. and is home to many famous glaciers of the West Coast, including Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. With lush rainforests and coastal wetlands, this park is home to a variety of native animals and wading birds. The only known colony of Rowi Kiwi is located in the lowland forests of this park.
Tour timings: 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Considered sacred and extremely rare, the White Heron Sanctuary is the only nesting site for the Kotuku or White Herons in the country. There are about 150 birds of this rare species along the Waitangiroto River banks and the only way to get access to this location is to take a guided tour conducted by the Department of Conservation.
Summer: 11:30am to after dusk; Winter: 2:30pm to 6:30pm
Get back in touch with nature with a delightful 60-minute soak in a wood-fired hot tub while being amidst lush greenery. Add some Hydrosol or Epsom Salt to your tub of clear mountain stream water and experience ultimate relaxation. The private tubs are large enough for up to 4 people. And don’t worry if you forgot your swimsuit, you can buy one here!
This serene lake 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.
This birdwatcher’s paradise is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. A perfect spot for a tranquil kayak, keep your eyes peeled for white herons.
Emanating from the Franz Josef glacier, the Waiho River is known for its glacial meltwater that shapes the surrounding landscape.
A short hike away, this lake is a hidden gem within the rainforest. The serene atmosphere is the perfect place to spot flitting wader birds.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 1.7 km
Duration: 30 mins
Get as close as possible to the terminal face of the Franz Josef glacier on this trail where blue ice shines like glossy marble. Although you’re still 1.5km away from the terminal face, you can glimpse the crevasses of the glacier. Be sure to heed the warning signs and don’t go beyond the barriers.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 5.2 km return
Duration: 1 hr 20 mins
This track begins at the end of Cowan Street and narrows into the rainforest and runs alongside an ancient water-race that was used for gold mining back in 1912. The trail then descends to the Callery Gorge Bridge where you can see how gravel deposits have raised the waterbed.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 3.6 km return
Duration: 1 hr 20 mins
This track gives you beautiful views of the Tatare Gorge and leads up to the famous glow worm tunnels. These tunnels were used to power a small hydro station that generated electricity for the township. Be sure to turn off your torches to spot beautiful glow worms illuminating your path.
Level: Advanced
Track distance: 17.2 km return
Duration: 8 hours
This track zigs and zags through the rainforest while mostly going uphill and is not recommended for beginners. The Alex Knob viewpoint, situated at the end of this trail, offers spectacular bird’s eye views of the Franz Josef Glacier nearby, the Tasman Sea and the Main Divide.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 6.3 km return
Duration: 4 hours
This medium-sized track takes you over the Waiho Bridge. Discover breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and the lowlands on one side and the magnificent Franz Josef glacier and the Waiho River on the other side.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 3.9 km return
Duration: 1 hour
This family-friendly trail takes you over the landscape that was created between the years 1600 and 1750. You can observe various vegetation types on the different types of soil in the area and learn about how the advancing and retreating of the glacier causes different rates of growth in vegetation.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 4.2 km return
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
This is yet another family-friendly trail that takes you along the Okarito Lagoon and the shores of Tasman Sea. This track follows the coastal walk but turns to the left and goes uphill to the Okarito Trig viewpoint. On a clear day, you get magnificent views of the rainforest enveloping the Southern Alps.
Level: Intermediate
Track distance: 9.8 km return
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
This track is recommended only when there’s at least one hour of low tide on each side. The track goes along the beach between the Three Mile Lagoon and Okarito township before moving onto the Okarito Wetlands Track and ascends to the Kohuamarua Bluff. You can spot a variety of wader birds here, including the White Heron, Royal Spoonbills, and more.
Level: Easy to intermediate
Track distance: 8.7 km return
Duration: 4 hours
This track goes beyond the Franz Josef village onto the Waiho River bridge and runs along the left side of the access road to the glacier. This gravel track is suitable for both walkers and cyclists and goes up the valley into the rainforest where you can spot the forest’s abundant birdlife.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 3.8 km return
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Also known as kettle lake, this tiny lake was formed when a large chunk of glacial ice and debris melted here about 9000 years ago. The path climbs steadily into the Rimu forest until you reach the peaceful lake. If you remain quiet, you can even see a few birds flitting by.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 1.1 km return
Duration: 25 mins
This is a fully accessible trail that curves through the rainforest and ends at a tiny kettle lake called Peter’s Pool. The lake was formed from glacial melt from the retreating about 200 years ago. The lake provides beautiful views of the mountains and the Franz Josef valley in its background.
Level: Easiest
Track distance: 900 m return
Duration: 5 hr 20 mins
This short trail goes to the top of an ice-scraped rock that’s now covered with bushes. The Sentinel Rock emerged in 1865 from under the glacier and is the perfect example of the might of the glacial movement. You can spot how vegetation has started growing in various stages after the glacial retreat.
Level: Advanced
Track distance: 12.3 km return
Duration: 5 hr 20 mins
This trail starts at the Douglas Bridge and ascends upwards towards the Waiho River up to Robert’s point, a viewpoint way above the glacial ice. On your trail you’ll come across Hende’s Hut that makes for a sheltered space to have lunch. The track climbs further into an open scrubland, over a suspension bridge across Rope Creek and steadily ascends to Robert’s point way above the glacial ice. The efforts to reach here are well rewarded with views of the waterfall, sheared rock walls and the mountains in the backdrop.
Casting stunning reflections of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, especially during sunrise and sunset, Lake Matheson is a short walk away from the township.
This serene lake is situated further into the woods from Lake Matheson but is absolutely worth the effort to get a few snaps of just yourself with the pristine landscape in your backdrop.
Emerging from glacial melt, the Fox River winds its way through a striking landscape, carving and transforming its surroundings with every twist and turn.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 6.8 km return
Duration: 4 hours
This track goes up the Fox Glacier valley that’s more dramatic than the Franz Josef glacier valley. The trail ascends a little with all types of walkways to allow everyone to get a better view of the Southern Alps. This area is dangerous and may sometimes be closed due to flooding, landslides and ice falls.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 2.6 km return
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Lake Matheson is famous for being a mirror to Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman. The dark brown color of the water comes from the humus of the forest floor, facilitating the stunning reflections of the mountains. There is an accessible Jetty viewpoint or you can go on a longer loop around the lake.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 1.2 km return
Duration: 20 mins
This short and delightful trail goes alongside a small stream that heads into the rainforest and then loops back to the Te Weheka cycleway and walkway. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a few glow worms in the forest after dark.
Level: Expert
Track distance: 7.4 km return
Duration: 8 hours
This advanced track is suited for well-equipped experienced hikers. The trail ascends steeply through bushes up to a trig, from where blue and orange markers lead to the viewpoint at the end of the trail. Once you’re here, your toil will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Fox Glacier and other peaks on one side and the coastal rainforest and farmlands on the other. Watch out for descending clouds and start early in the morning for the best views.
Level: Intermediate
Track distance: 8 km return
Duration: 5 hours
This trail goes along Lake Matheson before branching off into vegetation. The track ascends gradually and then flattens out where you can see glimpses of the lake. Continue further until you reach the lake and you can enjoy mirror views of the peak, especially in the mornings when the water is still.
Level: Intermediate
Track distance: 8 km return
Duration: 5 hours
This track goes beyond the south bank of the Fox River into an ancient podocarp forest. You can recognize the various ages of the different moraines of the retreating glacier. 40 mins into the trail, you reach a car park, beyond which bicycles are not allowed. The trail descends gradually to a viewpoint about 2600 m away from the Fox Glacier’s terminal face.
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.
