Franz Josef Glacier

13 Reasons Why You Need to Visit New Zealand in 2025

"I went for glacier trekking around Franz Josef (and nearby Fox) and it absolutely lives up to the hype; because the glaciers have receded, glacier caves and walks are closed and the only way to trek on them now is via heli-hike (epic half- or full-day experiences, tours start at ~695 NZD), which is pricey but in my opinion worth it for the helicopter ride and trekking. You can also opt for a shorter helicopter-only tour (~447 NZD) or simply hike to the glacier face and photograph it from a distance, but whatever you choose, this area is unmissable on a South Island route." - Matthew Kepnes