Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier · Westland National Park

Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier · Westland National Park

West Coast Region 7886, New Zealand

Highlights

Franz Josef Glacier offers epic heli-hikes and scenic trails on New Zealand’s South Island, showcasing a stunning icy retreat amid lush mountains.

West Coast Region 7886, New Zealand Get directions

franzjosefglacier.com

@travelleisure

Best International Destinations for Solo Travel

"Franz Josef Glacier offers unique heli-hiking experiences, allowing visitors to explore the glacier's icy terrain." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/solo-travel/best-countries-for-solo-travelers

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@travelleisure

How to Plan a New Zealand South Island Road Trip

"A town where hikers can explore snowfields and view New Zealand's highest mountain range, with options for helicopter tours." - Brad Japhe Brad Japhe Brad Japhe is a journalist specializing in food, beverage, and travel. He also hosts online video content as an expert in those fields. He’s reported from all 50 states and has visited all seven

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trip-guide-to-south-island-new-zealand

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@afar

"Heli-Hiking Adventure on Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand I was a glacier virgin. I had never seen one in person before, much less set foot on one. That all changed though as the helicopter lifted off and took off towards the incredible Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island. Almost as soon as the Glacier Helicopters flight lifted off, Mt. Cook popped into view, a looming presence throughout the area. We skirted over the lush rainforest and before I knew it, we were on top of the glacier. It’s amazing really; the glacier looks exactly like a glacier should look. It was a vast, frozen river leading from the tops of the mountains to the valley below. We landed at the top for a little exploration and impromptu snowball fights before taking off again to zoom past the massive crevices of the ice mountain. The ride back included even more impressive views of the glacier and the flat plains below leading to the Tasman Sea. It really is strange to see the glacier adjacent to the mild valley below. There’s something surreal about it all and that makes it one of the best adventure activities in New Zealand . For your own glacier adventure, visit the small mountain town of Franz Josef where you can find tour providers operating a variety of ice-based activities, including these extraordinary helicopter tours."

The Perfect Week on New Zealand's South Island

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@cntraveler

Before She Was Royal: Meghan Markle's Camper Van Road Trip Through New Zealand

"Along the northern coast of the South Island, you'll want to sign up for a hike of Franz Josef Glacier. The hike is adapted for all levels; if you want to take it all in from the top, helicopter flights are available. Once you've finished your hike, continue up the photo-worthy coastline to seal colonies."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/before-she-was-royal-meghan-markles-camper-van-road-trip-through-new-zealand

View Postcard for Franz Josef Glacier

Mimi Courts

Google

We had an incredible experience on the helicopter ride up to Franz Josef Glacier. The views on the way up were stunning—lush forest, dramatic mountains, and then suddenly you’re over this massive, beautiful glacier. The flight was smooth and felt really safe, and the pilot gave us some great commentary along the way. Landing on the glacier was the highlight. It’s such a unique feeling to be standing on the ice, surrounded by nothing but snow and sky. We had plenty of time to take photos and just take it all in without feeling rushed. Definitely worth it if you’re visiting the West Coast. It’s not something you get to do every day, and it’s a really memorable way to see one of New Zealand’s natural wonders up close.

ross leondiou

Google

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking for an hour to see where a glacier used to be, Franz Josef Glacier walk is your moment. The trail is beautiful — waterfalls, if your lucky —cliffs, and lots of rocks where, once upon a time, ice majestically sat. At the viewing platform, you’ll squint into the distance and maybe spot a tiny patch of ice clinging to the mountain, looking as disappointed as you feel. Still, the walk is scenic, the exercise is free, and you’ll leave with some great photos of… gravel. Lots of gravel.

Char Maine

Google

Short 10 min on incline walk. Very easy and flat path, view is obscured but still a nice stop to check it out. Toilets at the bottom

Steve SHEL RACING

Google

The glacier looks like it's disappearing fast. You can't reach it by road. So I took a helicopter. Fantastic

Bec Eastman

Google

Beautiful walk to the viewing spot. Wish you could still see the glacier though 🙁

Athulya “Atu-lia” Mo

Google

The helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier was absolutely unforgettable. The views on the way up were stunning, and landing on the glacier felt like stepping into another world. What really caught me off guard was how comfortable I felt – even with snow everywhere, I was fine in just a thin long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. It was surreal to be surrounded by so much snow and not feel cold. The whole experience was unreal, almost dreamlike. If you’re debating whether to do it, just go for it. It’s an experience you’ll be talking about for years.

David Clarke

Google

I think the experience of the glacier was a bit ruined for us as we had a poor hotel, but we walked to the glacier and it’s a bit underwhelming really we did a long drive out of our way to get to it and the best part was Arthur’s pass

Lay Khim Ho

Google

Amazing view. Go before the Glacier 'disappears' as its retreating.

Mikhala F.

Yelp

Thank you to NZ for making so many natural wonders free to access and visit! We were excited to see the glaciers, and did the short hike to a viewpoint for Franz Josef Glacier. Sadly, the glacier has receded quite a bit, and the viewing spot doesn't get you anywhere near it so it's a bit anticlimactic. The clouds covered the view about an hour later. If you're really excited about glaciers in NZ and aren't going to the Mt. Cook area, I'd recommend doing a helicopter ride and glacier tour to get up close - otherwise you may feel it's a bit average from the viewpoint.

Susan P.

Yelp

The walk to the viewing point for the glacier is very comfortable and scenic. There is ample space within the viewing area for people to view the glacier in the distance. There are nice facilities in the parking lot and informative signs.

Kaori M.

Yelp

Magnificent glacier. First I looked at the glacier by hiking the Alex Knob track. Probably from the top and Christmas lookout has the best view for the entire glacier. Walking near the glacier you can get more idea of moraine and lower part of glacier. Anyway it is cool.

Margaret S.

Yelp

Hiked up to this glacier in the middle of February. We got to the area around 10am and finished around noon. You could definitely finish in less time; we stopped to take a lot of photos. The area is fairly level throughout but with no benches along the path. The trail is mostly loose gravel so I would definitely recommend hiking shoes. Bring a raincoat! I wouldn't say this hike is stroller friendly but it's definitely suitable for young kids. You don't need walking sticks unless you have trouble walking normally. - Definitely start before noon! There had to be quadruple the amount of people entering the park than leaving the park around this time. When we left around noon the parking lot was nearly full. The parking lot was massive. - Free entry - There are 3 public restrooms at the trailhead. Pretty typical for the NZ public parks, no soap available so bring your hand sanitizer! - No drone zone (due to helicopters). You will be fined $5,000 if caught with a drone. - Follow the IG account poutiniranger for details of their talks and free guided nature walks

Mark A.

Yelp

If you take the time to drove to the west coast of the South Island, the glaciers are a must-see. Getting to a place where you can see a glacier is usually not easy. Most are in remote, inaccessible places in the arctic or in mountains. But here, there are not just one but two glaciers close to each other that are easily accessible. I've visited both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Of the two, I would say Franz Joseph is the more accessible. The trail has a lot of flat ground, so not as much climbing compared to Fox, which I felt was one long incline. When you get to the end, the glacier is right in front of you. Sadly, it's not as close as it once was, and signs along the way tell you how far the glacier stretched at different points in time. Its shocking how much it has receded in just the past 10 years. But it's still good and worth seeing. Is the glacier itself better than Fox? I can't say; I visited the two 5 years apart. But if Fox is melting as much as Franz Joseph, then FJ may be a better bet. Hiking to FJ May be a bit safer than hiking to Fox. Also there's waterfalls along the trail that I don't remember seeing at Fox. Regardless of your preference, make sure you check out one of these two glaciers while you are in the area. They are fantastic, and you might not be able to see them for much longer.

Michael H.

Yelp

A big glacier within a nice panoramic of mountains. The hike to the front if the glaciers takes about 45 one way and is an easy till moderate hike. NO SNEAKERS recommended. Most of the times it is helpful to carry a rain coat or umbrella with you as weather changes really quickly. During my hike I had three times rain and 4 times sun :-) Please ensure you're in a good health conditions to make the way as there is only one bench at the beginning of the track. A shuttle service operated every two hours from the village to the car park for 12,50 NZD return.