Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier · Westland National Park ·

Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier · Westland National Park ·

Heli-hiking adventures, scenic viewpoints, and coastal wildlife viewing

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West Coast Region 7886, New Zealand Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

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

Franz Josef Glacier

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

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

Franz Josef Glacier

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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

Franz Josef Glacier

@cntraveler

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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

Franz Josef Glacier

Ying W.

Google

We went to the Franz Josef Glacier around 8.20pm and were lucky enough to see the Glacier right at the carpark as the sky was clear. So, we didn't end up walking to the viewing platform. There is a lookout right before you cross the bridge to the carpark, which offers an amazing panoramic view.

Harry B

Google

Glacier was amazing and loved seeing it again. I may be mistaken but it seems the walk or viewing point was changed since I last went there and now it is much further away and doesn't run along the glacial River anywhere. This was a huge letdown for me as it was my favorite thing to do last time I went was to walk next to the river and in the stoney area. Apart from that the glacier looked awesome even thought it is receding 😔.

JustMe D.

Google

Franz Josef Glacier The road to the lookout is very well sign-posted and there’s plenty of free parking when you arrive. There are a few walking options from the carpark, we chose the short 15-minute walk to the “View of the Glacier” lookout. We visited in April 2025. Twenty-five years ago my best friend lived in this peaceful part of the world when we were teenagers. She always encouraged me to visit, telling me how the glacier once sat at ground level and how you could walk right up to it. She always said, “You’ll love it here.” Twenty-five years later, I finally made it to Franz Josef and it was a bittersweet experience. It’s incredible to be here at last, but climate change has not been kind to this beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand. The glacier has retreated far up the valley, and the only way to see the ancient ice up close now (or what I was expecting) is by helicopter. Next time, that’s exactly what we’ll try to do, weather permitting. I still absolutely recommend making the trip. Go with an open mind, appreciate the landscape for what it is today, and take in what remains of this iconic and truly special place in NZ.

Adam W.

Google

So amazing with the most spectacular of sites. Does not come cheap though so be prepared to spend up.. but still worth the cost I think.

Mike H.

Google

I can definitely NOT recommend visiting Franz Josef Glacier. What could be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural sights has sadly turned into a noisy, commercialized disappointment with tons of gravel. The absolute most ridiculous thing about the visit is the giant sign at the lookout that says, “What can I do against climate change?” — while the air is constantly filled with the deafening roar of tourist helicopters. How can this possibly be taken seriously? It seems the town has built an entire business model around helicopter flights: the standard hike to the glacier is closed for vague “safety” reasons, leaving only two short walks (about 15 minutes in total) with no real glacier view because you’re so far away. It genuinely feels like you’re being pushed into paying for a helicopter ride to see something that used to be accessible on foot. The whole place feels like a helicopter-tour hub rather than a nature destination. Here’s the kicker: a typical sightseeing helicopter burns 60 to 120 litres of fuel per hour, releasing between 185 kg and 500 kg of CO₂ every single hour — the equivalent of 10 to 40 hours of driving a car! And yet right there at the lookout you’re lectured about “what you can do against climate change.” The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Meanwhile, the environmentally friendly alternative — simply walking closer to the glacier — is blocked. Repair the walkways, let visitors hike, and stop pretending helicopter tourism is sustainable. Even the car park gives you an uneasy feeling with its many warning signs about theft and “do not leave any belongings in your car.” Not exactly welcoming. In short: this could be an incredible natural experience, but it’s buried under noise, emissions, gravel and commercialization. A frustrating example of how not to manage a natural wonder.

Rebecca

Google

November 2025: Glacier view track is closed. The sign said that due to the river changing course, the track has been washed away. This means that you can’t get anywhere near the glacier viewpoint, and we didn’t see anything but gravel. If you walk up the Sentinel Rock path, you might see a tiny bit of ice. It was still a lovely walk, but disappointing not to see the glacier.

Melissa M.

Google

A beautiful part of the world. It was rainy on the day we came but that didn't mean we missed out on seeing beautiful landscapes.

Muds

Google

Half hour return walk from the car park to the viewing platform. $5 car parking

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.