Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHiking TrailsGeologic Formations
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Franz Josef Glacier
See what travelers are saying
  • TECK SIEW C
    Singapore, Singapore10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Helicopter ride with glazier landing
    It's unfortunate that the glazier has receded far up the mountain. Therefore hiking to view the glazier is not satisfactory. Therefore taking the helicopter flight to the glazier is recommended. Fantastic view from the helicopter and view of the mountains and glazier at the landing is a much better option
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 12, 2023
  • traveladdict3500
    Hasselt, Belgium783 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical ! Helicopter ride and a walk on the glacier with a tour. Must see !!!
    We stayed in Franz Josef for 3 days hoping that at least on one of those 3 days we could do a Helicopter ride and a guided tour on the glacier. As this a rainforest country we had 2 days of pouring rain and on the 3rd day the skies were blue and the sun was shining. We had booked a helicopter tour months in advance to do on day 1 and the company that organised it was so kind to postpone the tour until the weather was nice or give us our money back. A helicopter ride is always an adventure and the glacier is the nicest we have ever seen on our travels (in the European Alps, the west of Canada and the USA). You can walk, crawl, climb through bright blue ice crevasses. It was magical ! I recommend you stay for a few days in Franz Josef so you increase your chances of getting nice and bright weather.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 23, 2023
  • Kiwi Traveller
    Auckland, New Zealand31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Place to Stay
    What an amazing and friendly town! We have travelled from the top of the north island and down to the South Island. So far this town by FAR has been the best customer service and most friendly we have found. Such an amazing little spot and will definitely be back. Make sure to do the helicopter ride as this is one for the bucket list.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 29, 2023
  • Joyman L
    Perth, Australia1,513 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must do!
    Visited in May 2023 We booked a heli-hike tour for the Franz Josef glacier and drove from Queenstown (approx. 4.5hr) and arrived an hour before our tour start time for check-in. Our tour helicopter landed on the glacier and we hiked up/down and through crevices of the glacier for over a couple of hours. Beautiful glacier and it's a definite must-do considering the glacier will no longer be around in 10 or so years as the production of glaciers have slowed dramatically recently. During our time on the glacier, we could hear the glacier occasionally breaking along the moraines. There was one other tour on the glacier and they were hiking however they were nowhere near us. Visiting via helicopter meant that the tour duration can change due to weather changes t prevent being stranded so we were fortunate enough that we were able to see a lot of the features including drinking from the glacier before the clouds rolled in and we had to leave. All hiking gear (hiking poles, crampons, ice picks) were all provided by the tour including shoes and jackets. Some level of fitness is required for traversing the glacier.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 15, 2023
  • juliegnz
    56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    View from carpark almost as good.
    The glacier has receded, and the access track washed away. There is a short and well maintained walk from a large car park to a view of the glacier. It's been well designed to get as many people through in a day as possible. If you've allowed all day and got a nice day, you may be left wondering what next? Take some of the other excellent walks, especially lake wombat.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 1, 2024
  • Debbi D
    761 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If it is bad weather this place can be a complete waste of time
    There are 2 quick hikes to see the glacier and luckily we were able to do so before all the clouds came in to town. Then it rained all day. We went to the wood fired baths which was nice but the town is run down and there are tons of tourbuses. Most people go on helicopter rides but it was too expensive for us.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 11, 2024
  • ExploringLife
    Moama, Australia1,649 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to miss. 👍✔️
    Go early in the morning- like us - as the low cloud comes in very quickly. The track to both observation spots is well maintained. The main track is easy the one to the left is steep and a bit exhausting but worth it.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 17, 2024
  • Wayne B
    Morrinsville, New Zealand166 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see at Franz Joseph
    Nice easy 20 min walk to the lookout. Breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and the glacier. Make sure to go early before the tour buses arrive or the photo ops are limited.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,638 reviews
Excellent
2,211
Very good
977
Average
321
Poor
81
Terrible
48

Brya M
Chicago, IL25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had a lovely day in Franz Joseph. First we went to the Franz Joseph car park and did the Franz Joseph glacier walk and the other walk from the same trail. Very Easy walk for anyone. About 30 minutes or so.

In the afternoon we took a lovely cruise on the lake with glacier country kayaks and boat tours along with a walk in the kiwi sanctuary.

In the evening we went to the glacier hot pools with was super relaxing!

If you’ve already done a heli Hike or just want something different Try this itinerary.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sammy&Stuey
North Yorkshire, UK35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Amazing Amazing!!! A series of walks start from this huge car park. Was really busy when we got there, loads of campervans etc. Clean free toilets to use, prior to any walk this is essential! We decided to walk just to the main Glacier valley walk which is roughly an hour and a half walk return, depending on how many stops you make for photos etc. We were not allowed to go too far on our visit due to heavy rainfall the last few days. This had caused a lot of the paths to the glacier to have been washed away, so it was a little unsafe. Still we got a wonderful view of the glacier in all its glory. There are loads of different walks around Fox Glacier and the town itself ranging from small half hour walks right up to full day hikes. All well signposted from the town or car park. The actual town is so vibrant and just bustling with activity.
Written April 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg F
Auckland Central, New Zealand997 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close.
Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EatPrayLove123
Adelaide, Australia174 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Glacier Shuttle dropped us off in the car park which is the start of the walk and collected us at the end. The return walk is about 1.5 hrs with some incline. Was great to reach the end and admire and take photos. Wear good walking shoes and a warm jacket. It was cool in January. Check the weather to make sure it’s safe. There are uneven paths to walk but we had no problems. Some people walk from the Franz Josef Village but the village is about 10km return in itself. The glacier walk is about 4km return. Enjoy! We saw many couples, individuals and families with young children.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anita O
Mannheim, Germany722 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
The wet weather kept us from doing a heli flight but still allowed for the (ecologically preferable) walk from the busy car park towards the glacier. Most of the tourists went beyond the viewpoint down to the former glacier bed. Some small creeks had formed there as a result of the rain and we had to cross them using somewhat slippery stepping stones. We did not get very far as the drizzle had turned into rain again but at least we caught a glimpse of the glacier before it got hidden completely in the clouds. It was interesting to see the visibility change so quickly and gave us an idea what REAL hikers may experience in the mountains...
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graham
112 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
I noticed some posts regarding over charging for petrol in Franz Josef dated 2016.

Be warned, this has not improved. The data speaks for itself (24/2/2020).

Franz Josef Regular (91) $2.55 / litre

Fox Glacier Regular (91) $2.41 / litre

In addition the proprietor was “economic with the actualite” when asked the price of petrol gave the diesel price of $1.89. Apparently this over the odds also.

I suggest folk don’t support businesses that behave like this.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

acpscc
Baringa, Australia155 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We drove from the town to the car park. Good walk from the carpark to the viewing point for the glacier. You don't acually walk up to the face of the glacier. This walk is on very uneven ground (Rocks of all shapes and sizes)we were lucky, the track only opened for us at 10:00am that morning. Heavy rains the previous few days had washed it away.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Wedding Vow
Singapore, Singapore37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
Interesting trip to the Franz Josef glacier. Round trip hike of about 1.5 hours, and was educational and sad knowing that the beautiful glacier had retreated so much due to climate change. Would highly recommend bringing your kids here and teaching them about climate change, so that we can better take care of nature!
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shebe43
Blue Mountains, Australia465 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
You can easily walk to the viewing point for the Franz Josef Glacier, from the car park. It is mostly a flat walk, other than a slight incline at the end. The viewing area takes you to 1km from the face of the glacier.
The turn off for the glacier is just a few minutes out of town. The walk is about 1.5 hours round trip. It is through forest on a well formed track, and then along the river bed. All the way you have the most amazing views of the glacier as well at the mountains surrounding the glacial valley. The views are stunning.
This is a great and free way to see the glacier.
Really worth the long drive from Queenstown. Highly recommend a couple of nights in Franz Josef in case the glacier is hidden by clouds.
The west coast gets a lot of rain, and the clouds linger across the mountains hiding the glacier on many days.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fiona P
Auckland, New Zealand72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Family
It’s on the middle of nowhere it seems but is worth staying a night . See the glacier, do a rainforest walk. It’s all free Take a private pool in the local spa pool complex (for about $80) as you have privacy and it’s like you feel the rainforest - and the private pools they have their own shower cabana. Eat at Monsoon. It’s kinda of a cool pub with decent food compared to everywhere else...and overall you’ll be happy you stopped. We were surprised how much we enjoyed our night there. Glad we did t just drive through. Unique place and if you slow down to this tiny town you literally feel the nature.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 3,176
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Franz Josef Glacier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Franz Josef Glacier

According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Franz Josef Glacier: