Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
4.5
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
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6 within 3 miles
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13 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- TECK SIEW CSingapore, Singapore10 contributionsHelicopter ride with glazier landingIt'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 optionVisited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 12, 2023
- traveladdict3500Hasselt, Belgium783 contributionsMagical ! 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 2023Written April 23, 2023
- Kiwi TravellerAuckland, New Zealand31 contributionsAmazing Place to StayWhat 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 29, 2023
- Joyman LPerth, Australia1,513 contributionsMust 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- juliegnz56 contributionsView 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2024
- Debbi D761 contributionsIf it is bad weather this place can be a complete waste of timeThere 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2024
- ExploringLifeMoama, Australia1,649 contributionsNot 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2024
- Wayne BMorrinsville, New Zealand166 contributionsMust see at Franz JosephNice 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2024
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Brya M
Chicago, IL25 contributions
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Sr P
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution
How close can we get to Fox glacier on foot in September.
gtlegacy2015
Wellington, New Zealand241 contributions
Current access is limited due to flooding. See write up on Doc.govt.nz. Franz Josef.
Expensive helicopter trips are available
Trayeling Tan
Singapore, Singapore42 contributions
Hi, I would like to do a flight over Franz Josef, Fox glacier and Mount Cook and a heli-hike on Franz Josef, can I fulfill these 2 in 1 day?
How long does the heli-hike takes for a person with average fitness?
Do I have to book the above activities in advance or I can book when I arrive at Franz Josef? I will be travelling with my family of 10 in Dec 2020 to New Zealand
Thank you!
Joanne F
Melbourne, Australia129 contributions
These glacier landings are very dependent on the weather. We tried 4 times to go to Franz Josef Glacier. Not sure about the heli hikes as we only did the landing on Franz Josef Glacier. You will need to check with the companies.
inonufing
Whyalla, Australia147 contributions
Hi,
Did you do this walk without a guide and was there any cost if you didnt have a guide and how long did the walk take you?
Thanks
Victoria
Lenny O
14 contributions
Hi Victoria, We didn't do the glacier walk as my wife has a very bad back and the staff at the motel said you see a lot more by helicopter. So we took the Heli ride over and to the top of the glacier and it was truly impressive. The walk itself is about an hour and a half duration and as you aren't allowed to climb any section of the glacier itself and the walk takes you from the car park to the foot of the glacier face. No guide required. If we were all fitter, I would do both! The walk up to the glacier face in the valley of the surrounding mountains would still be breathtaking to do. Its lovely looking at the valley in the distance from the motels and township. Very scenic and a must do while in NZ. Enjoy your visit, Victoria.
Bernice C
Cairns, Australia11 contributions
My friend and I are going to drive from Queenstown to Franz josef glacier in a week time. Is it safe to drive and what is the snow situation?
Totrue B
Auckland, New Zealand159 contributions
This is an Alpine area so the weather is VERY unpredictable this time of the year. Getting through the Haast Pass from Queenstown could be a challenge on its own. If you get to Fox Glacier township you've done well (nice part of NZ). Now comes the tricky bit - will the Glacier be accessible? Best I can advise.
Kate M
2 contributions
Hi,
We are heading to NZ in Sep this year on our honeymoon and are considering a glacier hike (with heli ride). I am a bit hesitant as I don't do so well in really confined spaces and wouldn't say I am overly fit. I can easily walk for a few hours at a time on relatively flat surfaces, but not sure how steep / rough the terrain is.
Is anyone able to offer any advice re. the small confined spaces and the level of fitness required?
Where there are small crevasses / caves, are there options to go through or otherwise go around?
Thanks!
Kate
LancashireBuddy
Lancashire28 contributions
Hi I agree with the previous comment and would definitely recommend Fox for a couple of reasons. Firstly you have a much better chance of actually getting on the glacier as the weather doesn't affect it as much as Franz Josef. Also with small groups and excellent guides it is very safe and accessibl the choice is yours if you want to go into the ice caves or not and the boots and cramping are provided with a lesson beforehand..I was quite nervous at 67 years of age but I ma babes quite easily and it was the best experience ever. The short helicopter journey is exhilarating and nothing to fear.. Enjoy! You will love it ☺
Jen B
San Antonio, TX8 contributions
I think I have enough $ for only one helicopter ride. Do you think I should do the Franz Glacier + Mount Cook helicopter tour or the Milford Sound helicopter tour? Thanks in advance!
Donna C
Franz Josef, New Zealand91 contributions
We did the Milford Sound by boat which I think I would recommend it rather than taking a helicopter. We also walked the glacier and I would also recommend it walking it.
Jen B
San Antonio, TX8 contributions
I think I have enough $ for only one helicopter ride. Do you think I should do the Franz Glacier + Mount Cook helicopter tour or the Milford Sound helicopter tour? Thanks in advance!
Helene G
Belfast, UK192 contributions
Doubtful Sound experience is better than Milford Sound. Much more peaceful and spectacular. Go by boat to get the full experience
Luke P
8 contributions
Hi all! Me and my girlfriend are campervanning NZ in January! It’s a fairly quick trip due to costs and the fact we are doing 3 months in SEA and 6 weeks in AUS before this so we only really have a day to do the glaciers. We want to do one of them so I was hoping for advise between Franz Josef and Fox and how we could make the most of a day there? Thanks. :)
jollys99
Newcastle, England267 contributions
Franz Josef is best option for visit to the glacier. There are several organised trips that can be booked from the information centre in town and might be best to book ahead for one of these if you intend visiting, to get the most out of the day
Luke P
8 contributions
Hi all! Me and my girlfriend are campervanning NZ in January! It’s a fairly quick trip due to costs and the fact we are doing 3 months in SEA and 6 weeks in AUS before this so we only really have a day to do the glaciers. We want to do one of them so I was hoping for advise between Franz Josef and Fox and how we could make the most of a day there? Thanks. :)
rbthodge
Whitby, Canada1,635 contributions
Time may be your biggest problem. Both glaciers are located on the west coast, halfway between Westport in the north and Queenstown in the south. It's a good day's drive from either to the glaciers. Franz Josef would be my choice of the two. You can drive reasonably close to both glaciers and then hike a distance to get closer, but you'll still be a good kilometre or so away from the glacier's face when they post signs to go no further (danger, and I'd take their advice - people have died ignoring the warnings). You can helihike on Franz Josef (costly, but highly recommended - you'll be right on the glacier for up to 3 hours, then soak in their hot pools as long as you want after). Problem with both glaciers is also the weather. Often they are in clouds or it is raining and you can't get near because of the condition of the roads or the helicopters can't fly. We spent 3 days in Franz Josef waiting for a break in the weather to get up on the glacier and just made it in on the morning of the day we had to leave. You can also fly over the glaciers (cheaper than helihiking, but still expensive). There is really little to do in Franz Josef other than the glacier and even less to do in Fox Glacier (30 kilometres away on a very twisty, turny road).
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Claim your listingFranz 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:
- Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing (From $212.85)
- Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour (From $448.28)
- Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef (From $274.12)
- Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef (From $274.12)
- Mt Cook 360 (From $301.23)
- Hotels near Franz Josef Glacier:
- (3.20 mi) Aspen Court Franz Josef
- (3.92 mi) Holly Homestead Bed & Breakfast
- (3.06 mi) Rainforest Retreat
- (5.53 mi) Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
- (3.06 mi) Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Restaurants near Franz Josef Glacier:
- (2.96 mi) Alice May
- (2.79 mi) BLUE ICE RESTAURANT & BAR
- (2.91 mi) Snake Bite Brewery
- (3.07 mi) Monsoon Bar & Restaurant
- (2.93 mi) The Landing