Franz Josef

Rated 4.8 Stars, based on 175 Reviews.

Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands of years. Admire the lush landscape of the dense rainforest and reconnect with Mother Nature.

Rated 4.7 Stars, based on 561 Reviews.

Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on this small-group 2 hour 15 minute (approx) Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide. Navigate your way through the maze of ice on your moderately difficult hike. Learn of the dramatic environmental changes affecting the glacier and gain insight into the geological forces at play. Group size is limited to 11 to ensure a personalized experience.

Rated 4.8 Stars, based on 79 Reviews.

This eco-tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for off-track adventures and a profound insight into the intricate workings of the ecosystem. This unforgettable journey unveils the hidden wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Meander through ancient native podocarp rainforest, stroll along a pristine glacial-fed river and marvel at the mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped mountains on an ancient kettle lake. Join us for an experience that blends serene natural beauty with educational exploration. Your knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience with fascinating stories and insights about the local history, flora, fauna, glaciology and geology. Wander at your own pace through glacial rivers, streams and native podocarp rainforest, discovering hidden treasures like wild mushrooms and dozens of orchid species. Please note we cannot get close to the terminal face or walk on the glacier due to safety reasons.

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!

Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain during this exhilarating tour from Franz Josef. Find out why New Zealand's South Island is famous for its gorgeous landscapes as you follow an experienced guide past ice caves, crevasses and pinnacles. Learn about glacier formation and movement, and enjoy supreme panoramic views. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.

Voted one of the 12 must-see things to visit in New Zealand by Lonely Planet, the West Coast Wildlife Centre is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the foremost indoor, all-weather attraction in Franz Josef.  You are guaranteed to see live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, including the world's rarest kiwis.  Discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas or go behind the scenes on the “Kiwi & Tuatara Backstage Pass Tour.”  Numbers are very limited on the 40-minute Backstage Pass Tour so advanced bookings are highly recommended.  You'll also find the best shopping in Franz Josef inside the all-weather facility and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the café. Recommended " best Coffee" in Franz Josef by Tripadvisor customers. If you purchase a VIP Backstage Pass Tour your general admission ticket is included in the price.

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest.

From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this 20-minute helicopter flight explores the awe-inspiring ice falls of the Franz Josef Glacier. The flight includes a snow landing, an excellent opportunity to really take in the surroundings and breathe the clean alpine air.

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 30-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing along the way. Discover up close their neve and unusual ice formations. You will then land on the snowfields up on one of the glaciers which is a huge highlight and will make for superb photos, snowballs and memories, before heading back down to Franz Josef Township

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our Glacier Explorer flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and then into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10-minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 25 minutes. Please note during the summer snow levels may be low & this could be an alpine landing (no snow). For guaranteed snow we recommend booking a longer flight. If you wish to book a Comfort Seat or request a Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade, please contact us at least 24hours in advance of your flight. *This 25minute flight has the highest rate of cancellation as it only has one flight route & landing site so no back up options if its route is weather effected unlike the longer flights which have multiple options.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 166 Reviews.

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers’ natural beauty from your helicopter high in the sky. Listen to live commentary from your professional pilot on route and gaze over the mantle of sheet ice and snow below. Land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, then hop out to experience the frozen landscape up close. Pose for photographs and capture the glacial scenery on camera.

Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef Heliport to the top of the Franz Josef icefall and land on the snow for fantastic photographic opportunities. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinicles that form the ice scapes of the Franz Josef Glacier. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Franz Josef)

Rated 5 Stars, based on 67 Reviews.

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Traveling with us offers a range of exceptional features designed to enhance your journey. Enjoy entertaining driver commentary that adds a delightful touch to your trip, making it both informative and fun. Our premium coach comes equipped with an onboard toilet for your convenience, ensuring you travel comfortably without unnecessary stops. Relax in our leather reclining seats, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience. Stay connected with free WIFI and onboard USB charging docks, so you can keep your devices powered throughout the journey. Additionally, we offer plenty of luggage storage, ensuring that you can bring along everything you need without any hassle.

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper ice fall of Franz Josef glacier. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 18 Reviews.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 15 Reviews.

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over Franz Josef Glacier and experience the solitude of landing in this wonderful natural alpine environment.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 33 Reviews.

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary enroute. You'll fly along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 2 Reviews.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.