About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier descends from the tops of the Southern Alps  into rainforest close to sea level.  The location and altitude of this glacier allows a rare opportunity to explore this dramatic natural wonder in a reasonably temperate climate and within both easy driving and walking distance from the main highway.

Nearby to the glacier you will find Franz Josef village and some other dynamic attractions including white water rafting, kayaking adventures, bike trails and inspiring walks (some guided). Only 10 minutes north of the village is beautiful Lake Mapourika – a fantastic location for kayaking, bird watching and fishing.

Fox Glacier is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps and is often referred to as being slightly more intimate than it’s big brother, Franz Josef Glacier. It is fed by 4 alpine glaciers

Fox Glacier is actually longer and faster moving than Franz Josef and the glacier base is within only 5km from the nearby village. The location of this glacier is 25 minutes from Franz Josef village and just under 2 hours from Hokitika on the West Coast.

Other local ‘must do’ activities near the village include scenic walks of varying duration and difficulty, beachcombing, white water rafting and other adrenaline pumping activities and an evening bush walk to a fern grotto to experience glowworms.

Discover and book activities in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier . . .

Heli Hiking Franz Josef:

Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a 2-hour guided walk on glacial terrain. Learn about glacier formation and movement while enjoying spectacular panoramic views.

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef:

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on a once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers’ natural beauty from a 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.

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight:

Enjoy a Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter flight. Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above the icefalls of the glacier and experience the magnitude of the scenery surrounding you. Then let the impressive presence of Aoraki (Mount Cook) amaze you as you explore it’s majestic west face, before descending down into the valleys below.

Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise from Franz Josef:

Enjoy a 2 hour small group scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika, a scenic gem on the Wild West Coast and only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier. Lake Mapourika boasts calm reflective waters, panoramic mountain and glaciers views as well as some of the last remaining untouched Kahikatea rainforest.

Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk:
Discover the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty on a small-group 4-hour Franz Joseph Glacier walk. Travel by helicopter to the Pinnacles area of the glacier with your guide then 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.

Service Travel is an official member of New Zealand Tourism