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Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  West Coast Region  /  Westland Tai Poutini National Park  /  Franz Josef  /  Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef

4.5
#1 of 171 in Trails in South Island
Must see · World heritage site · Geologic Formation · Landmark
Explore one of New Zealand's natural gems with a trek or helicopter ride at Franz Josef Glacier, part of a national park and World Heritage Site. The country's native inhabitants called this 12 km (7.5 mi) glacier "Tears of the Avalanche Girl," believing a young girl's tears over a lost lover froze into the massive sheet of ice. Europeans first investigated the site in the 1860s, when explorer Julius Haast named it after the Austrian emperor. An ideal spot for an outdoor New Zealand adventure, the glacier offers a range of hiking tours suitable for all levels of ability and fitness. To see the glacier from the air, consider a helicopter tour over the frozen mountain landscape. Check the website for deals on tour packages. Add Franz Josef Glacier to your Franz Josef travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Franz Josef online holiday planner.
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Tours to Franz Josef Glacier

FROM $129 BOOK WITH VIATOR Off-Road Adventure Tour
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Tours from $129 »
FROM $346 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
4.5
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $346 »
FROM $257 BOOK WITH VIATOR Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
Tours from $257 »
FROM $200 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
4.9
Duration: 20 minutes
Tours from $200 »
FROM $257 BOOK WITH VIATOR Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
4.9
Duration: 30 minutes
Tours from $257 »
FROM $350 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
5.0
Duration: 40 minutes
Tours from $350 »

Franz Josef Glacier reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,582 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By edi361
    The road is good no problems. A part of the Glacier is in view of the car park however you are able to walk towards the Glacier  more »
  • By gaynors448
    Lots to do in Franz Josef - we did kayaking, a Heli Hike and Quad bikes - all in two days! Come and see the glacier before it's all gone...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Rolando Labusta
    Great! Nice walk, please take appropriate shoes, and protect the nature.
  • By Michael Euston
    One of the better areas of earth.
See more on Google »

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Popular things to do in Franz Josef

West Coast Wildlife Centre ©
Nature / Park
West Coast Wildlife Centre
3.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tours
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Spa
Spas
3.2
Duration: 1 hour
Glacier Country Lake Tours ©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Glacier Country Lake Tours
4.8
Duration: 3 hours

Side trips from Franz Josef

Fox Glacier South Side Walk ©
World heritage site
Fox Glacier South Side Walk
Fox Glacier
3.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Hooker Valley Track ©
Hiking Trail
Hooker Valley Track
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Lake Matheson Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Lake Matheson Walk
Fox Glacier
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Gillespies Beach ©
Beach
Gillespies Beach
Fox Glacier
3.9
Duration: 3 hours

Hidden gems in Franz Josef

Peters Pool Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Peters Pool Walk
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Roberts Point Track ©
Hiking Trail
Roberts Point Track
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Tatare Tunnels Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Sentinel Rock Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Sentinel Rock Walk
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours ©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
4.9
Duration: 3 hours
Franz Josef Glacier Guides ©
Sightseeing Tour
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
4.2
Duration: 4 hours
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools ©
Spa
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
3.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Across Country Quad Bikes ©
Off-Road Tour
Across Country Quad Bikes
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nature in Franz Josef

Lake Mapourika ©
Water Body
Lake Mapourika
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Trails in Franz Josef

Terrace Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Terrace Walk
3.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

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