Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  West Coast Region  /  Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)  /  Franz Josef  /  Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef

4.5

#1 of 175 in Trails in South Island

Geologic Formation Landmark Must See

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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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Franz Josef Glacier Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3,539 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.7

7 likes

• By TravelinSuz

  Hiked both glaciers and husband twisted his knee on the fox, but he thought it was worth the pain. Very nice guided hike on the glacier.  more »

• By klvmar

  The 5.4 km walk to Franz Joseph Glacier was one of the highlights of our vacation in New Zealand. The walkway passes through dense vegetation and opens onto a dry riverbed with a somewhat rough and.....  more »

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Google

• By Rolando Labusta

  Great! Nice walk, please take appropriate shoes, and protect the nature.

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• By Michael Euston

  One of the better areas of earth.

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