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Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef

4.5
#1 of 170 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 $363 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
4.7
Duration: 40 minutes
Tours from $363 »
FROM $367 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
4.6
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $367 »
FROM $267 BOOK WITH VIATOR Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
4.1
Duration: 30 minutes
Tours from $267 »

Franz Josef Glacier reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,563 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Sharpei72
    Arrived with heavy showers but the short walk to the viewing area was lovely. Showers cleared for some photos. It has been 14 years since I have seen the glacier and it has certainly receded in that.....  more »
  • By MaryvdbM
    The longer trail was closed when we visited there but the short walk is wonderfully scenic and not too much for a family with small children to do.  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 ©
Wildlife Area
West Coast Wildlife Centre
3.1
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Spa
Spas
3.2
Duration: 1 hour
©
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tours
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
Roberts Point Track ©
Hiking Trail
Roberts Point Track
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

Side trips from Franz Josef

Hooker Valley Track ©
Hiking Trail
Hooker Valley Track
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
4.9
Duration: 3h 30 min
Fox Glacier South Side Walk ©
World heritage site
Fox Glacier South Side Walk
Fox Glacier
3.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Lake Matheson Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Lake Matheson Walk
Fox Glacier
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Gillespies Beach
Beach
Gillespies Beach
Fox Glacier
3.9
Duration: 3 hours

Hidden gems in Franz Josef

Glacier Country Lake Tours ©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Glacier Country Lake Tours
4.8
Duration: 3 hours
Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting
Fun & Games
Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Tatare Tunnels Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Callery Gorge Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Callery Gorge Walk
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Franz Josef

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

Trails in Franz Josef

Peters Pool Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Peters Pool Walk
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
Sentinel Rock Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Sentinel Rock Walk
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
Terrace Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Terrace Walk
3.7
Duration: 30 minutes

Nature in Franz Josef

Lake Mapourika ©
Water Body
Lake Mapourika
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Canavan's Knob Walk
Geologic Formation
Canavan's Knob Walk
2.9
Duration: 1h 30 min

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