Glacier Country

Glacier Country, centred on the twin ice rivers of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, is one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes. Here, temperate rainforest meets ancient ice at the foot of the Southern Alps, creating a world where you can stand beneath towering ice cliffs one moment and wander through lush fern gullies the next. The small settlements of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier serve as gateways to this frozen wilderness, offering a range of walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights that bring you up close to the ice. The ever-shifting glaciers, fed by heavy west-coast rainfall, advance and retreat with a rhythm that humbles every visitor.

Highlights & What to See

• Franz Josef Glacier – Walk or heli-hike onto the terminal face of this 12-km-long glacier; the guided ice hikes are unforgettable.
• Fox Glacier – Slightly larger and less visited, with superb views from the terminal face walk and heli-hikes that land on the nevé.
• Lake Matheson – A mirror-still lake near Fox Glacier famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman; best at dawn or dusk.
• Okarito Lagoon – A pristine coastal wetland where you can kayak or take a boat tour to spot white herons (kotuku) and other birdlife.
• West Coast Wildlife Centre – In Franz Josef, see rare rowi kiwi and tuatara in a conservation setting.
• Sentinel Rock Walk – A short, easy track offering panoramic views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley and its retreat since the last ice age.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to experience the highlights. One day allows a heli-hike on one glacier and a walk to the terminal face of the other, while a second day lets you explore Lake Matheson and Okarito Lagoon. If you're short on time, a single day can combine a scenic flight over both glaciers with a short walk, but you'll miss the immersive ice experience. Three days gives you flexibility for weather cancellations—common here—and time to relax in the hot pools after a day on the ice.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Westland Tai Poutini National Park – The park that cradles both glaciers; explore its rainforest walks and alpine viewpoints.
• Whataroa – A small town east of Franz Josef, gateway to the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary and white heron breeding colony.
• Lake Wanaka – A 2.5-hour drive south via the Haast Pass, offering lakefront charm and Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Hokitika – A 1.5-hour drive north, known for its pounamu (greenstone) carving, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge.
• Arthur's Pass National Park – A scenic 2-hour drive east over the Southern Alps, with alpine walks and kea parrots.

Please check official sources for current details.