Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

On New Zealand's wild West Coast, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers descend from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest, creating a surreal landscape of ancient ice and lush greenery. These two glaciers are among the most accessible in the world, offering you the chance to walk on, fly over, or simply marvel at their icy blue crevasses.

Highlights & What to See

• Glacier Valley Walks: Hike the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (1.5 hours return) or Fox Glacier Valley Walk (1 hour return) for close-up views of the terminal face without a guide.
• Heli-Hikes: Take a helicopter flight onto the ice for a guided walk among crevasses, ice caves, and pinnacles – an unforgettable experience.
• Scenic Flights: Soar over both glaciers and Mount Cook for a bird's-eye view of the entire glacial system and alpine peaks.
• Lake Matheson: Near Fox Glacier, this mirror-still lake offers iconic reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, best at dawn or dusk.
• Franz Josef Hot Pools: Soak tired muscles in natural hot pools surrounded by rainforest after a day on the ice.
• West Coast Wildlife Centre: See rare kiwi and tuatara in Franz Josef village, with a conservation focus.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to experience both glaciers properly. Spend one day in Franz Josef and one in Fox, allowing time for a valley walk and a heli-hike or scenic flight. If you're short on time, a single day can cover a valley walk at one glacier and a scenic flight over both.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Okarito Lagoon: A tranquil coastal lagoon with kayaking, birdlife, and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
• Hokitika: A historic gold-mining town with pounamu (greenstone) galleries and the Hokitika Gorge's turquoise waters.
• Whataroa: Gateway to the White Heron Sanctuary at Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
• Haast Pass: Scenic drive through rainforest and waterfalls to the Otago region.
• West Coast Glaciers scenic drives: The road between the glaciers is stunning, with viewpoints and short walks at Lake Gault and Peters Pool.

Please check official sources for current details.