Things To Do In Franz Josef Glacier
Things to do in Franz Josef
Looking for more things to do while you’re in Franz Josef Glacier? Alongside our kayak tours, boat tours and off-road tours, there are plenty of other great experiences to explore — from glacier adventures and scenic flights to rainforest walks and wildlife encounters. Here are some of the best options in the area.
About Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Austrian emperor by geologist Julius von Haast in 1865. Today, the glacier sits just five kilometres from the small and welcoming township of Franz Josef, home to around 450 residents. A short 20 minute walk leads to a viewpoint where visitors can appreciate the scale of this remarkable river of ice.
While glacier experiences such as heli-hikes and scenic flights remain popular, there is much more to discover in Glacier Country. Explore ancient rainforest, tackle the Waiho Riverbed on an off road adventure, kayak or cruise on Lake Mapourika or simply enjoy one of the region’s many walking tracks. Franz Josef offers something for everyone.
Even when the West Coast weather rolls in, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the region:
Waiho Hot Tubs
Immerse yourself in private tubs, nestles within pristine native rainforest on New Zealand’s West Coast. The Waiho Hot Tubs are heated by wood fire and blend the comfort of warm water with the essence of wood smoke, offering you an unforgettable retreat. Advance bookings recommended.
Kayak Tours – Lake Mapourika
Explore one of New Zealand’s most scenic lakes with a guided kayak tour on Lake Mapourika, with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. Paddle across mirror-like waters surrounded by ancient rainforest and stunning views of the Southern Alps. Spot native birdlife including White Herons, while you explore a prodected bird sanctuary. Suitable for beginners and families.
Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers is described as one of the most beautiful places on earth to skydive. Experience the next-level with insane views of mountains, glaciers, forests and coastlines with high altitude experts Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier. Choose from 10,000ft, 13,000ft or 16,500ft jumps and New Zealand’s highest at 18,000ft!!
Off Road Adventure Tours
Experience Franz Josef’s wilderness on a guided off road adventure through rainforest tracks and the glacial Waiho Riverbed. Drive your own quad bike or buggy across a variety of terrain, or sit back and let an expert guide take the wheel. All gear and free photos included.
Glacier Country Helicopters
Join a local, family owned and operated Glacier Country Helicoptersfor a scenic glacier flight with snow landing. Unique flight routes plus options for private charters, backcountry drop-offs, and guided hunting. Enter the promo code WILDERNESS at check out to save!
West Coast Wildlife Centre
Visit the team at the friendly family Wildlife Centre with live kiwi birds on open display, a Franz Josef Glacier attraction, live Tuatara Encounter & VIP Backstage Pass Tours. There’s also a cafe & gift shop to enjoy. This is a great rainy day activity for anyone visiting the township.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a local family owned and operated guided walk tour company offering an exciting, diverse and extensive range of small-group and private day options rich in NZ birdlife. Glacier Valley Eco Tours delivers a personalized, safe and informative experience for all ages & abilities, with an emphasis on local knowledge, history, conservation & natural elements.
Boat Tours – Lake Mapourika
Sit back and relax on a scenic cruise across the calm waters of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. Boat tours include cruises, or guided walks through protected rainforest and kiwi bird habitat. Enjoy fascinating local stories, and excellent opportunities to spot native birdlife. Perfect for families, photographers and anyone wanting to experience Glacier Country at a slower pace while enjoying one of the West Coast’s most beautiful locations.
Heliservices Franz Josef & Fox
HeliServices.NZ offers experienced helicopter flightseeing and private charters in the stunning alpine heights and coastal regions of the South Island. Our experienced team prioritizes safety and wellbeing. We look forward to having you onboard!
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Explore the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Our glacier hiking tours cater to all fitness levels, providing the most spectacular and rewarding experience in the world. Enjoy a heli-ride to the Glacier and then a guided walk with your experienced guide.
Glacier Helicopters
Be inspired by the power and scale of our majestic glaciers with Glacier Helicopters. Pioneers of glacier and snow landings in Aotearoa New Zealand way back in 1970, we continue to operate in our modern Airbus helicopters based at both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Our professional pilots are experienced in all aspects of mountain flying and have a comprehensive knowledge of this world-famous glacial region. Our aircraft are operated by The Helicopter Line Ltd.
Inflite Franz and Fox Helicopters
The only operator on the West Coast offering helicopter flights with landings on the famous Tasman Glacier! Fly with the region’s only Carbon Zero operator and explore the breath-taking natural landscapes of Te Poutini and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Parks, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, and more. The best way to experience New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery is to see it from the sky with INFLITE Franz and Fox Helicopters.
Explore beyond the Glaciers…
Our selection of kayak tours, boat cruises, fishing and quad bike adventures are always an option alongside these other amazing Franz Josef Glacier activities. It’s easy to fit it all in, we operate alongside other operators to make the most out of your Franz Josef itinerary. If you’re having trouble fitting it all in, feel free to get in touch with us to ask any scheduling questions!
From White Herons to Longfin Eels and Bellbirds… Lake Mapourika is home to an incredible variety of native wildlife.
Transport Options to Franz Josef
Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Cheeky Kiwi Travel offers daily small group tours to Franz Josef from both Queenstown and Christchurch, ensuring a seamless and scenic adventure like no other. Led by Cheeky Kiwi’s award-winning and famously passionate guides, discover the must-see destinations and hidden gems of New Zealand’s stunning West Coast. For the ultimate West Coast experience, you can even add the iconic TranzAlpine train journey between Christchurch and Franz Josef.