On the ice in Glacier Country

FRANZ JOSEF

Just 5km from the centre of Franz Josef village, and part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world rumbles. A 1.5-hour walk from the Franz Josef car park will take you to within 750 metres of the glacier. For views from above, fly over the ice-white canvas by helicopter and land on the glacier. Guided heli-hiking tours forge a route through, up and over the ice.

FOX GLACIER

Not quite as steep as its cousin 28km to the north, Fox Glacier’s slightly mellower slope lends itself to gentler heli-hikes and flights that land on flawless strips of untouched snow. For views of Fox Glacier from afar, follow the Fox Glacier South Side walk, a two-hour trail that traces the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest to a viewpoint.

Fox Glacier © West Coast Tourism

6 WAYS TO HAVE A GLACIAL ADVENTURE

1. White-water rafting

In Franz Josef, the rafting experiences vary from gentle Grade 2 thrills to an extreme Grade 5 adventure.

2. Quad biking

Bounce along rainforest tracks, riverbanks and grassland with Franz Josef glacier as your backdrop.

3. Guided glacier hikes

Local operators take visitors by helicopter onto both glaciers. Crawl through ice caves and arches and stride over snow.

4. Scenic flights

Soar over great masses of ice by helicopter or plane. Helicopters are favoured for snow landings, whereas scenic flights cover over 200km of alpine scenery.

5. Eco-tours

Learn more about the environment on a guided eco-tour, learning about glaciation and geology.

6. Unmissable lakes

Kayak on Lake Mapourika, just 10 minutes’ drive from Franz Josef village, then sink into the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.

Lake Matheson is easily the most famous mirror lake in New Zealand, often showcasing the perfect reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook and just 5km from Fox Glacier township.