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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 $342 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
4.7
Duration: 40 minutes
Tours from $342 »
FROM $345 BOOK WITH VIATOR Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
4.6
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $345 »
FROM $251 BOOK WITH VIATOR Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef
4.1
Duration: 30 minutes
Tours from $251 »

Franz Josef Glacier reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,554 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By 869adriennep
    What we came to see. Unable to get closer because of a slip. DOC do an amazing job of the paths and informative signage thank you 🤩  more »
  • By TrueBlueAlways
    Book helicopter flights before you travel. Travel agent should have been aware that the walk to Franz Joseph Glacier washed away in January 2020, and the river bed that one is meant to walk across to....  more »
  • By The2Fors
    Went on a Helicopter Snow landing ride, this was the most exhilarating experience. We had perfect weather with a great pilot Greg. We got to see Franz Josef & Fox Glacier. It was honestly Magical...  more »
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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.
  • By Colin Walker
    Outstanding experience. Brilliantly organised and presented by the company.
  • By Rocky Landers
    What a beautiful place Be sure not to wear levis if you plan on hiking on the glacier
  • By Coach Michael
    Great but fast shrinking glacier. It is impressive how much you can witness the influence of human on the raising temperatures. Very well documented along the hike to the glacier.
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Popular things to do in Franz Josef

See all ›
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Wildlife Area
West Coast Wildlife Centre
3.1
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Spa
Spas
3.2
Duration: 1 hour
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Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tours
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
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Hiking Trail
Roberts Point Track
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

Side trips from Franz Josef

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

Hidden gems in Franz Josef

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Fishing Charter / Tour
Glacier Country Lake Tours
4.8
Duration: 3 hours
Fun & Games
Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Scenic Walking Area
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Scenic Walking Area
Callery Gorge Walk
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Franz Josef

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

Trails in Franz Josef

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Hiking Trail
Peters Pool Walk
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
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Hiking Trail
Sentinel Rock Walk
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
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Hiking Trail
Terrace Walk
3.8
Duration: 30 minutes

Nature in Franz Josef

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

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