Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / South Island / West Coast Region / Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) / Franz Josef / Nature / Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef

(2,400+ reviews on the web)

Geologic Formation

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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. To visit Franz Josef Glacier on your trip to Franz Josef, use our Franz Josef travel itinerary maker.

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Related Tours to Book

Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 331

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Plans in Franz Josef by other users

18 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: November, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 14 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM INDIA November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 22 days in South Island BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 27 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in South Island BY A USER FROM INDIA December, outdoors, relaxing, popular PREFERENCES: December, outdoors, relaxing ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 11 days in South Island BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy 12 days in South Island BY A USER FROM SOUTH KOREA August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM INDIA December, hidden gems PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA June, popular PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 19 days in South Island BY A USER FROM THAILAND November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 19 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 16 days in New Zealand & Australia BY A USER FROM INDIA November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Ayumi M

Definitely try this waking track when you are in Franz Josef! Easy walk to see beautiful Glacier. Huge difference from 2008 but still worth it. more »
Amanda O

Well worth the journey. Breathtaking spectacular view. Easy access. Good car parking. Beautiful on a fine day more »
Manila S

Amazing place!!!! Too glad to visit. Ice caves were too good. One does not need to be a winter sports enthusiast to be able to do this with guides. You do need to be less than a certain body weight to... more »

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Best things to do in Franz Josef

Popular

Franz Josef Glacier

Visit for: 1h 30min

Spas & Wellness

Helicopter Tours

Visit for: 30min

Side Trips

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Mt. Cook Village

Hooker Valley Track

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Visit for: 3h 30min

Hidden Gems

Gallery Gorge Walk

Visit for: 2h 30min

Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

Tatare Tunnels Walk

Visit for: 1h 30min

Nearby

Glacier Country Kayaks

Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Visit for: 3h 30min

Glacier Hot Pools

Adventure

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Tours

Horseback Riding Tours

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