The most sought-after activity in the area, a scenic helicopter tour will take you soaring above the Southern Alps. An experienced guide will help you spot the most famous peaks of these alps, including Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook. You can even pair your helicopter tour with a guided hike above the glaciers.
Timings: 8:30am to 5pm everyday
This all-indoor attraction has a natural bush walkthrough with live young Kiwis that have been raised here in an effort to save and repopulate the extremely rare species of the Kiwi bird, the Rowi Kiwi. The VIP pass gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their hatching and incubation program, and if you’re lucky, you may just get to witness a baby kiwi hatching.
Waiau Visitor Centre: 8:30am to 5pm everyday
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, this national park stretches across 1320 sq. km. and is home to many famous glaciers of the West Coast, including Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. With lush rainforests and coastal wetlands, this park is home to a variety of native animals and wading birds. The only known colony of Rowi Kiwi is located in the lowland forests of this park.
Tour timings: 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Considered sacred and extremely rare, the White Heron Sanctuary is the only nesting site for the Kotuku or White Herons in the country. There are about 150 birds of this rare species along the Waitangiroto River banks and the only way to get access to this location is to take a guided tour conducted by the Department of Conservation.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 1.7 km
Duration: 30 mins
Get as close as possible to the terminal face of the Franz Josef glacier on this trail where blue ice shines like glossy marble. Although you’re still 1.5km away from the terminal face, you can glimpse the crevasses of the glacier. Be sure to heed the warning signs and don’t go beyond the barriers.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 3.6 km return
Duration: 1 hr 20 mins
This track gives you beautiful views of the Tatare Gorge and leads up to the famous glow worm tunnels. These tunnels were used to power a small hydro station that generated electricity for the township. Be sure to turn off your torches to spot beautiful glow worms illuminating your path.
Level: Advanced
Track distance: 17.2 km return
Duration: 8 hours
This track zigs and zags through the rainforest while mostly going uphill and is not recommended for beginners. The Alex Knob viewpoint, situated at the end of this trail, offers spectacular bird’s eye views of the Franz Josef Glacier nearby, the Tasman Sea and the Main Divide.
Level: Intermediate
Track distance: 9.8 km return
Duration: 3 hr 30 mins
This track is recommended only when there’s at least one hour of low tide on each side. The track goes along the beach between the Three Mile Lagoon and Okarito township before moving onto the Okarito Wetlands Track and ascends to the Kohuamarua Bluff. You can spot a variety of wader birds here, including the White Heron, Royal Spoonbills, and more.
Level: Easy to intermediate
Track distance: 8.7 km return
Duration: 4 hours
This track goes beyond the Franz Josef village onto the Waiho River bridge and runs along the left side of the access road to the glacier. This gravel track is suitable for both walkers and cyclists and goes up the valley into the rainforest where you can spot the forest’s abundant birdlife.
Level: Advanced
Track distance: 12.3 km return
Duration: 5 hr 20 mins
This trail starts at the Douglas Bridge and ascends upwards towards the Waiho River up to Robert’s point, a viewpoint way above the glacial ice. On your trail you’ll come across Hende’s Hut that makes for a sheltered space to have lunch. The track climbs further into an open scrubland, over a suspension bridge across Rope Creek and steadily ascends to Robert’s point way above the glacial ice. The efforts to reach here are well rewarded with views of the waterfall, sheared rock walls and the mountains in the backdrop.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 6.8 km return
Duration: 4 hours
This track goes up the Fox Glacier valley that’s more dramatic than the Franz Josef glacier valley. The trail ascends a little with all types of walkways to allow everyone to get a better view of the Southern Alps. This area is dangerous and may sometimes be closed due to flooding, landslides and ice falls.
Level: Easy
Track distance: 2.6 km return
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Lake Matheson is famous for being a mirror to Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman. The dark brown color of the water comes from the humus of the forest floor, facilitating the stunning reflections of the mountains. There is an accessible Jetty viewpoint or you can go on a longer loop around the lake.
Level: Expert
Track distance: 7.4 km return
Duration: 8 hours
This advanced track is suited for well-equipped experienced hikers. The trail ascends steeply through bushes up to a trig, from where blue and orange markers lead to the viewpoint at the end of the trail. Once you’re here, your toil will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Fox Glacier and other peaks on one side and the coastal rainforest and farmlands on the other. Watch out for descending clouds and start early in the morning for the best views.
The Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions are renowned for their breathtaking glaciers, but there’s much more to explore nearby. Visit Lake Matheson to see mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The West Coast Wildlife Centre allows you to learn about the rare Rowi Kiwi birds and about their breeding program. There are also several scenic lookouts, lush rainforests, and tranquil hot pools at both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Yes, detailed maps for both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier hiking trails are available online and at visitor centers in the area. Download Franz Josef glacier map and Fox Glacier map.
For an easy stroll, try the Sentinel Rock Walk, a short 20-minute walk to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier, or the Tatare Tunnel Walk to view glow worms in the ancient gold mining tunnels at Franz Josef. At Fox Glacier, the Minnehaha Walk is another gentle option, perfect for an evening stroll among glowworms.
Moderate hikers will enjoy the Okarito Coastal walk near Franz Josef that is a little over 3 hours but offers great opportunities to view wader birds. The Lake Gault track, near Fox Glacier, is another intermediate option that offers reflections of the Southern Alps on the still dark water.
For those seeking a challenge, the Alex Knob Track and the Roberts Point track are your best picks. Each track lasts about 8 hours and covers rough terrain, steep slopes and slippery surfaces. But your efforts are well rewarded with unparalleled views of the glacier and the valley from a high viewpoint.
When planning your hike, consider the weather conditions, as the West Coast is known for its unpredictable weather. It's essential to wear layered clothing, bring waterproof gear, and carry enough food and water. Make sure to inform someone of your hiking plans, especially if you’re tackling more challenging trails, and always check with local visitor centers for any trail closures or safety updates.
Yes, guided tours are available for all skill levels at both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. These tours offer the advantage of expert knowledge, safety, and access to parts of the glaciers that are otherwise restricted to the general public. Here’s a guided hiking tour of the Fox Glacier that may interest you.
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers, go kayaking in the Okarito Lagoon, Lake Mapourika or even one of the smaller streams, or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see the rare kiwi birds.
The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is warmer and the hiking trails are more accessible. However, winter months can also offer a unique experience with fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing snow-covered landscapes.
While some trails are suitable for all fitness levels, others, especially advanced hikes, require a good level of fitness and preparation. There are also a few accessible options, such as the Glacier Valley Walk at Franz Josef, which is relatively flat and can be enjoyed by those on a wheelchair too.
Yes, it is possible to visit both glaciers in one day, as they are only about a 30-minute drive apart. However, to fully appreciate the beauty and activities each location offers, it is recommended to spend more time at each site.
Yes, there are several places in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier where you can rent hiking gear such as boots, jackets, and even crampons if you’re planning to hike on the glacier itself.
Head over to the visitor centers of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park to get information about the trails, obtain maps, get trail advice, and learn about the current conditions of the glaciers.
For a day hike, pack essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, a fully charged phone, and layers of clothing to adjust to changing weather. We also suggest that you bring a waterproof overcoat to remain prepared for sudden showers.
Yes, the region is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot native birds like the white heron and the rare kiwi bird on a couple of lake trails near Franz Josef. Guided tours often include wildlife spotting, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre is a great place to learn more about the local fauna.
