01
Franz Josef Glacier
Heli-hike onto the ice or walk the valley floor to the terminal viewpoint.
South Island · Waiau
Franz Josef
One of the few places on earth where a glacier flows down into temperate rainforest, a short drive from wild West Coast beaches and mirror-calm lakes.
Recommended stay
1–2 nights
Best for
Glaciers, heli-hikes, rainforest
Best time
October–April
Why Franz Josef
Ice and rainforest in the same valley
Franz Josef Glacier descends from the Southern Alps to around 300 metres above sea level, ending among ferns and rātā forest. Only a handful of glaciers anywhere reach so far into temperate rainforest.
Access has changed as the terminal face has retreated. Walking onto the ice now requires a helicopter, and the heli-hike is genuinely spectacular: landing on the névé, then walking through blue ice arches and crevasses with a guide. The valley walk from the car park is free and still impressive.
There is more to the area than ice. Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier delivers the classic mirror reflection of Aoraki and Mount Tasman on a still morning, Ōkārito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, and the rainforest here is some of the most intact in the country.
Top highlights
Must-do glacier country experiences
02
Fox Glacier
The quieter neighbour 25 minutes south, with its own valley walk.
03
Lake Matheson
The mirror lake, at its best before the wind gets up in the morning.
04
Ōkārito Lagoon
New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, home to kōtuku white herons.
05
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Rainforest, rivers and glaciers within a World Heritage area.
06
Franz Josef village
A compact alpine village with hot pools, dining and glow worm walks.
Who it suits
Is Franz Josef right for your trip?
Glacier walking
Scenic flights
Photographers
Rainforest walks
Couples
Bucket-list experiences
Recommended stay
How long should you spend in Franz Josef?
| Time | What fits comfortably |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Glacier valley walk and the village hot pools |
| 2 days | Add a heli-hike or scenic flight, plus Lake Matheson |
| 3 days | Add Ōkārito Lagoon, a kayak trip or a rainforest guided walk |
| 4+ days | A weather-proofed stay that allows for flight cancellations |
Trip ideas
Suggested Franz Josef itineraries
Two days in Franz Josef
- 1
Day 1
Glacier valley walk, rainforest tracks and the hot pools
- 2
Day 2
Heli-hike on the glacier, then Lake Matheson in the late afternoon
Three days in glacier country
- 1
Day 1
Arrive, Franz Josef valley walk and glow worms after dark
- 2
Day 2
Heli-hike or scenic flight over both glaciers and Aoraki
- 3
Day 3
Lake Matheson at dawn, Gillespies Beach and Ōkārito Lagoon
Things to do
Top paid and free activities
Popular paid activities
- Franz Josef heli-hike
- Scenic flight over Aoraki
- Glacier Hot Pools
- Ōkārito kayak tour
- Guided rainforest walk
- Glow worm night walk
Popular free attractions
- Franz Josef valley walk
- Lake Matheson loop
- Peters Pool
- Ōkārito Trig walk
- Gillespies Beach
- Callery Gorge track
Sample costs
Franz Josef price guide
These broad NZD ranges are indicative planning figures, not live quotes. Season, availability, room type and group size can change the final cost.
Budget
NZ$50–$100
per person / night
Standard
NZ$100–$250
per person / night
Premium
NZ$250–$500
per person / night
Luxury
NZ$500+
per person / night
Heli-hikes and scenic flights typically cost NZ$300–$650 per person. Valley and rainforest walks are free.
Continue your route
Nearby destinations from Franz Josef
These are the onward locations currently connected in our tour builder.
Where to stay
Franz Josef accommodation options
Budget
Hostels, backpackers and holiday park cabins
Standard
Motels and 3-star hotels
Premium
4-star hotels and boutique stays
Luxury
Luxury lodges and premium retreats
Franz Josef FAQs
Questions travellers ask
Is Franz Josef worth visiting?
Yes. Standing beside a glacier that ends in rainforest is unusual anywhere in the world, and the surrounding lakes and coast are excellent.
Can you walk onto the glacier?
Only by helicopter with a guided heli-hike. The valley walk from the car park reaches a viewpoint of the terminal face.
Franz Josef or Fox Glacier?
Franz Josef has more operators, accommodation and dining; Fox is quieter and closer to Lake Matheson. Many itineraries include both.
How often are flights cancelled?
Frequently — this is one of the wettest parts of the country. Two nights gives you a second chance at good weather.
How many nights should I stay?
One night is enough for the valley walk; two is strongly recommended if you want to fly.
When is the best time to visit?
October to April for the longest days and best flying conditions, although clear weather can arrive in any month.
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