

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world.
Glacier Country offers a wealth of adventure activities:
- Take a guided glacier hike.
- Ride a quad bike.
- Fly in a helicopter or sightseeing plane.
- Do a tandem skydive.
- Kayak on Lake Mapourika or Okarito Lagoon
Wildlife attractions include the kiwi breeding programme in Franz Josef, the White Heron Sanctuary in Whataroa and kiwi in the wild at Okarito.
After your busy day, soak in lovely hot pools
Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier provides stunning reflections and views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Glacier Country is:
- Whataroa.
- Okarito.
- Lake Mapourika.
- Franz Josef Glacier.
- Fox Glacier.
- Lake Matheson.
- Gillespies Beach.
Getting to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Find out time and distance from Glacier Country to other locations:
Weather in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Great places to visit in Glacier Country
Whataroa
Whataroa is the gateway to South Westland and the best place to see the rare native White Heron (Kotuku).
You can visit the nearby Waitangiroto Sanctuary on a guided tour and there is also an excellent 10-minute walk here with informative panels that tell you about native wetlands.
Okarito
Okarito is situated on a sand spit dividing New Zealand’s largest wetland and the Tasman Sea.
It is an ecological gem with over 70 species of birds recorded here and a popular whitebaiting spot in season.
To see the variety of birdlife, hire a kayak or take a guided kayak tour Okarito Kayaks or Okarito boat tour on the Okarito lagoon.
There is also the easy 20 minute Wetland Walk which starts at the Old School House and crosses the estuary on a curving boardwalk.
The Department of Conservation's Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary is located here and you can take an evening tour to see the kiwi in the wild.
There are historical records and photos on Okarito’s gold mining history in the harbour masters Wharf Shed and the historic Donovan's Store has been lovingly refurbished by the locals.


See, do & stay
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

The Helicopter Line can offer you spectacular close-up views on a scenic flight to explore and discover the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields.
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation

Built in 1926 for the Paganini family, Holly Homestead is a historic bed and breakfast located in Franz Josef.
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Eat & Drink

An incredible range of hot and cold food is available from the cabinets, or if you prefer something more substantial, we have a full menu available.
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

With the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it's no wonder our guests often label their Glacier Heli Hike as the highlight of their visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Towns, Places & Info centres

i-SITE Franz Josef Glacier is located in the Glacier Base building on Cron Street, next to Glacier Base Cafe and the Department of Conservation.
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

Explore the untamed natural wilderness of the Fox Glacier Valley, tracing the steps of a retreating glacier, with our Fox Glacier Valley E-Bike & Hike.