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.
Events
Events
All the way from Melbourne, Australia, Cecil Turbine and Jane McArthur Band will perform in Okarito on 19 January 2020.
Learn more
See, do & stay
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Towns, Places & Info centres
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre (Franz Josef)
The local Franz Josef Glacier i-Site is a great place to get inspired about everything on offer in Glacier Country.
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Join us for a guided glacier experience you will never forget! Franz Josef Glacier Guides are proud to offer a range of world-class experiences designed to show you the very best of New Zealand's West Coast glaciers.
$82 to $999 (valid until 30 September 2020)
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Lake Matheson
The unsurpassed views and mountain reflections from the forested shores of Lake Matheson make this easy walk one of the most popular on the West Coast.
Free
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Across Country Quad Bikes
The only quad bike ride in New Zealand with glacial views and the thrill of riding through West Coast dense rainforest, riverbeds and glorious mud.
$70 - $415
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Minnehaha Walk
This delightful short walk follows a stream through the rainforest. Glow worms can be seen along the trail.
Free
Learn more
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier
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.