Which New Zealand Glacier to Visit

Where are the NZ Galciers?

There are many stunning glaciers in New Zealand. Exploring these majestic rivers of frozen ice is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most glaciers are located near the Main Divide in the Southern Alps in the South Island. These are our favourites:

Franz Josef Glacier
Fox Glacier
Tasman Glacier

Franz and Fox Glacier are accessible from the West Coast of the South Island with Franz Josef Village being the nearest base and the Tasman Glacier is accessible from the East Coast of the South Island with Mount Cook National Park being the nearest base.

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, located on the South Island's West Coast, are two of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders. These majestic remnants of the Ice Age stretch from the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps to their terminal faces nestled within lush temperate rainforests. What sets them apart is their unique proximity to the sea—nowhere else in the world at this latitude do glaciers descend so close to the coastline.

Franz Josef Glacier Fun Facts:

Franz Josef Glacier - Is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, descending to about 300 meters above sea level
The glacier stretches approximately 11 kilometers from its source in the Southern Alps
The glacier is a temperate maritime glacier, meaning it exists in a relatively mild climate compared to polar glaciers
Scientists use Franz Josef to study the effects of global warming on glaciers
The glacier is also known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (The Tears of Hine Hukatere) in Māori legend
The glacier has significant cultural importance to the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe)
Surrounded by lush temperate rainforests, the landscape boasts a unique combination of ice and greenery
Home to rare bird species like the Kea, a native alpine parrot

Franz Josef Village
Franz Josef Glacier, named in 1865 by Austrian explorer Julius Haast in honor of Emperor Franz Josef I, lies just five kilometers from the vibrant township of the same name. The town serves as a lively hub, offering a range of accommodations, dining options, and unforgettable ways to experience the glacier.

Important Note: Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are very small villages with just a few hundred permanent residents. Aside from a small 4-square between Hokitika and Haast there are no large supermarkets. Make sure you bring anything you need if you intend to cook your own meals before you get to the West Coast.

Glacier Experiences:

Heli-Hiking - Take a helicopter ride onto the glacier for a guided hike on the ice.
Scenic Helicopter Flights - You can tick off seeing both glaciers from the sky on a scenic helicopter flight and land in the snow for a true alpine experience.
Ice Climbing - Take a helicopter ride onto the glacier and use ice axes to climb ice faces, a good level of fitness is required.

Other Activities in the Area:

Despite its popularity during the summer months, Franz Josef remains an excellent base for exploring not only the glaciers but also nearby attractions like Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Okarito Lagoon.

Okarito guided kayaking trip
Lake Matheson tour or scenic cruise
Rainforest nature tour
West Coast Wildlife Centre

West Coast Scenic Drive

Both glaciers, separated by just a 30-minute drive, offer a variety of ways to connect with their awe-inspiring beauty. Franz Josef Glacier is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area, underscoring its global significance.

Reaching these natural wonders is a scenic journey—approximately five hours drive from Queenstown or four hours from Wanaka. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply wish to marvel at their grandeur, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

The Tasman Glacier

The Tasman Glacier, located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand's South Island, is the largest glacier in the country. Stretching over 27 kilometers, it offers stunning views of towering snow-capped peaks and the surrounding alpine landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including glacier hikes, scenic flights, and boat tours on the Tasman Lake, where you can view icebergs floating in the clear waters. The glacier is a stunning testament to New Zealand's natural beauty and a must-see for those exploring the Southern Alps. The Tasman Glacier is about a 4.5-hour drive out of Christchurch.

Tasman Glacier Activities:

Scenic flights - There are a range of scenic flights to chose from in either a small plane or helicopter that vary in duration. If you would like to include a snow landing in your scenic flight join a helicopter ride that includes this snow experience.
Glacier Heli-Hike - Get up close and person with a guided hike on the glacier itself and an incldued helicopter flight.
Tasman Glacier Boat Trip - Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake by boat and experience the sheer size of NZ's largest glacier from the water as you weave between floating icebergs.

The Rob Roy Glacier

The Rob Roy Glacier is a spectacular hanging glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park, is just an hour from Wanaka. Perched high on Rob Roy Peak (2,606 meters or 8,549 feet), the glacier cascades down the steep mountainside into the picturesque Rob Roy Valley, creating one of New Zealand's most breathtaking hiking experiences.

Rob Roy Glacier Track:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 10km return
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Immerse you in diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to serene alpine meadows. The trail culminates at a dramatic viewpoint, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the glacier's immense icefalls and the rugged peaks surrounding it. This pristine area teems with wildlife, including the playful Kea, a native alpine parrot, and offers panoramic vistas that captivate nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. A visit to the Rob Roy Glacier Track is an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty.