New Zealand · West Coast
Franz Josef Glacier
A 12km river of blue ice descending from the Southern Alps to within 250m of sea level.
About Franz Josef Glacier
Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere — the tears of Hine Hukatere — flows from high in the Southern Alps almost to the temperate rainforest below. Franz Josef is one of very few glaciers in the world where ice meets rainforest at this latitude.
Heli-hike tours land groups directly onto the upper icefall for guided walks among blue crevasses and ice caves — an experience that's only possible by helicopter as the terminal face is no longer safely accessible on foot.
While You're There
What to See & Do
- Heli-hike onto the upper glacier with crampons
- Scenic flights over both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
- Valley-floor walk to the glacier viewpoint
- Blue ice caves and crevasses (heli-hike only)
- West Coast Wildlife Centre — kiwi conservation in town
How We Can Arrange It
We'll Take Care of the Details
As your booking agent, Mercury Pacific can include Franz Josef Glacier in your tailored itinerary. Here's what we'll handle and advise on so you can simply enjoy the experience:
Heli-hikes weather-dependent — build a buffer day into itineraries
Valley-floor walk is free and takes about 1.5 hours return
Town has hot pools to soak in after a day on the ice
Every detail — bookings, timings and transfers — is arranged for you as part of your Mercury Pacific tour.
When to Visit
Year-round; clearest flying weather is often late summer and autumn (Feb–April).
Include Franz Josef Glacier in Your TourKeep Exploring
More in West Coast
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Layered limestone stacks and dramatic blowholes carved by 30 million years of Tasman Sea swell.
Fox Glacier & Lake Matheson
Franz Josef's quieter twin, paired with the famous mirror reflections of Lake Matheson.
Hokitika & Greenstone Country
The vivid turquoise Hokitika Gorge, Māori greenstone (pounamu) carving and a charming gold-rush town.