Discover the Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & More Tips

Have you ever heard of the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand? This is a beautiful natural phenomenon that you must discover on your round trip through New Zealand. Whether you plan to take a helicopter flight, do a hike or simply want to visit this impressive area on the South Island of New Zealand, this blog will help you get started!

A bit of background information

The Franz Josef Glacier, also known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in Māori, is one of the most spectacular glaciers in the world. It is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island of New Zealand and is 12 kilometers long. What makes this glacier so special is the combination of the fast-moving ice and its unique location between the mountains and the sea. This gives you a breathtaking landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The glacier comes from the Southern Alps mountain range and extends to just 300 meters above sea level. This makes it one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand, which is quite impressive considering the country has 2,900 of them.

However, there are a few things that visitors need to keep in mind when planning a trip to the Franz Josef Glacier. I mean, it’s a glacier, so it’s not like a typical day at the beach.

The best way to discover the Franz Josef Glacier

There are several ways to discover the Franz Josef Glacier, depending on your personal preference and budget. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Helicopter flight

One of the most spectacular ways to experience the Franz Josef Glacier is via a helicopter flight. You fly over the impressive landscape and get a unique perspective on the glacier and the surrounding mountains. There are various helicopter companies offering flights, varying in price and duration. Some flights even offer the opportunity to land on the glacier, so you can walk around for a bit and view the ice up close.

Keep in mind that the weather in this area can change quickly, so it’s possible that your flight will be canceled at the last minute. Therefore, it’s wise to have a flexible travel schedule. If the flight cannot take place at your desired time, it will be rescheduled to a later time that day or the next day. It is then advisable to stay in this region for at least 2 days.

Where to book a helicopter flight to Franz Josef Glacier?

First of all, keep in mind that you have almost no chance of a last-minute flight. You really need to plan this a few months in advance. For that you have two options:

• Book it directly via the website of a local agency
  All helicopter flights depart from the town of Franz Josef. There are various providers here that all offer the same thing. One makes the tour just a bit more extensive than the other. The best known is Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Keep in mind that you have to pay here with a credit card in New Zealand Dollars. Due to the exchange rate, this may end up being more expensive for you.
• Book your flight via GetYourGuide and retain the option to cancel for free
  Another way is to book via GetYourGuide. We did this ourselves, because we could pay here in euros and easily cancel. We paid the same amount here as via the Franz Josef Glacier Guides website, only without extra costs due to the exchange rate.

2. Hike

If you prefer to explore the glacier on foot, there are various hikes you can do in the area around the Franz Josef Glacier. A popular option is the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, a relatively easy walk of about 1.5 hours (round trip) that takes you to the foot of the glacier. Keep in mind that due to the instability of the ice and safety, you are not allowed to get close to the glacier.

Want a more challenging and adventurous experience? Then you can opt for a guided glacier hike with a helicopter flight. Under the guidance of an experienced guide and with the right equipment, such as crampons and a helmet, you can spend several hours on the ice and discover the glacier up close. These tours are more expensive due to the helicopter flight, but the experience is definitely worth it!

3. Just pay a visit

If you don’t necessarily have to stand on the glacier and just want to enjoy the beautiful landscape, there are various viewpoints in the area where you have a beautiful view of the Franz Josef Glacier. A recommendation is the Sentinel Rock Walk, a short walk of about 20 minutes that takes you to a viewpoint with a panoramic view of the glacier and the valley.

To be honest, you don’t get the full experience of the Franz Josef Glacier without actually going onto it, so we recommend booking a tour.

More hikes in the area to check out?

Franz Josef is located in the middle of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a breathtaking natural area in New Zealand. The park is known for its impressive glaciers, including the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. It offers beautiful walking paths and views of the snow-capped mountain tops, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

To find a walking route that suits your trip, I gladly refer you to the AllTrails website. Anyway, one of my favorite apps to find nice hikes abroad.

Visiting the Franz Josef Glacier in winter or summer?

The best time to visit the Franz Josef Glacier is during the winter. Perhaps not the answer you want to hear if you’re going to New Zealand in the popular months. Although the summer months also offer pleasant weather, winter has some advantages. In winter, the weather is generally more stable, which reduces the chance of heli-hiking tours being canceled due to bad weather. Moreover, there is less movement on the glacier, so you can see more ice formations and crevasses. In addition, there are fewer tourists during the winter months. But well, that also has a reason.

Tips for your visit to the Franz Josef Glacier

To make your visit to the Franz Josef Glacier as enjoyable as possible, here are some more tips:

• Be prepared for changeable weather. Bring warm clothing, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes, regardless of the season.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to go hiking.
• Respect nature and stay on the marked paths. Leave no trash behind and do not disturb the flora and fauna.
• If you want to do a helicopter flight or guided glacier hike, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Stay a few days in the nearby village of Franz Josef to explore the area at your leisure and enjoy the beautiful nature. About 500 people live there, but the glacier still attracts a million tourists per year!
• The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is a beautiful hotel located in the area of the Franz Josef Glacier and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
• Flight canceled or time left over? You’ll find a nice spa nearby. The Glacier Pools are especially popular during the winter months, when the contrast between the warm water and the cold surroundings is greater. One of the best known is Waiho Hottubs.

I hope this blog post has made you enthusiastic about the Franz Josef Glacier and has given you useful tips and information for your visit. It is an unforgettable experience that you definitely don’t want to miss during your trip through New Zealand. Have fun and enjoy your adventure!