Top Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Wildlife Encounters

Hike Fox Glacier Valley on a guided walking tour that explores glaciology, geology, local plants, and animals. Walking alongside a local guide is a great way to learn the natural history of the Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains, and should conditions allow, it means you can depart the main trail to explore an area that many visitors miss.

Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide.  Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.

Skydive Franz Josef Glacier for a spectacular free fall with views of soaring mountains, ice fields, and the rugged coast. The option to select between tandem jumps from 16,500 or 19,000 feet (5,029 or 5,791 mt.) means you can customize the day to your preferences and budget, and all-digital video and photography will arrive in your inbox within 48 hours so you can share your skydiving experience with friends and family.

Enjoy views of Jurassic rainforests, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains reflected on calm Lake Mapourika on this small-group boat cruise on the lake. Visit a kiwi conservation area and learn more about New Zealand’s native bird. You’ll be cruising for around two hours so bring some snacks or a bottle of wine to drink as you relax and take in the beauty of the West Coast.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Joseph. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of Westland’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.

Explore beyond the glacier at Franz Josef with a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. See the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake on a calm, clear day, as you cruise across the lake to a hidden nature trail through the ancient, untouched rainforest. Visit a kiwi sanctuary and look out for other birds along the way.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand’s largest and most magnificent glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking the glacier.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand’s famous Kiwi birds.

Enjoy the amazing natural scenery around the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier with this nature-focused tour. Starting out in the town of Franz Josef, drive to the glacier car park and then head off into the forest. Learn about the local environment, as your guide provides lots of information about glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora & fauna and more.

Go straight to the best fishing spots on Lake Mapourika without wasting time searching for them when you join this half-day fishing charter. Trout and salmon can be found here, which you can take home to prepare for dinner (if they’re of a legal size and in season). Enjoy the sounds of native birdsong and views of ancient forest along the way. The boat is fully covered for your comfort.

Skydive over Aoraki Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers on this tandem excursion from Franz Josef. Get the best possible views of the area and an adventurous experience in the company of a seasoned instructor. This 3-hour experience departs multiple times a day, allowing for flexibility of scheduling.