Franz Josef Glacier Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Franz Josef Glacier. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

• Pilot's Choice: 2 Glaciers and Snow Landing – 35 Min

• Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

• Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight With Landing

• Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight With Snow Landing

There’s no cost to walk to viewpoints from where you can see Franz Josef Glacier. However, if you want to set foot on the ice, you’ll need to join a guided tour or a sightseeing helicopter flight with a snow landing. Expect to pay around US$500 for a half-day heli-hike adventure, and upwards of US$230 for a short helicopter flight with a landing—although note that not all landings are on Franz Josef Glacier itself.

Yes, Franz Josef Glacier is definitely worth visiting. It's a beautiful sight, located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and easily accessible as it's not deep within the mountains but near sea level on the South Island's West Coast. Note, however, that the glacier is rapidly retreating and you can't get very close to it on foot. For the best views, you'll need to take a longer hike to a high vantage point or join a heli-hike or helicopter sightseeing tour.

Per one customer who booked the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike, "I had so much fun. Both the helicopter ride and hiking around on the glacier were awesome. Luckily, the clouds held off. Zoe was a great guide. Even managing a child who was not easy to manage by any means. Book an early time slot for less risk of clouds that can cause cancellations."

The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most impressive glaciers in New Zealand and is located in Glacier Country along the West Coast of the South Island. Renowned for its easy accessibility, the glacier is just south of Franz Josef/Waiau village in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Queenstown and Christchurch have the closest international airports to Franz Josef Glacier, which is a scenic 5-hour drive away. You can also take an Intercity bus from Queenstown or fly from Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland, or Wellington to nearby Hokitika airport, about a 1.5-hour drive from Franz Josef village.

Summer (Dec-Feb) is the most popular time to visit Franz Josef Glacier, and the warm weather is most comfortable for hiking. However, if you can stand the cold—typically between 41-57°F (5-15°C)—winter weather is more consistent, which means less chance of cancellations and even more dramatic ice formations.

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours that visit Franz Josef. You can fly over the glacier in a helicopter or ski plane for a spectacular aerial view, including a snow landing; try ice climbing; or take a guided glacier hike and explore ice towers, ice caves, and ice walls.

No, you can’t hike on the glacier without a guide, and you’ll need the right equipment, such as a helmet, crampons, and an ice axe. However, you can hike the popular Franz Josef Glacier Walk independently, which provides spectacular views from the glacier's foot.

Yes. For safety reasons, most glacier tours will only accept participants who weigh less than 253 pounds (115 kilograms) and have reasonable fitness and mobility. Children from 10 years can join heli-hikes, providing they are at least 77 pounds (35 kilograms) and 53 inches (137 centimeters) tall—but must be over 16 to go ice climbing.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Franz Josef Glacier. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier area:

• West Coast Wildlife Centre

• Fox Glacier

• Fox Glacier South Side Walkway

• Lake Matheson Walk

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier area.