Plan your visit
Plan your Glacier visit
Success on the West Coast requires flexibility. Allow at least two days in town to account for heavy rain and cancelled flights.
Franz Josef Glacier
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef / Waiau
GPS -43.4667, 170.1833
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the glacier valley
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive via State Highway 6 on the West Coast; Franz Josef is 1 hour 45 minutes from Hokitika (135 km) or 2 hours from Haast. | 2-4 hours from regional hubs | Free parking | Free parking is available on Cron Street and the Glacier Base carpark. |
| Bus: InterCity and tourist coaches (like Stray or Kiwi Experience) stop directly in Franz Josef township. | Varies by departure | $40 - $80 NZD | Bus routes typically connect from Queenstown, Wanaka, or Greymouth. |
| Walk: From the Glacier Base carpark, follow the designated DOC trails through the rainforest to the viewing points. | 1.5 to 2 hours return | Free | The trail is mostly flat but rocky; you must stay behind safety barriers. |
| Tour: Helicopter transfers from the township fly visitors directly onto the high glacier for heli-hiking. | 10 minutes airtime, 2-3 hours on ice | $500 - $800+ NZD | Flights are highly weather-dependent and frequently face cancellations. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The glacier is accessible year-round. Summer (December to February) brings warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Winter (June to August) is generally colder but provides clearer skies, more stable weather for flights, and the most vivid blue ice formations.
What to bring
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Do not wear jeans on the ice.
Bring warm, non-cotton base layers like merino wool and a waterproof raincoat.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules
The standard itinerary for visitors aiming to hike the ice.
- Check conditions
Visit the DOC Visitor Centre for the latest weather and trail updates.
- Heli-hike check-in
Arrive for your scheduled helicopter flight and safety briefing.
- Ice exploration
Follow your guide through ice caves and crevasses on the upper glacier.
- Return to town
Fly back to the village base and drop off your supplied gear.
- Glacier Hot Pools
Soak in the 36-40°C thermal pools set in the native rainforest.
Alternative activities if the weather grounds helicopters.
- Reschedule flight
Work with your operator to move your flight to the next available day.
- Glacier Valley Walk
Drive to the Glacier Base carpark and walk the 1.5-hour return track.
- Sentinel Rock
Add this short 20-minute climb for elevated views of the retreating ice.
- Kayak Lake Mapourika
Join a guided kayak tour on the nearby lake, which often runs in light rain.
Packing for the Glacier
The West Coast receives extreme rainfall. A high-quality waterproof raincoat is mandatory. If you book a heli-hike, operators usually provide heavy waterproof jackets, pants, boots, and crampons.
Underneath, wear warm, non-cotton base layers. Merino wool is highly recommended. Bring thick woolen socks, a warm beanie, and sunglasses. The UV glare off the white ice is intense, even on cloudy days.
Easiest way to do it
Franz Josef Nature Tour
3 h 4.9 (116)
- Wet weather clothing
- Umbrellas
- Boots if required - please enquire as stock is limited
- Walking poles if required
From$66per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How many days do you need in Franz Josef?
You should plan for at least two days. Because flight cancellation rates hover around 30% to 50%, a second day gives you a vital window to reschedule if your first flight is grounded by bad weather.
When is the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier?
Winter (June to August) is considered the best time for clear skies and vivid blue ice. Summer offers warmer temperatures but tends to bring heavier rain, which can disrupt helicopter schedules.
Does it rain a lot at Franz Josef Glacier?
Yes. The glacier's base region receives approximately 5 meters of rain annually. The higher neve receives 10 to 15 meters of precipitation as snow. Always pack high-quality wet weather gear.