Franz Josef and Fox Glacier: Visiting the West Coast Glaciers

New Zealand's West Coast is home to two spectacular natural attractions: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. But can you still visit them, walk near the ice or experience a glacier heli hike?

Yes! Although the glaciers have changed significantly over the years, visitors can still enjoy scenic viewpoints, rainforest walks, helicopter flights and guided glacier adventures. This guide explains how to plan your visit, what to expect and how to stay safe in 2026.

1. Discover the West Coast NZ Glaciers

Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) and Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe) are two famous glaciers located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on New Zealand's South Island.

They are surrounded by native rainforest, mountain peaks, rivers and dramatic alpine landscapes.

The two glacier townships are approximately 30 minutes apart by car, making it possible to explore both during the same trip.

Why should you visit?

• Experience spectacular views of the Southern Alps.

• Explore rainforest walking tracks.

• Take scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers.

• Join guided glacier hiking experiences.

• Visit nearby attractions such as Lake Matheson.

The landscape is constantly changing because of glacier retreat, so the experience today may look different from older travel photographs.

2. Visiting Franz Josef Glacier in 2026

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the best-known attractions on New Zealand's West Coast.

The surrounding area offers several ways to experience the glacier, even if you do not want to take a helicopter tour.

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

The Franz Josef Glacier Walk is a popular option for visitors who prefer an easy outdoor activity.

According to New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC), the walk is approximately 1.7 km return and takes around 30 minutes.

The track passes through native rainforest before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the glacier valley.

What to expect:

• Easy to intermediate walking conditions.

• Beautiful rainforest scenery.

• Views of the glacier valley and surrounding mountains.

• A short uphill section near the viewpoint.

Remember that the viewpoint does not provide direct access to the glacier ice. The river and changing landscape prevent visitors from simply walking up to the glacier.

Track closures can also occur because of flooding, rockfall or landslides.

Is Franz Josef Glacier Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Even without stepping onto the ice, the surrounding landscape makes this destination worthwhile.

If you have limited time, the short glacier viewpoint walk is a good starting point. If you want a closer experience, consider booking a guided helicopter adventure.

3. Fox Glacier Hike: What Can Visitors Expect?

Fox Glacier, also known as Te Moeka o Tuawe, offers another wonderful opportunity to explore the West Coast's natural environment.

The glacier is surrounded by ancient rainforest and impressive mountain scenery. While visitors cannot safely walk directly to the glacier face, the South Side Walkway provides an excellent viewpoint.

Fox Glacier South Side Walkway

If you are interested in a Fox Glacier hike, the South Side Walkway is one of the main walking options.

According to DOC, the track follows the southern bank of the Fox River through native podocarp rainforest.

Walking information:

• Distance: 6.4 km return.

• Walking time: Approximately 2 hours.

• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate.

• Elevation change: Approximately 100 metres up and down.

• Location: Around 2 km south of Fox Glacier township.

The first glacier viewpoint is reached after approximately 40 minutes. Continue along the marked route to reach another viewpoint.

Cyclists must leave their bikes at the designated stopping point and complete the final section on foot.

Do not cross safety barriers or attempt to approach the glacier beyond the designated viewpoint. Flooding and sudden river surges are serious hazards.

Other Attractions Near Fox Glacier

If you have extra time, consider adding these attractions:

• Lake Matheson: Famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on calm days.

• Moraine Walk: A short rainforest walk through ancient glacial moraine landscapes.

• Minnehaha Walk: A peaceful forest walk where you may spot glowworms after dark.

Lake Matheson is particularly popular with photographers. Early morning and evening can offer good opportunities for reflections when the water is calm.

4. Glacier Heli Hike: Experience the Ice From Above

Want to experience the glacier more closely? A glacier heli hike is one of the most memorable activities available in the region.

Unlike ordinary walking tracks, a heli hike involves a helicopter transfer to an approved landing area on the glacier, followed by a guided walk across the ice.

What Happens During a Glacier Heli Hike?

A typical guided experience includes:

1. Safety briefing: Your guides explain the activity, equipment and safety instructions.

2. Helicopter transfer: Fly over the glacier valley and surrounding mountains.

3. Landing on the ice: Reach an approved glacier landing area.

4. Guided hiking: Explore ice formations, crevasses and other glacier features under professional supervision.

5. Return flight: Fly back to the departure point.

For example, Franz Josef Glacier Guides advertises a heli hike lasting up to four hours, including up to 2.5 hours on the ice.

Its published participation requirements include a minimum age of 10 years, minimum weight of 35 kg and minimum height of 137 cm. Other fitness and safety restrictions also apply. Always confirm the latest requirements before booking.

Is a Glacier Heli Hike Suitable for Beginners?

You do not necessarily need previous glacier hiking experience.

Guided experiences provide specialist equipment and professional instruction. However, you should be comfortable walking on uneven and slippery surfaces and meet the operator's fitness requirements.

Weather conditions can also affect departures. Helicopter trips may be delayed or cancelled because of poor visibility, wind or other safety concerns.

Travel tip: Consider spending at least two nights in the Franz Josef area if a heli hike is a major part of your itinerary. This gives you more flexibility if your scheduled flight cannot operate.

5. Franz Josef vs Fox Glacier: Which Should You Visit?

Both destinations offer beautiful scenery, but your choice may depend on your interests and available time.

Which is better?

• Choose Franz Josef if you want a shorter viewpoint walk and a guided heli hike.

• Choose Fox Glacier if you enjoy longer rainforest walks and want to visit Lake Matheson.

• Visit both if you have enough time, as the townships are only about 30 minutes apart.

There is no need to choose just one. Exploring both destinations makes for a rewarding West Coast road trip.

6. Best Time to Visit West Coast NZ Glaciers

You can visit the glacier region throughout the year, but your experience will depend heavily on the weather.

Summer (December to February)

• Longer daylight hours.

• Generally warmer walking conditions.

• Popular period for outdoor activities.

• Accommodation and tours can be busy.

Autumn (March to May)

• Cooler temperatures.

• Beautiful rainforest scenery.

• Potentially fewer visitors outside busy holiday periods.

Winter (June to August)

• Snow-covered mountain scenery.

• Colder and potentially more challenging conditions.

• Weather-related tour disruptions remain possible.

Spring (September to November)

• Changing mountain scenery.

• Fresh rainforest growth.

• Unpredictable weather and rainfall.

There is no guaranteed best season for a glacier heli hike. Weather and visibility matter more than the calendar, so keep your schedule flexible.

7. Practical Travel Tips for Visiting the Glaciers

A little preparation can make your West Coast adventure more comfortable.

Keep these points in mind:

• Wear suitable footwear: Choose comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip.

• Carry waterproof clothing: Rain can arrive unexpectedly.

• Dress in layers: Temperatures can change quickly between the rainforest and glacier areas.

• Check track conditions: Visit the DOC website or local visitor centre before starting your walk.

• Book popular activities early: Helicopter experiences have limited capacity and depend on suitable weather.

• Respect safety barriers: Never enter restricted glacier valleys or attempt to walk onto the ice without an authorised guide.

The glacier valleys are beautiful but potentially dangerous environments. Heavy rain, falling rocks, ice and sudden river surges can create serious risks.

8. New Zealand Travel Requirements for International Visitors

Before planning your glacier adventure, check the entry requirements that apply to your passport.

Some international visitors can travel to New Zealand using an approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), while others must obtain a Visitor Visa.

For example, travellers from the USA generally need an NZeTA for short tourist visits. Colombian citizens, however, need a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand for tourism. Colombian citizens travelling through Auckland as eligible transit passengers may have different requirements.

If you are travelling with a Colombian passport, read our guide to New Zealand travel requirements for Colombian citizens before arranging your journey.

An NZeTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into New Zealand. Eligible travellers should allow up to 72 hours for official NZeTA processing.

Also remember that new travel authorisations do not replace the need to meet passport, onward travel and other applicable entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you walk on Franz Josef Glacier without a helicopter?

No. Visitors cannot safely walk directly onto the glacier from the public walking tracks. Guided helicopter access is required for authorised glacier hiking experiences.

2. How long does the Fox Glacier hike take?

The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway takes approximately two hours for a 6.4 km return walk. The time may vary depending on your walking speed and track conditions.

3. Is a glacier heli hike worth the money?

If you want to experience glacier ice up close, a heli hike can be a memorable adventure. It combines scenic helicopter views with guided exploration of the glacier.

4. Can you visit Franz Josef and Fox Glacier in one day?

Yes. The two townships are approximately 30 minutes apart by car. You can visit both viewpoints in one day, although adding a heli hike may require additional time and flexibility.

Plan Your New Zealand Glacier Adventure Today!

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier offer some of the most impressive natural scenery on New Zealand's South Island. From easy rainforest walks and spectacular viewpoints to guided glacier heli hikes, there are experiences for different travel styles and fitness levels.

Before booking your flights and activities, make sure your New Zealand travel documents are ready.

Planning your New Zealand holiday? Check your eligibility and Apply Now through our online visa service. Apply well ahead of departure and allow up to 72 hours for official NZeTA processing. Our website is an independent visa service provider, not an official New Zealand government website.