A visit to Franz Josef is easily doable in a day from Hokitika. It takes about 1hr 20mins to drive there. Then you can decide how you want to spend your time. There are a number of options - just decide what takes your fancy and fits your budget.

Many people choose a guided walk to the glacier, which I can highly recommend and there are number of companies to choose from. They all offer an excellent service and you will be in good hands whoever you choose.



Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika

Another popular option is to take a heli-hike. I've done this myself and it is incredible and well worth the money. It also takes less time and so gives you more time to do other things while down there.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli Hike
An overview of the incredible Heli HIke product operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides on Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast New Zealand. After an exciting scenic flight, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available.


You can also take a scenic flight landing on the ice, without the hike.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Glacier Helicopters - Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier
Experience spectacular scenic helicopter flights and incredible glacier landings. The opportunity to view up close and touch the glacier formations, ice caves and pinnacles - makes for a truly memorable experience. Glacier Helicopter flights range from 20 - 40 minutes and can include Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glaciers, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.



If you have time to kill either before or after your glacier trip, there a a lot of other activities to choose from.

You can hire a quad bike and explore the region.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Across Country Quad Bikes Franz Josef
We had the opportunity to work with Across Country Quad Bikes in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand. Here is the short sizzle reel we created for their sales office. What a fun day on the Quads - Their staff are highly professional, and know the terrain very well.


If kayaking is more your thing you can join a tour at www.glacierkayaks.com



Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Prices from $115pp

If all this activity sounds a bit much or you need to revive your muscles then I can highly recommend a soak in the hot pools at www.glacierhotpools.co.nz There are 3 pools, each one a different temperature. You can also book massages and spa treatments. A great way to unwind after a walk on the ice.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Franz Josef Hot Pools


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Blue Spur Farmstay - CAMPERVAN PARK - Hokitika
Welcome! The camp site is a private spot away from it all but only 10mins to the town. Families absolutely love staying on our eco-farm among the many farm animals. Friendly free ranging kune kune pigs, goats and a flock of coloured sheep as well as our cows, peacocks and turkeys.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Blue Spur Farmstay Eco-home Hokitika, see animals!
Stay on a farm and visit the animals. Experience an off-grid eco home, totally solar powered! Huge and very private room. Light breakfast provided in your room. 5mins drive to the beach and 10min from the town. Relax and take in the views of the farm & bush.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Stay on a farm! Blue Spur Eco Farmstay Hokitika
Experience an off-grid eco home, totally solar powered!. We are 5mins drive to the beach & 10min from the town centre. Meet the many farm animals, relax and take in the views of the farm & bush. A friendly, real farm experience. Funky luxury, quirky, cosy and comfortable.


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
Crooked Mile Cottage - CUTE & COSY BY THE SEA - Hokitika
Vacation Home in Hokitika. In the heart of Hokitika. 1min to the beach and river. 5mins walk to bars, restaurants and shops. An old, historic little cottage full of character and charm. A typical Kiwi bach -...


Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika
2 PRIVATE BEDROOMS - STAY ON A FARM 10min to town. - Arahura Valley
Oct 16, 2019 - 2 Views. 2 PRIVATE BEDROOMS - STAY ON A FARM 10min to town. is a 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms vacation rental in Arahura Valley, West Coast, New Zealand. 2 PRIVATE BEDROOMS - STAY ON A FARM 10min to town.
Icon0 views
IconReport this post
Loading Views...