Franz Josef Glacier - Day Trip From Hokitika

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 Guides Glacier Valley Walk
An overview of the incredible Glacier Valley Walk operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides at Franz Josef, West Coast New Zealand. Your Glacier Valley Walk will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed following the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape.

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 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.

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.

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

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.