

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world.
Glacier Country offers a wealth of adventure activities:
- Take a guided glacier hike.
- Ride a quad bike.
- Fly in a helicopter or sightseeing plane.
- Do a tandem skydive.
- Kayak on Lake Mapourika or Okarito Lagoon
Wildlife attractions include the kiwi breeding programme in Franz Josef, the White Heron Sanctuary in Whataroa and kiwi in the wild at Okarito.
After your busy day, soak in lovely hot pools
Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier provides stunning reflections and views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Glacier Country is:
- Whataroa.
- Okarito.
- Lake Mapourika.
- Franz Josef Glacier.
- Fox Glacier.
- Lake Matheson.
- Gillespies Beach.
Getting to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Find out time and distance from Glacier Country to other locations:
Weather in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Great places to visit in Glacier Country
Whataroa
Whataroa is the gateway to South Westland and the best place to see the rare native White Heron (Kotuku).
You can visit the nearby Waitangiroto Sanctuary on a guided tour and there is also an excellent 10-minute walk here with informative panels that tell you about native wetlands.
Okarito
Okarito is situated on a sand spit dividing New Zealand’s largest wetland and the Tasman Sea.
It is an ecological gem with over 70 species of birds recorded here and a popular whitebaiting spot in season.
To see the variety of birdlife, hire a kayak or take a guided kayak tour Okarito Kayaks or Okarito boat tour on the Okarito lagoon.
There is also the easy 20 minute Wetland Walk which starts at the Old School House and crosses the estuary on a curving boardwalk.
The Department of Conservation's Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary is located here and you can take an evening tour to see the kiwi in the wild.
There are historical records and photos on Okarito’s gold mining history in the harbour masters Wharf Shed and the historic Donovan's Store has been lovingly refurbished by the locals.


See, do & stay
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

Walk or cycle through bush from Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef Glacier car park.
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

Hidden in one of the most beautiful locations in the world the Waiho Hot Tubs in Franz Josef Glacier is the perfect way to unwind. Enjoy the nature while indulging in your own private wood fired hot tub.
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation

15 mins north by car from Franz Josef, a beaut spot! Easily accessible. Boat, fish for trout or swim in Lake Mapourika.
$6.50 - $13
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation

Affordable and Central Campervan / Caravan Sites
Our aim is to offer the essentials, at an affordable price, while surrounded by peaceful rainforest.
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do

Bruce Bay - or Mahitahi - is a small coastal settlement with stunning sea vistas and a wonderfully wild windswept beach, 40km south of Fox Glacier and 80 km from Haast.
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation

Stay at Rainforest and enjoy incredible hospitality amongst the mountains and bush of the wild West Coast.