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.
Events
Events
The Westland A&P Association is a committee of dedicated volunteers who organise and run the local Westland A&P Show held at the Hokitika Racecourse on the last Saturday of January each year.
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See, do & stay
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation
Glow Worm Accommodation
Affordable accommodation in Franz Josef with free soup, breakfast, popcorn, spa pool, and international phone calls.
$33 - $170
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Wanganui River overnight campervan parking
Off the beaten track close to Wanganui Heads.
FREE
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Accommodation
Otto/MacDonalds Campsite
Easily accessible. Boat, fish for trout or swim in Lake Mapourika.
$6.50 - $13
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Franz Josef Heli-Hike
Combine two awesome scenic helicopter flights over Franz Josef glacier with a unique guided walk among the ice cave, pinnacles and seracs of this pristine alpine environment.
$419 (child age 8-14)
$499 (15 years and over)
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
West Coast Wildlife Centre
West Coast Wildlife Centre is the home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi called the Rowi and now the Haast Kiwi!
$15 - $60
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Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
See & Do
Okarito Boat Tours And Cottages
Sit back and relax as you are transported from land to the tranquil waters of the Okarito lagoon and rainforest waterways to view the birds, ancient plants and trees and the untouched landscape that combine to make the Okarito so magic.