Travel information

DoSeeGet InGet Around

Visit the Glacier

    • Take an unguided trip.
    • Take a guided trip.
    • Take a helicopter flight.

Air Safaris [1] provide scenic flightseeing tours flying from Franz Josef. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glaciers and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook and the main divide to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park.

Whitewater Rafting

  • Whataroa & Perth Rivers. 20 minutes north of Franz Josef are two of the best one-day whitewater rafting runs anywhere on the planet. Total wilderness experience, awesome Class IV & V rapids, and stunning scenery. Accessible by helicopter only. Rivers Wild [2] 0800-GO-WILD (in NZ) or +64-21-748-371 (overseas)
  • Franz Josef Glacier

By car

  • It is about a three hour trip from Greymouth.
  • Its about a four and a half hour trip from Wanaka.

By bus

Tour buses generally make Franz Josef one of their stops, either for the night or at least a lunch break. Alternatively, for a really cheap option, try nakedbus.com - bus services start at $1.

By air

Frans Josef Airport is really only suitable for light aircraft. Mind you, Mount Cook Airport is just on the other of the mountains, and a scenic flightseeing trip can often be arranged at short notice.

While you can take your car to the car park at the foot of the glacier, you will need to get out and walk to the terminal face, as the Glacier is receding at present. There are a number of walking tracks in the glacier valley. Please take heed of the warning signs as you get close to the glacier terminal face.

If you prefer to do things the easy way, try flightseeing, either in a plane or helicopter.