Franz Josef Glacier

The glacier looks like it's disappearing fast. You can't reach it by road. So I took a helicopter. Fantastic

Short 10 min on incline walk. Very easy and flat path, view is obscured but still a nice stop to check it out. Toilets at the bottom

The helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier was absolutely unforgettable. The views on the way up were stunning, and landing on the glacier felt like stepping into another world. What really caught me off guard was how comfortable I felt – even with snow everywhere, I was fine in just a thin long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. It was surreal to be surrounded by so much snow and not feel cold. The whole experience was unreal, almost dreamlike. If you’re debating whether to do it, just go for it. It’s an experience you’ll be talking about for years.

I think the experience of the glacier was a bit ruined for us as we had a poor hotel, but we walked to the glacier and it’s a bit underwhelming really we did a long drive out of our way to get to it and the best part was Arthur’s pass

A bucket list place to visit this glacier Kā Roimata a Hine Hukatere. An easy walk to the viewing platforms. On the signage, it references the ‘European’ name Franz Josef but perhaps it is more apt to note that this is its ‘Colonised’ name. To refer in the signage to the Māori name as ‘mythical’ seems derogatory. We should respect the mana whenua and their stories so that we provide a balanced account of this beautiful part of Aotearoa

Beautiful place to visit and not to be missed. Great views and several stops to take benefit of outstanding views. There are several walks to take around the glacier areas. I personally did not take a walk but could imagine how beautiful it might be considering the rainforest and the mountains.

Title: Majestic Natural Wonder - A Must-Visit! There are few places on Earth that can truly leave you speechless with their raw beauty, and Franz Josef Glacier is unquestionably one of these rarities. As a nature enthusiast, I've trekked across numerous landscapes, but the experience here was otherworldly. From the very beginning, the facilities at the site were outstanding. Clear signage, well-maintained paths, and knowledgeable staff set the tone for an unforgettable journey. The guided glacier walk is a must - it might seem a splurge, but it's worth every penny. The guides were seasoned experts who not only ensured our safety but also immersed us in the glacial history and geology with fascinating tales and facts that made the ice come alive. Despite some challenging paths, the trek was accessible for a variety of fitness levels, which was impressive and inclusive. And oh, the views — nothing short of spectacular! Towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and the dynamic shades of blue are a testament to nature's artistry. The sheer magnitude of the glacier puts into perspective how small we are in the universe's grand scale. What's remarkable is how the experience can fluctuate with the weather. Drizzles of rain made the ice glisten, while pockets of sunlight cast dramatic shadows and illuminated the glacier's ethereal glow. It's this dynamic environment that makes every visit unique. Make sure to carry layers and waterproof gear, as the weather here is as changeable as it is dramatic. The commitment to preserving the environment was evident at every turn, and it's heartening to see conservation efforts in action. The delicate balance between tourism and environmental impact is well-managed here, and it’s something other attractions could emulate. It's not just about the glacier - the nearby towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier provide cozy accommodations, delightful eateries, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. After a day of adventure, nothing beats the local hospitality and a hearty meal to reflect on the day's journey. I often find myself lost in thought, reminiscing about the serene and humbling beauty of Franz Josef Glacier. To those wondering whether to add this destination to their bucket list — do it. The memories will cling to you as steadfastly as the ancient ice that clings to the mountainsides. In summary, Franz Josef Glacier is a testament to nature's grandeur, offering an adventure that's as educative as it is thrilling. I left with a profound respect for our planet and a treasure trove of memories. For those seeking the sublime in nature, this place is a pilgrimage.

Wonderful experience to take a helicopter ride to get to the top of the glacier to see the fantastic views! Better stay here a night or two, just in case you cannot fly at the time booked, the weather keeps changing, it might look like a very sunny day on the ground but it might be too cloudy on the top for the helicopter to get you up there. A walk is nice too, a few minutes drive from the township there is a big parking area, walking from there to the glacier you can see fantastic water falls on the way, you can also see what the global warming really can do, marks on the way to show where the glacier used to be years ago.

Thank you to NZ for making so many natural wonders free to access and visit! We were excited to see the glaciers, and did the short hike to a viewpoint for Franz Josef Glacier. Sadly, the glacier has receded quite a bit, and the viewing spot doesn't get you anywhere near it so it's a bit anticlimactic. The clouds covered the view about an hour later. If you're really excited about glaciers in NZ and aren't going to the Mt. Cook area, I'd recommend doing a helicopter ride and glacier tour to get up close - otherwise you may feel it's a bit average from the viewpoint.

The walk to the viewing point for the glacier is very comfortable and scenic. There is ample space within the viewing area for people to view the glacier in the distance. There are nice facilities in the parking lot and informative signs.

Magnificent glacier. First I looked at the glacier by hiking the Alex Knob track. Probably from the top and Christmas lookout has the best view for the entire glacier. Walking near the glacier you can get more idea of moraine and lower part of glacier. Anyway it is cool.

Hiked up to this glacier in the middle of February. We got to the area around 10am and finished around noon. You could definitely finish in less time; we stopped to take a lot of photos. The area is fairly level throughout but with no benches along the path. The trail is mostly loose gravel so I would definitely recommend hiking shoes. Bring a raincoat! I wouldn't say this hike is stroller friendly but it's definitely suitable for young kids. You don't need walking sticks unless you have trouble walking normally. - Definitely start before noon! There had to be quadruple the amount of people entering the park than leaving the park around this time. When we left around noon the parking lot was nearly full. The parking lot was massive. - Free entry - There are 3 public restrooms at the trailhead. Pretty typical for the NZ public parks, no soap available so bring your hand sanitizer! - No drone zone (due to helicopters). You will be fined $5,000 if caught with a drone. - Follow the IG account poutiniranger for details of their talks and free guided nature walks

If you take the time to drove to the west coast of the South Island, the glaciers are a must-see. Getting to a place where you can see a glacier is usually not easy. Most are in remote, inaccessible places in the arctic or in mountains. But here, there are not just one but two glaciers close to each other that are easily accessible. I've visited both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Of the two, I would say Franz Joseph is the more accessible. The trail has a lot of flat ground, so not as much climbing compared to Fox, which I felt was one long incline. When you get to the end, the glacier is right in front of you. Sadly, it's not as close as it once was, and signs along the way tell you how far the glacier stretched at different points in time. Its shocking how much it has receded in just the past 10 years. But it's still good and worth seeing. Is the glacier itself better than Fox? I can't say; I visited the two 5 years apart. But if Fox is melting as much as Franz Joseph, then FJ may be a better bet. Hiking to FJ May be a bit safer than hiking to Fox. Also there's waterfalls along the trail that I don't remember seeing at Fox. Regardless of your preference, make sure you check out one of these two glaciers while you are in the area. They are fantastic, and you might not be able to see them for much longer.

A big glacier within a nice panoramic of mountains. The hike to the front if the glaciers takes about 45 one way and is an easy till moderate hike. NO SNEAKERS recommended. Most of the times it is helpful to carry a rain coat or umbrella with you as weather changes really quickly. During my hike I had three times rain and 4 times sun :-) Please ensure you're in a good health conditions to make the way as there is only one bench at the beginning of the track. A shuttle service operated every two hours from the village to the car park for 12,50 NZD return.