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The South Island's Once-In-A-Lifetime Glacier Experience

Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers guided glacier experiences on New Zealand's West Coast, with exclusive access to land and explore Franz Josef Glacier. From scenic glacier landings to world-famous heli-hikes and alpine adventures, our experienced guides help visitors connect with one of Aotearoa's most remarkable natural environments.

Set between lush rainforest and ancient ice, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) is one of the few places in the world where rainforest, mountains and glacier ice exist side by side, with powerful natural forces continually shaping its ever-changing landscape. As part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, we are privileged to share the stories and significance of this great place through experiences grounded in manaakitanga (hospitality) and guided by a commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Our team creates meaningful experiences that connect manuhiri (visitors) with the glacier, the people of the region, and the unique environment of Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast).

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    UNESCO World Heritage Area

    Located within Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Area recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and unique landscapes.

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    Our Most Dynamic Glacier

    The world's fastest-moving commercially guided glacier, where ever-changing ice formations mean no two visits are ever the same.

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    Connect With Culture

    Learn the history and whakapapa of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere from guides connected to the people, culture and landscapes of Te Waipounamu (the South Island).

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    Adventures For Everyone

    With experiences ranging from scenic glacier landings and glacier heli-hikes to full-day expeditions, we've got something for all ages and fitness levels.

    • Glacier Landing
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    Cold Ice, Warm Manaakitanga

    Our guides do more than lead the way. They share the stories, landscapes and culture of Te Tai Poutini, helping create a welcoming and meaningful experience on the glacier.

    • Meet Our Guides
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    Exclusive Access

    We're the only glacier guide with access to land on Franz Josef Glacier, meaning it's us who can get you up nice and close to ice caves, crevasses, seracs and ancient blue ice.

    • Franz Josef Glacier

The only way onto Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier Guides is the only guiding operator with exclusive access to land visitors directly on Franz Josef Glacier. This unique privilege allows our guides to lead experiences on the glacier itself and not just the névé. From shorter glacier landings to world-famous heli-hikes and full-day alpine adventures, we do it all.

A Landscape That Never Stands Still

Unlike other glaciers in New Zealand, Franz Josef Glacier is constantly evolving, making it one of the country's most dynamic glacier environments. Shaped by snowfall, weather and the natural movement of ice, ice caves can disappear, new formations can emerge, and no two visits are ever quite the same. You may find yourself standing beside ancient blue ice frozen thousands of years ago, towering seracs, or newly carved crevasses that didn't exist just weeks earlier. Every trip offers a rare opportunity to experience a landscape that never stands still.

 

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Glacier Landing 16 LR

Glacier Landing

The Franz Josef Glacier Landing is the perfect option for those wanting an express Glacier experience. Spend time on the stunning Franz Josef Glacier with our experienced guides and connect with this iconic destination. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of West Coast and surrounding mountains.
1 hour experience, with 15 mins on ice.

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Franz Josef Glacier Guides Hero High Res CMYK 36302

Glacier Heli Hike

Our world famous Heli Hike remains a favourite for good reason. After a short, thrilling flight over lush native rainforest, you will land on the Franz Josef Glacier, where your guide with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, will lead you through the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery Aotearoa (New Zealand) has to offer.
4 hour experience with 2.5 hours on ice.

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Cold Ice, Warm Manaakitanga

More than glacier experts, our guides are storytellers, hosts and ambassadors for Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast). From sharing local history and Māori perspectives to helping guests safely navigate the ever-changing ice, they bring Franz Josef Glacier to life through knowledge, humour and genuine hospitality. Many guests tell us their guide was one of the highlights of their experience.

What our manuhiri (our guests) have to say

This was certainly a bucket list tick off!

This was certainly a bucket list tick off! I came as part of a Contiki group and I was blown away by being up on a glacier. Shout out to Rebecca for being an amazing guide. She was super funny & friendly. She also told us some stories from the Māori culture which added to the overall experience and appreciation of the tour.

— Daniel H, September 2026

The Activity is Among the Best I've Ever Done

I've traveled to over 70 countries around the world, and this activity is among the best I've ever done. The organization is excellent, providing everything you need, and being able to see the glacier from the helicopter and then walk across it is a unique and magical experience. I highly recommend it!

— Javier G, August 2026

The Heli-Hike Exceeded All Expectations

An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Fresh overnight snow and perfect weather made the glacier absolutely spectacular, Becca and the team at Franz Josef Glacier Guides were professional, knowledgeable and made us feel safe every step of the way. The heli-hike exceeded all expectations and is, without question, one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip! Worth every cent!

— Gavin D, July 2026

The View is Worth a Million Dollars

Our guide Kirk was super attentive all while swinging his pick axe to carve out a path for us after heavy rain the last few days. James our pilot gave us an informative and smooth flight up to the mountain and back. I would highly recommend this tour to all and the splurge is well worth it when the view is worth a million dollars.

— Tracey G, May 2026

Once Of the Key Highlights from our New Zealand Trip

Everything was incredibly well organised, from check-in to the safety briefing. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, which helped us feel confident from the start. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone was safe while still making the experience fun and enjoyable. If you’re visiting New Zealand, this is an experience not to be missed.

— Jessie W, June 2026

Truly Once in a Lifetime

This is an unmissable experience, truly once in a lifetime. 100% worth the money and more. Gus is a legend who carved perfect steps in the ice for us and was extremely insightful about the glacier. The most incredible views ever, 10/10 experience just wow.

— Zara M, March 2026

Māori Cultural Context Made the Hike Even More Meaningful

An amazing experience from start to finish. We had a beautiful, brilliant guide, Zoe, who shared both geological and Māori cultural context that made the hike even more meaningful. The partnership with the local Māori tribe added depth and respect to the experience. We felt very well supported with the gear and guidance provided, and hiking on the glacier was unforgettable.

— Madison K, January 2026

Your Adventure Starts Here

Find out what makes Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Aotearoa's most famous glacier.

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Franz Josef Glacier Aerial shot 2