Glacier Country

Franz Josef/Whataroa/Okarito

Some 140 glaciers flow from the Southern Alps, however only two (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) penetrate as far as the lower rainforests. Few sights equal the spectacle of these giant tongues of ice grinding down through temperate rainforest to just 250 meters above sea level (this is the only place outside Argentina where this occurs).

Visitors are often surprised to find such a warm/mild climate in Franz Josef given the proximity of the glaciers and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps only a few kilometres from the township. Two guiding companies offer a variety of guided glacier walks and climbing experiences, to suite all ages and abilities. Heli-hikes and scenic flights with or without snow landings are also available. 

Other activities include a variety of rafting experiences, white heron sanctuary tours, rainforest and coastal walks. Franz Josef township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafes, arts and craft retail, a general store and service station for motoring needs. Glacier country is a popular visitor destination, we recommend booking ahead in the peak summer season (from Dec-Feb). 

Whataroa - the northern gateway of Glacier Country, is a small village that offers accommodation, a general store and service station. It is also the departure point for guided tours to view beautiful white heron (kotuku) breeding colony. Approximately 150 white herons nest here each year (this is their only known breeding ground in New Zealand).     

Fox Glacier

The Fox Glacier township offers a more intimate "village" experience than its bigger neighbour, Franz Josef. Tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafes, a general store and service station for motoring needs.

The Fox Glacier offers a different type of glacier experience than the Franz Josef Glacier, and visitors are increasingly booking activities on both glaciers during their visit to Glacier Country. Local companies provide access to the Fox Glacier with guided walks, heli-hikes and scenic flights (with or without snow landings). Fox Glacier is also internationally renowned for Lake Matheson's stunning reflections of Aorangi/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. 

The lake is located 6km west of the township. Further down the valley, driving through rimu rainforests, is the site of the old gold mining settlement of Gillespie's Beach on the shores of the Tasman Sea. On clear days the Southern Alps are visible from the beach.

Bruce Bay - Magnificent rimu forests surround this sandy picturesque bay with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Situated 30 minutes south of Fox Glacier, Bruce Bay has many historical features. The legendary Polynesian explorer Maui was said to have first landed here. Honouring this cultural heritage, the local runanga have recently built a marae. 

Remnants of timber milling and gold mining can also be found. As Glacier Country is a popular visitor destination, we recommend booking ahead in the peak summer season (from December until February).

Must Sees:

The Glaciers
A country of contrasts, New Zealand boasts two of the world's most accessible glaciers.  Whether you just want a peek or want to thrust an ice axe in to a peak, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers give visitors an amazing opportunity to view these ancient giants firsthand.

	Franz Josef The first European to explore Franz Josef Glacier was geologist Julius von Haast, in 1865.  He named the glacier after the Austrian emperor. Only 5km from its namesake town, it is a short 20min walk to its terminal face or somewhat further to look out points. For the more adventurous, there are a variety of guided tours, ice hikes, heli-hikes and sightseeing trips that can be organised from the township.  It is recommended that accommodation and tours are booked in advance to avoid disappointment in the busy summer season.
	Fox Glacier Fox Glacier is just 20 minute's drive from its neighbour Franz Josef and many visitors enjoy visiting both for a different experience of township and glacier features. For the more adventurous, there are a variety of guided tours, ice hikes, heli-hikes and sightseeing trips that can be organised from the township.  It is recommended that accommodation and tours are booked in advance to avoid disappointment in the busy summer season.
	Okarito and Whataroa About half an hour's drive north of Franz Josef is the coastal settlement of Okarito, boasting incredible sea views, Southern Alps landscapes and a lagoon bursting with native birds. Almost 80 species of birds visit or make their home around this spectacular lagoon, including the rare White Heron (kotuku). The heron's sole New Zealand breeding colony is north of the lagoon on the bank of the Waitangiroto River, a nature reserve open from late October to February.  You must have an entry permit to enter and White Heron Sanctuary Tours, based at Whataroa, tour the colony.