Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Top Tickets and Passes Explored

Planning a trip to New Zealand’s amazing West Coast? Well, that’s where you’ll find the dazzling Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers! Picking how to experience these natural giants can be tricky, yet don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered! Let’s break down some top options to help you create an unforgettable adventure!

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Want an experience that truly gets your heart pumping? Very well, the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing might just be the thing! Rather than hiking for hours, this gets you up close and personal super quickly. So, hop into a helicopter, and it’s almost like within moments, you’re soaring over bright blue icefalls and seeing views that, to be honest, most people only dream of!

What’s so Great: You get crazy awesome aerial views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The actual snow landing part is thrilling; stepping onto the glacier is pretty unforgettable. It can save you a bunch of time compared to ground tours, too! Instead, you can fit more into your trip.

Keep in Mind: Helicopter tours are weather-dependent, which means your flight could be postponed. It is actually one of those pricier options, yet many feel that wow-factor totally justifies it.

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Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk

Prefer keeping your feet on the ground? That makes sense, and a Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk gets you as close to the glacier as possible without needing a helicopter! This walk takes you through the riverbed, past stunning ice formations, and offers, in a way, a pretty great perspective of the glacier’s scale. Anyway, you’ll get some insights from guides about the glacier’s history and the environment, too.

What’s so Great: It is generally a more budget-friendly way to experience the glacier. You get some close-up views of the valley and the chance to learn lots from the guides. Also, the walking isn’t super strenuous, that is, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Keep in Mind: You don’t actually get to walk *on* the glacier with this option. This really depends, so it can be a fair distance from the glacier face depending on current conditions. The views are amazing yet from a distance.

Read our full review: Franz Josef Glacier valley walk Full Review and Details

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Fox Glacier Heli Hike

Want the best of both worlds? That sounds lovely! Then a Fox Glacier Heli Hike might just be what you’re looking for. So, start with a scenic helicopter flight over to the glacier. Later, you land and then set off on a guided hike, and usually, you’ll explore ice caves and learn ice-climbing techniques! Now, it’s a total hands-on experience.

What’s so Great: The mix of flying and hiking really gives you varied perspectives! That, in itself, makes it unique. You can explore remote parts of the glacier, and no kidding, the guides offer specialized skills training. You learn so much!

Keep in Mind: Like any heli-tour, that depends on the weather. Yet it’s fairly essential you’re reasonably fit for the hike. Plus, this can be one of the pricier tours.

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Fox Glacier Valley Walk

Very similarly to the Franz Josef option, the Fox Glacier Valley Walk lets you experience the landscape by foot. Anyway, this gives a really informative trail leading to views of Fox Glacier. You get to experience the mighty scale from a safe distance, but even that is rather awesome. Keep an eye on those views, and be ready with the camera.

What’s so Great: It’s also an affordable choice. You have really peaceful surroundings, with great info boards, yet those let you soak in the environment at your speed.

Keep in Mind: You can’t get as close to the glacier face as some other tours. Check conditions ahead, so paths don’t get too muddy!

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Glacier Hot Pools

Looking for a chill kind of relaxation after a big day of exploring? As a matter of fact, the Glacier Hot Pools offers a fantastic spot to unwind! They’re fed by local glacier water and heated to just the right temps! I mean, who doesn’t want that?

What’s so Great: Honestly, the setting is lovely, surrounded by rainforest. Plus, it’s a good way to soothe those sore muscles from hikes!

Keep in Mind: That location means sandflies can, in a way, be a slight issue, and depending, so it might not give glacier views from the pools themselves.

Read our full review: Franz Josef Glacier hot pools Full Review and Details

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