Top Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Full-Day Tours: A Detailed Review

So, are you planning a trip to New Zealand’s West Coast and thinking about visiting Franz Josef or Fox Glacier? That’s great, it seems very awesome! Choosing the best tour, too it’s almost, can feel a little overwhelming since, arguably, there are many, many options. This guide is here, anyway, to help you select the perfect full-day tour that fits your interests and budget, right? We’ll, literally, check out the top five tours, offering insights and suggestions so you can have an experience that’s both memorable and very fulfilling. So, okay, let’s make this happen, like. Read our full review: Franz Josef Fox Glacier Full Day Tours Full Review and Details

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike

Okay, starting with the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike, it looks like one incredible way to see the glacier! This tour usually, as a matter of fact, involves a short helicopter flight that, pretty much, takes you up onto the glacier itself. You get to, kind of, bypass the lower, arguably, busier sections and land right where the ice is pristine and the views are, clearly, spectacular. Honestly, that sounds kind of amazing, doesn’t it?

Once you land, really, experienced guides will lead you on a hike that usually lasts around three hours. You get to, basically, explore ice caves, maybe some blue ice formations, and, obviously, learn about the glacier’s history and how it, usually, changes over time. What a blast, I mean, really, seriously! You do need a moderate level of fitness to make the most of this tour since walking on ice, very arguably, can be a bit uneven, sort of like doing the tango, or something like that. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Franz Josef Helicopter Hike)

What Makes It Special?

What’s very interesting, really, about this tour is the helicopter ride itself, which, like, provides unbeatable aerial views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Honestly, seeing that from above just takes your breath away, and that’s, seriously, saying something. Also, honestly, being able to hike on a remote part of the glacier means you can escape the crowds and experience, seriously, something more intimate. I mean, okay, wow, that’s really amazing and pretty exceptional, right?

Things to Keep In Mind

One thing to keep in mind is that, as a matter of fact, weather very much plays a part in whether the helicopter can fly. So, okay, it’s arguably good to have some flexibility in your schedule just in case you need to reschedule, really. And make sure to bring warm, very arguably waterproof clothing too; that, too it’s almost, can get pretty chilly up there even on a, okay, nice day, just maybe plan ahead like your heading to Antartica you know. I mean, by the way, don’t want you freezing up there like some sorta popsicle now, do we? Okay!

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

The Fox Glacier Valley Walk is arguably a more accessible option for many, many people as it does not need a helicopter and offers a fantastic ground-level view. Arguably! This walk takes you along the valley floor, anyway, towards the glacier terminal face. Guides provide great insight into the glacier’s retreat and the landscape’s geological formation, right?

The path often winds alongside the Fox River and leads to, arguably, several vantage points where you can see the glacier. Really, seriously, the walk itself is not too strenuous but offers a, pretty much, substantial taste of the glacier environment. It can get you quite close to some really neat photo ops. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Fox Glacier Valley Walk)

Why is this one worthwhile?

What’s nice is that, seriously, you don’t have to be super athletic to enjoy this one; this particular tour option may very well suit people of most fitness levels, in fact, that too it’s almost, could be quite something in itself! Also, naturally, it’s more budget-friendly if you’re thinking along those lines. Moreover, it offers quite the awesome perspective of glacial changes because you see firsthand how much the glacier has receded, usually over recent years. The evidence for that change is obvious. Arguably.

Things to note

The weather again can make this very difficult if it’s quite severe. If it’s rainy, the trail, arguably, can get muddy. So, I mean, where your waterproof footwear! Plus, keep in mind that, by the way, you are viewing the glacier from a distance so you won’t get the intimate experience that, pretty much, you do with a helicopter hike, it’s worth being mindful of, seriously.

Franz Josef Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

Fancy paddling next to, virtually, ancient rainforest while taking in pretty superb views of the Southern Alps? The Franz Josef Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika provides this very thing. The lake, seemingly, was formed by glacial activity and features serene waters that, obviously, mirror the mountains so beautifully it’s actually like, unbelievable! The calm setting, I feel, offers a, usually, peaceful escape and a unique viewpoint on the glacier landscape, alright!

Often tours are guided, you know, so no matter what, you are provided with both safety info and details concerning the local natural history. In fact, sometimes, you stop at spots along the shore, which is, frankly, all that it would take for an immersive forest walk. Basically, what you have, is a blend of exploration by water and then the land portion offers varied, engaging scenery. This tour is, seemingly, appropriate for every level, be you a seasoned expert, to that of just starting, it’s pretty diverse for skill. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Franz Josef Kayak Tour)

Why you will remember this

Seriously, I do think you would remember kayaking on a body of water and being circled, essentially, by mountains. Now that is really spectacular! As well as that, that, as a matter of fact, is probably going to be the peaceful vibes with next to nothing or nobody out there that is also probably memorable too, you know? Then also, I mean, in my experience, guides tend to make sure folks absorb knowledge that has very, actually, intriguing history. A+ stuff, that. Right?

What’s really worth a shout out?

Bear in mind this really calls on having suitable physical shape so, basically, if there are limitations on mobility that, actually, does need to get addressed first of all so it doesn’t impact anything negatively on the enjoyment angle, you follow? Plus the conditions need consideration or its cancelled which is often the standard thing with trips, very right.

Glacier Valley Helicopter Flight and Alpine Landing

Would a helicopter expedition where an alpine area has to get reached, kind of, inspire you that is also blended, maybe, with incredible photographic moments, too? Here, it offers access, that being said, where ground options obviously will never meet those requirements due to the environment.

Typically what happens, really, during this expedition, is scenic highlights emerge, such as spectacular glaciers to various ice falls but the actual absolute killer piece is always getting an alpine drop so photographs go to places other people really do miss by a long way. Then of course, very quickly, safety advice then points towards any local history lessons that usually has relevance. Anyway this expedition is that incredible as far as that kind of thing, yeah? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glacier Helicopter Flight)

This has a very clear edge

The bit that blows minds with people often, seriously, is getting some amazing photos with seriously not many, seriously, getting those shots due to the remoteness. I mean, really. What follows is some absolutely mind bending awareness given over when talking local conditions when viewing certain areas in conjunction the crew in effect who impart the learning that makes this awesome for the senses which in practice blows any other expedition away. This, like, does the business very correctly, seriously.

Okay, anything worth consideration here?

This boils down on what can the weather manage for us all that usually affects take-offs anyway due concern where everything boils down to weather. In these locations weather basically sets any schedule right? Its, in effect, probably what runs it so often flex is very highly probably smart for best utilisation should days run on any chance of a hitch should mother nature be cruel etc. I mean, you get this!

Glacier Hot Pools Relaxation Package

To that end for just that extra, let’s face it, something that has a relaxed style how about checking over the relaxation session deal near any glaciers that have those nearby! Here relaxation is set really highly for recovery just being next such awesome nature which works very brilliantly. That’s something, yeah?

What would happen typically could become massage sessions using mineral hot stuff then, typically what folks rave about being totally incredible during those tours, not really taxing in every direction. You need very chill so these pools have that in, you guessed, spades of those so any stress evaporates or just has to go missing! Here what does this, exactly? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glacier Hot Pools)

Seriously this would score right?!

For example, really, getting those super moments or photos where the background really speaks so high against this natural scenery just works very spot-on where relaxation matches a fantastic time here. Its more or less for most people a relaxing event which that is clearly amazing next that environment nearby; seriously right?

Stuff probably needing very acute observation maybe?

Make it so bookings should absolutely happen way way earlier considering total popularity next relaxation meets mountain landscapes where this can absolutely book way forward if any certain relaxation packages probably is just something very critical to have so things just get factored right anyway ok?