West Coast
Glacier Valley Walk
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
The spectacular Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is a two hour (approx.) return walk up the glacier valley. Experience the Franz Josef Glacier at its most dynamic, with some of New Zealand’s best hiking guides.
After a thrilling flight, land high on the glacier to undertake a 2.15 hour guided hike. Be guided through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary land of towering peaks and glistening ice. Departs: Daily at 8.30am, 8.45am, 10.45am, 11am, 1pm and 1.15pm. Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours. Includes: Helicopter flight, guided glacier walk and entry into the Glacier Hot Pools.
Walk alongside the mighty Waiho Riverbed and follow the glacier’s path as it winds its way through this remarkable alpine landscape. Throughout the leisurely and interpretive valley walk, your guide will cover the geographical features of the magnificent alpine landscape. Hear about the legend of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere and be rewarded with spectacular views of the glacier’s rapidly changing terminal face as you reach the viewpoint.
PRICE GUIDE: $$$
Fox Trail – Terminal Face Walk
This is an extraordinary way to experience the West Coast backcountry. Departs: 63 Cron St, Franz Josef daily at 10.15am and 2.15pm. Duration: 2 hours. Includes: Entry to Glacier Hot Pools. PRICE GUIDE: $
Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier, with Glacier Landing The Fox Trail Terminal Face Walk is perfect if you prefer to leave the glacier untouched by your footprints. This guided walk winds its way up the Fox Valley to a viewpoint where you can see the ever-changing face of Fox Glacier. Your guide will bring the walk alive with their amazing knowledge of the terrain. At the “front” of the glacier, known as its Terminal Face, the Fox River emerges from the ice and you may be lucky enough to witness an ice collapse. Flanked to the west by the Southern Alps and to the east by the Tasman Sea, the West Coast region is a rugged, stretch of native forested land, lakes, mountains, farmland, wild coastline and the location of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The Twin Glacier flight departs from Fox or Franz Josef Village and flies over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. Departs: Daily, between 8am and 5pm (weather permitting). Duration: 30 minutes. Includes: Helicopter flight with one snow landing and full commentary.
PRICE GUIDE: $$ 112
Your guide will point out that the glacier ice you can see is covered in moraine (rockfall and debris). This is occurring because the glacier is currently in a phase of retreat, and glacial valley walls that have been held up by the ice for thousands of years, are now exposed and are collapsing onto the glacier. The Fox Trail requires moderate fitness and you will spend up to two hours walking over valley terrain, which can be challenging in some places. Departs: Fox Glacier Guiding Building daily 9.10am and 2.20pm (Apr-Sep), 11.10am and 4.20pm (Oct-Mar). Duration: 2.5 hours. Includes: Use of leather boots, wool socks, waterproof raincoats, over trousers, mittens and hats if required.
PRICE GUIDE: $$$$
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