Glacier Country is one of New Zealand's most extraordinary natural regions. Located in the heart of the West Coast, the region is centred around the villages of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, offering visitors rare access to glacier landscapes that continue to shape the region.
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Glacier Country is a spectacular region on New Zealand's West Coast, home to the famous Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Visitors can enjoy guided glacier adventures, scenic flights, kayaking, wilderness tours, and off road adventures
Things to do in Glacier Country
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West Coast Attractions & Activities by Area
Activities and Attractions in Glacier Country
from NZ $340
20 mins
from NZ $395.00
25 Mins 
Mt Cook Supreme - 60-minute Glacier Flight
Franz Josef Glacier, Fox, Tasman and Shackleton Glaciers (discovered by Sir Earnest Shackleton)
from NZ $895.00
1 Hours 
Ultimate Discovery - 45-minute Three-Glacier ...
Franz Josef Glacier, Fox and Tasman Glacier
from NZ $695.00
45 Mins 
from NZ $3195.00
5 days 
from NZ $149
3 Hours 
Westland Wonderland 40 minute HELIMAX movie
Large HELIMAX screen (13 metres x 6 metres)
from NZ $15
40 mins
from NZ $495.00
35 Mins 
from NZ $795.00
04:00 hours
Shackleton Whiskey Endurance - 50-minute Glac...
Franz Josef Glacier, Tasman and Shackleton Glacier
from NZ $795.00
50 Mins 
from NZ $340
20 minsFind your perfect Glacier Country experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Glacier Country
Which is better to visit, Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?
In a nutshell, those looking for a more established town with varied accommodation options and multiple restaurants will prefer to see Franz Josef, while those focused on the outdoors or looking for something a little more unique will prefer Fox Glacier. Regardless of which place you choose, there is no wrong decision.
Where is Glacier Country located?
Glacier Country is located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, encompassing the towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, nestled between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, and forming part of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
How do I get to Glacier Country?
Glacier Country is accessible by car along State Highway 6 from Hokitika (approx. 3 hours) or Wanaka/Queenstown (approx. 5–6 hours), via bus services connecting West Coast towns, and through helicopter or scenic flight tours from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Is Glacier Country family-friendly?
Yes, Glacier Country is family-friendly, offering short guided walks, glacier viewpoints, hot pools, wildlife spotting, and accessible nature experiences suitable for children, though some adventure activities are for older teens and adults.
What is the weather like in Glacier Country?
Glacier Country has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers averaging 15–22°C, cold winters around 2–12°C, and high rainfall year-round, especially near the glaciers, so weather can change quickly.
How long should I spend in Glacier Country?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days in Glacier Country, allowing time to explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, take guided hikes or helicopter tours, visit nearby lakes and waterfalls, and enjoy the rainforest and hot pools.
What is the weather like in Glacier Country?
Glacier Country has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers averaging 15–22°C, cold winters around 2–12°C, and high rainfall year-round, especially near the glaciers, so the weather can change quickly.
What are the top attractions in Glacier Country?
Glacier Country is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling outdoor experiences. Top attractions include the Mt Cook Supreme – 60-minute Glacier Flight and the 35-minute Twin Glacier Flight, both offering breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the Southern Alps. For a more immersive adventure, the Flying Fox Heli Hike combines a scenic helicopter ride with a guided glacier hike, while the Fox Glacier with Snow Landing lets visitors step onto the glacier itself for an unforgettable experience. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, which explore rainforests, river valleys, and glacier landscapes, showcasing the region’s remarkable natural beauty.
Tourist Information About Glacier Country
Glacier Country: Where the Southern Alps Meet the West Coast
Glacier Country stretches along the central West Coast of New Zealand's South Island encompassing the neighbouring communities of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Framed by the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west. It is also a part of the internationally recognised Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Travelling through Franz Josef and Fox Glacier communities reveals constantly changing landscapes of alpine peaks, glacier-fed rivers, native forest, and dramatic coastline. Creating a landscape perfect for exploring national parks, hiking tours and scenic helicopter landings.
Despite its remote setting, the community offers excellent visitor facilities while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that characterises the West Coast. It is also a natural stop between Hokitika and Haast, making it a key destination on any West Coast road trip.
World-Famous Glaciers & Iconic Natural Attractions
The defining attraction of Glacier Country is its collection of remarkable Glaciers, particularly Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Flowing from the high peaks of the Southern Alps, these rivers of ice have shaped the landscape over thousands of years and remain among New Zealand's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Although some areas have limited its access in recent decades, visitors can still enjoy spectacular viewpoints, guided walks and unforgettable scenic flight tours in the best vantage spots, showcasing icefalls and snow-covered summits from above. Each glacier offers a different perspective on the region's alpine environment, while nearby valleys provide excellent opportunities to appreciate their immense scale.
Adventure and Scenic Experiences Throughout Glacier Country
Glacier Country is one of New Zealand's leading destinations for outdoor adventure and nature-based experiences.
Visitors can explore an extensive network of hiking tracks that range from easy rainforest strolls to glacier viewing trails with impressive alpine scenery.
Taking a scenic helicopter flight remains one of the most popular ways to experience the region, often including snow landings on the upper glaciers for panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Nearby lakes, can give you a slower-paced way to enjoy the surrounding rainforest and mountain reflections with kayaking or canoeing.
More guided adventure activities, wildlife encounters and scenic drives between Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Haast ensure there is something for every style of traveller exploring the heart of the West Coast.
Rainforests, Lakes and Alpine Wilderness in Glacier Country
Beyond its famous glaciers, Glacier Country is a region of remarkable ecological diversity.
Nearby Lakes such as Lake Matheson and Lake Mapourika provide peaceful settings surrounded by podocarp forests and native bush. These landscapes support abundant birdlife, including kererū, tūī and other native species commonly found throughout the West Coast.
Protected within surrounding National Parks and conservation areas, the region offers countless opportunities to experience New Zealand's natural heritage. Whether exploring forest trails, enjoying Kayaking on calm waters or simply pausing at scenic lookouts, visitors quickly discover that Glacier Country offers far more than its famous ice formations.
UNESCO Heritage and Conservation Across Glacier Country
Glacier Country's landscapes hold deep cultural significance alongside their geological importance. The Franz Josef Glacier is known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in te reo Māori, while Fox Glacier is known as Te Moeka o Tuawe, with both names reflecting traditional stories connected to the mountains and glaciers.
These narratives remain an important part of the region's identity and enrich visitors' understanding of the landscape beyond its visual appeal. Today, much of Glacier Country is protected within the internationally recognised Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, highlighting its outstanding natural value.
Conservation plays a central role in preserving native forests, waterways and alpine ecosystems, allowing future generations to experience this extraordinary environment while supporting sustainable tourism throughout the West Coast.
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