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New Zealand is home to some of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Found mainly in the South Island, these giants are a reminder of the country’s dramatic landscapes and natural power. Glaciers have shaped valleys, carved out mountains, and continue to create breathtaking scenery.
New Zealand’s two most famous glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox, extend down into temperate rainforest. This is one of the few places in the world where glaciers are found so close to lush greenery.
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Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shephard
13 Hours 
8 hours 
Our longest, most immersive Milford Sound experience — up to 2 hours 15 minutes on the water
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13 Hours 
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04:00 hours
Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glacier
45 Mins
Franz Josef, Tasman and Shackleton Glacier
50 Mins 
1 Hours 15 Mins 
Premium glass-roof coach with scenic stops and local commentary through Fiordland
8 Hours 
5 days 
25 Mins 
Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman and Shackleton Glaciers (discovered by Sir Earnest Shackleton)
1 Hours 
Spend more time on the fiord with our longest Milford Sound cruise — up to 2 hours 15 minutes
13 Hours 
45 Mins 
1 hours 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
35 Mins 
30 Mins 
Get up close to the thundering 155-metre Stirling Falls
1 Hours 
Experience the hanging glacier, blue ice, and waterfalls
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9 Hours 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park
5 Hours 
View Aoraki/Mt Cook -the highest mountain in New Zealand
30 mins
Scenic return flights from Queenstown over alpine backcountry and Fiordland’s untouched landscapes
4 hours 
Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd
5 Hours 
20 minsFranz Josef / Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island is considered the glacier tour capital of New Zealand. This area is famous for its easily accessible glaciers, dramatic ice formations, and popular guided glacier walks and helicopter tours.
Other popular glacier areas in New Zealand include Aoraki / Mount Cook (Tasman Glacier), where visitors can take scenic flights and glacier hikes, and Mount Aspiring National Park, which offers stunning alpine and glacier landscapes. These regions also provide excellent glacier tour experiences and are popular for adventure and scenic activities.
New Zealand’s glacier regions offer some of the most spectacular alpine and ice experiences in the country, with several standout tours to choose from. Popular options include the Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike, which combines a helicopter flight with a guided walk across dramatic glacier ice; the Fox Glacier Short Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing, offering breathtaking aerial views and a landing on snow-covered peaks; and the Franz Josef & Fox Twin-Glacier Helicopter Flight, where you fly over both iconic glaciers for unforgettable scenery. For those who want a more grounded experience, the Fox Glacier Guided Nature Walk & Valley Tour takes you through lush rainforest and up close to glacier valleys with expert guides. In the Aoraki / Mount Cook area, tours like the Mt Cook Scenic Helicopter Flights and Tasman Glacier Scenic Flights give panoramic views of New Zealand’s highest peaks and the vast Tasman Glacier from above. These tours showcase the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s glacier landscapes and offer a mix of adventure, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences.
Yes, you can see glaciers in New Zealand all year round, but the experience can change depending on the season.
The West Coast glaciers (Franz Josef and Fox Glacier) are visible throughout the year, and tours operate in every season. In summer, the weather is warmer, and access is easier, while in winter, you can see more snow on the glaciers and surrounding mountains. However, glacier conditions can change quickly due to weather and safety, so some guided tours may be restricted or adjusted during extreme weather.
When visiting a glacier, it’s important to dress warmly and be prepared for cold and windy conditions. Wear layers, including a thermal or long-sleeve base layer, a warm mid-layer (like a fleece), and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and wear warm socks. Bring a hat, gloves, and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong on the ice. If you are doing a guided glacier hike, it’s also a good idea to wear comfortable pants and avoid jeans, as they can get cold and wet easily.
Yes, the Rob Roy Glacier Hike and Rob Roy Glacier Experience are considered excellent glacier tours and are definitely worth visiting if you enjoy scenic alpine landscapes and glacier views. These tours take you into Mount Aspiring National Park on a guided walk that follows rivers and rainforest before reaching open alpine terrain with dramatic views of the Rob Roy hanging glacier, waterfalls, and surrounding peaks. The hike is well-regarded for its scenery and accessibility, and many visitors find the panoramic glacier viewpoint one of the highlights of their trip.
Glaciers in New Zealand are not only beautiful but also important to the country’s history and environment. Over thousands of years, they have shaped much of the South Island’s landscape. The Southern Alps are home to the largest collection of glaciers.
Unlike glaciers in remote parts of the world, New Zealand’s are relatively easy to reach. This makes them popular with both visitors and locals who want to experience these places up close. Walking trails, guided tours, and helicopter rides also provide different ways to explore them.
Glaciers also play a big role in Māori stories. Many are considered sacred, and their names often connect to legends and ancestors. Visiting a glacier is not just about the scenery, but about respecting the cultural and natural significance of the place.
Located on the West Coast of the South Island, Franz Josef is one of the most famous glaciers in the country. Visitors can take guided walks, helicopter rides, or ice-climbing tours.
It is also known for incredible views of Mount Cook from nearby Lake Matheson, which is often called the “mirror lake” because of its perfect reflections.
The largest glacier in New Zealand, the Tasman Glacier, stretches over 23 kilometres. It is located in Mount Cook National Park and is surrounded by some of the country’s highest peaks. Visitors can explore it by boat tours or by scenic flights.
Weather: Conditions around glaciers change quickly. Always check the forecast and dress in layers.
Safety: Many glacier areas are dangerous to approach alone. For closer views, go with guided tours.
Access: Franz Josef and Fox have changed over time due to glacial retreat, so helicopter access is often the best way to get onto the ice.
Seasons: Glaciers can be visited year-round, but views are clearest in winter and spring when skies are often crisp and blue.
Glaciers are a big part of what makes New Zealand’s landscapes so dramatic. For locals, they are symbols of the South Island’s raw beauty and a reminder of the country’s natural power. For visitors, they are once-in-a-lifetime sights that combine adventure with awe.
Glaciers in New Zealand are not just frozen rivers of ice. They are part of the story of the land that shapes valleys, inspires legends, and offers unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking, flying in a helicopter, or simply standing in awe, seeing a glacier is something that will stay with you forever.
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
