Glaciers

Franz 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.