Awesome Ways to See the Glaciers in New Zealand
That’s right, there’s more to exploring the glaciers than a heli-tour! Famous New Zealand glaciers attract travellers looking for a unique ice adventure, such as the mammoth Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers. Read on for the fun ways to see the glaciers of New Zealand.
With the retreat of glaciers, especially Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, there is no time like the present to see a glacier before it is gone forever. New Zealand is a mountainous country with heaps of glaciers to see, most commonly along the Southern Alps of the South Island. What’s more, there are so many fascinating facts about them seen here in 10 Facts You Did Not Know About New Zealand’s Glaciers.
1. Hike Around the Glaciers
Hiking tracks in the glaciers’ surrounding mountains provide stunning views of the huge ice formation. Hiking is a backpacker budget-friendly option for seeing glaciers, for example, the glaciers in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park; Hooker Glacier, Mueller Glacier and Tasman Glacier, can be walked around. Also the Rob Roy Glacier in the Mt Aspiring National Park (pictured).
© ambo kangaroo on Wikipedia2. Hike on Top of New Zealand’s Glaciers
Tours on top of a glacier can be achieved by a helicopter flight to get on top of the ice. Guides can even take you into the ice on Fox Glacier – check out tours on Viator and Tripadvisor. New cracks in the ice are being discovered all the time for people to delve into! The most popular locations to heli-hike on a glacier are at Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and on the Tasman Glacier.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Kayak on a Glacial Lake
Some of New Zealand’s most magnificent glaciers have lakes at their base, such as the glaciers in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Plus, several lakes have been formed by the glaciers such as Lake Mapourika in Franz Josef, famous for its vivid reflections. This offers a unique perspective from the water. Find out more about kayaking tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Hike Below a Glacier
Walking tracks can take you up glacier valleys leading to the huge ice formation that created the valley! A couple of examples are the Pakihi Walk on Franz and Mt Fox Route. For more walks along glacier valleys to the glaciers’ terminal face, take a look at the 10 Best Walks in Franz Josef.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Fly Above a Glacier
Scenic flights by helicopter or plane give a nice relaxed view. Skydiving, however, mixes awesome views with an adrenaline rush! What’s more, New Zealand’s highest skydive with some of the most epic mountain and glacier scenery can be experienced here with Skydive Franz.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Ski Down a Glacier
From July to September, the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park becomes a nice long ski run, accessed by heliskiing or ski plane.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Dive In!
After you have done all of the above, relax in the rainforest hot pools just at the Franz Josef township.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About the New Zealand Glaciers
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
