Choosing between New Zealand’s glaciers can feel a bit like choosing between two rare treasures - spectacular in their own right, yet offering very different experiences once you’re actually standing on the ice.
For many visitors, the decision usually comes down to the West Coast’s famous duo: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Both sit within Te Wāipounamu on the South West Coast, and both deliver a dramatic meeting of rainforest, rock, and ancient ice. But each has its own personality, and those nuances can help you pick the one that truly fits the kind of adventure you’re after.
Franz Josef Glacier is known for its remarkable steepness and fast flow, which create an ever-shifting landscape of crevasses, ice caves, and towering seracs. Because the glacier moves so quickly - far faster than most glaciers worldwide - you’re more likely to encounter fresh formations that haven’t been shaped by human footsteps. This dynamism is a big part of its appeal. The terrain evolves day by day, and our guides adjust routes constantly so you’re exploring the best features available. It’s one of the reasons many visitors choose Franz Josef - the experience feels alive, reactive, and uniquely yours and your glacier walk will be unlike any other.
Fox Glacier, just down the road, stretches a bit further into the valley floor and is celebrated for its views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Its gentler gradient can make it feel slightly more open underfoot, and some travellers appreciate the contrast between the glacier and the lush forests surrounding it. Both glaciers are stunning - there’s no wrong choice here - but the type of adventure you prefer may steer you one way or the other.
Where Franz Josef really distinguishes itself is in the range of ways you can experience it. Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers multiple tour options, from the introductory Glacier Encounter through to the iconic Heli Hike, the immersive Glacier Adventure, the technical Glacier Ice Climb, and even the unforgettable Glacier Overnighter. That breadth means travellers can tailor the experience to their comfort level, time frame, or appetite for challenge. Whether you’re after a short introduction or a full off-grid alpine night, there’s a pathway onto the ice that feels just right.
Layered over that choice is our commitment to looking after our manuhiri (guests). Franz Josef Glacier Guides carries excellent health and safety credentials, robust procedures, and a long history of guiding people safely on the glacier. Guests also consistently comment on the warmth and professionalism of our team - guides who not only know the ice intimately, but create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere from the moment you gear up.
So, while New Zealand’s glaciers each have something special to offer, if you’re seeking variety, expertise, and a truly responsive glacier experience, Franz Josef stands out. With more ways to explore and a team dedicated to delivering exceptional care, it’s a place where your glacier adventure becomes something unforgettable from the first step.
Check out the range of glacier walks and experiences offered by Franz Josef Glacier Guides and find the option that's right for you!