Franz Josef Glacier

Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere

A massive and accessible glacier in the Southern Alps that descends into temperate rainforest, making it a unique geological wonder. It's one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions and offers hiking, helicopter tours, and glacier walks.

Things to do

• Valley Walk — A free 2-hour return walk through beech forest to a viewing platform overlooking the glacier's terminus and moraine lake.
• Glacier Lake Walk — A scenic 1.5-hour loop hike that descends to the milky-blue glacial lake formed by meltwater at the glacier's base.
• Helicopter Scenic Flight — A thrilling aerial tour that lands on the glacier's upper reaches, offering views of crevasses, seracs, and surrounding peaks.
• Guided Glacier Walk — A professional-led trek across the glacier surface with crampons, exploring ice formations and learning about glacial processes.
• Alex Knob Track — A steep 3-hour climb through rainforest to a ridge with panoramic views of the glacier, surrounding peaks, and West Coast landscape.
• Lake Wombat Walk — A peaceful 1.5-hour forest walk leading to a secluded alpine lake surrounded by native beech and mountain scenery.

Food to try

• West Coast Whitebait — Delicate freshwater fish caught seasonally (September to November) and served lightly pan-fried or in traditional West Coast whitebait fritters.
• Crayfish from the Tasman Sea — Fresh rock lobster sourced from local waters and typically served simply grilled or in seafood platters at West Coast restaurants.
• Venison and Game Meat — Wild-caught local venison, wild boar, and rabbit prepared in hearty stews and mains reflecting the region's hunting heritage.
• Greywacke Craft Beers — Local brewery beers brewed in nearby Fox Glacier using pure West Coast water, paired with pub meals and glacier lodge dinners.
• Feijoa and Berry Desserts — Native and cultivated fruits from the West Coast served in pavlovas, tarts, and local café desserts showcasing seasonal produce.

Local customs & good to know

• Māori Cultural Significance — The glacier is known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (the tears of Hine Hukatere) in Māori tradition; respect local place names and learn the story from visitor centers and guides.
• Rapid Glacier Change — The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades; listen to ranger talks about climate change impacts and treat the landscape with awareness of its fragility.
• Westland Tai Poutini National Park Etiquette — Stay on marked tracks, pack out all rubbish, and respect weather warnings as conditions in the Southern Alps change rapidly and dangerously.
• Local Community Support — The small town of Franz Josef relies heavily on tourism; supporting local operators, cafés, and accommodation businesses directly benefits the community.