Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Experience

The Half-Day Glacier Experience is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice, traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty, and suitable for most agile people. The walk is longer in duration than others offered, allowing you more time to enjoy the impressive terrain on the lower reaches of Franz Josef Glacier. You will also receive free entry to the Glacier Hot Pools, a perfect place to relax after your glacier experience.

After being fitted out with all your equipment at our company office, a ten minute bus ride takes you to within 2.5 kilometer (1.5 miles) of the glacier, where you enjoy a short bush walk through regenerating rainforest, regrouping in the glacier valley.

You then proceed to the front of the glacier (2.5 kilometer), with your guide calling stops along the way to explain the unique features of the glacier and glacier valley. Here you strap on a set of Ice-Talonz, accessing the terminal face of the glacier for 1.5 - 2 hours traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty. The terrain can look daunting, but preformed access ways make exploring the lower reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier achievable for most agile people.

Your Half-Day Glacier Experience also includes free entry to the Glacier Hot Pools. Relax and unwind after your hike, the Glacier Hot Pools are a haven of natural tranquility. The pools are located in the heart of Franz Josef township and are open from 12 noon to 10pm year round. (Last entry at 9pm.)

Schedule details

Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Experience

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Departure Time:

• 8.45am
• 12.30pm
• 3.00pm (until March 31 only)

Return Details:

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Experience

Inclusions:

• 4.5 hour guided glacier tour
• Goretex Jackets, Over-trousers, Woolen hats and gloves, Leather boots, Crampons
• Souvenir Information Booklet
• Entry to the Glacier Hot Pools
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Minimum age is 8 years and the minimum height required is 137cm (4.6ft)
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• The glacier walks are quite challenging as the glacier is advancing and becoming very steep, and clients need to be fit and able. Refunds will not be available for clients who cannot participate on the day due to inappropriate fitness levels i.e. it is important you are selecting the right trip for your physical fitness ability. Guides reserve the right to curtail or cancel trips for clients whose fitness is not appropriate.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Franz Josef Glacier receives 5 meters of annual rainfall. Refunds will not be available to those clients who decide not to participate because it is raining or because they will get wet feet during the trip.
• Franz Josef Glacier is located approximately 5.5-hours from Christchurch or Queenstown, 4-hours from Wanaka,  2.5-hours from Greymouth.

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.