Experience the Magic

The Franz Josef Glacier, known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, is an impressive 12-kilometer-long temperate maritime glacier. Together with the Fox Glacier, which is 20 kilometers to the south, it descends from the majestic Southern Alps to less than 300 meters above sea level. At the head of the Franz Josef Glacier, you'll find the névé, a vast snowfield that is over 2,500 meters above sea level and spans an area of 20 square kilometres.

What's fascinating about the Franz Josef Glacier is its dynamic nature – it showcases a cyclic pattern of advance and retreat. This movement is influenced by the interplay between the volume of meltwater at the base of the glacier and the volume of snowfall feeding the névé.

Fox Glacier, or Te Moeka o Tuawe, is a 13-kilometre-long. Like the famous Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is easily accessible and boasts a terminal face only 300 meters above sea level, close to the charming Fox Glacier village. Four alpine glaciers feed this magnificent glacier, descending 2,600 meters on its 13-kilometre journey from the Southern Alps towards the coast, eventually ending near rainforest just 300 meters above sea level. After retreating for much of the previous century, it advanced between 1985 and 2009, making it a true wonder of nature.

The area surrounding the two magnificent glaciers is part of Te Wāipounamu, a World Heritage Site. The Waiho River originates from Franz Josef's glacier terminal. Interestingly, over the past 14,000 years, glaciers worldwide have been generally retreating. Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are not only the most publicly accessible glaciers in New Zealand but also among the most accessible in the world. Until recently, there was easy walking access directly to the glacier termini. As a result, for over a century, they have been a popular tourist attraction.

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure; with access granted by the Department of Conservation, we take our guests on a journey to discover the hidden treasures of Glacier Country. Whether you're on the West Coast for a short visit or an extended stay, don't miss the opportunity to add one of our awe-inspiring experiences to your schedule. 

Soar through the skies and get up close and personal with the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, explore these majestic ice giants with us at The Helicopter Line.