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Franz Josef TownWheelchair accessible

Our most recommended Franz Josef Town Wheelchair accessible

Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise

1. Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise

Soak up panoramic views of the Southern Alps and glaciers reflecting on the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika on this 2-hour scenic cruise. The lake was created by the Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated 14,000 years ago and now sits calm and reflective between the Southern Alps and the sea. Meet your experienced skipper and small group at the office in Franz Josef and take a complimentary transfer out to Lake Mapourika. Board the boat, then sit back and relax onboard the Hanna-k in the comfortable enclosed cabin or on the covered back deck. Your skipper will take you through to the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary on the far shorelines of the lake and will help you spot New Zealand's native birds. Enjoy informative commentary and fascinating stories as you cruise past untouched Jurassic rainforest and 900-year-old Kahikatea trees. Sip on a cup of complimentary tea or coffee as you unwind in beautiful Glacier Country, a picture perfect way to escape the crowds and enjoy the West Coast’s scenery.

Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

2. Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

Gear up for an incredible, three-hour guided kayaking experience. Begin your adventure by meeting your experienced team at the local partner's office in Franz Josef. Join them and your small group on a complimentary transfer out to Lake Mapourika. Glide effortlessly across the water, taking in panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika. Paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Bird Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide. Tours depart at various times throughout the day. Mornings are often the calmest time of the day on the lake, a perfect choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the area. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience not to be missed during your visit to Franz Josef.

Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

3. Franz Josef: Twin Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers Helicopter Trip

Experience double the excitement as you fly over the stunning Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier on a helicopter ride over stunning mountain landscapes that includes a scenic snow landing.  Depart from Franz Josef town and within minutes you will be soaring across the majestic icefall of the Franz Josef Glacier where you will ascend among the mountain tops for your snow landing experience. As you fly, admire below you the snowfields of the Twin Glacier Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, and magnificent views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman. After 10 minutes of feeling the snow on your feet, jump back in the helicopter and take off once again across the snowfield expanse and then land back where you departed from.

Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

4. Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

Board the helicopter at the local partner’s base in Franz Josef, then ascend into the New Zealand's highest mountain range known as the Southern Alps, where panoramic views await. Soar across the sky, passing over the spectacular ice pinnacles and crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on the way to the snow landing site. Throughout the tour, soak up once-in-a-lifetime views of snow-capped mountains, ancient glacier as well as some of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Arrive at the landing site and take your first steps onto the snowy landscape. Be amazed by the sheer beauty of your surroundings as you are dwarfed by the size of this mountainous West Coast region. Enjoy enough time to take photos and soak up this magical location, then board the helicopter for the return journey to the base. Another view of this amazing and unique glacier formation as you descend back down across temperate rainforest and safe landing back at base.

Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

5. Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

Lift off from a heli-base in Franz Josef and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above on a scenic helicopter tour. Experience this natural phenomenon up close as you land on a glacier and walk through the snow. Meet your pilot and guide at the helicopter base and receive a brief introduction before boarding your flight and setting out on your adventure. Watch the ground disappear beneath you as you climb higher and enjoy the view as the city below turns into wilderness. Take in the vistas of the Southern Alps and marvel at the vastness of 2 of New Zealand's largest glaciers while enjoying informative commentary provided by your pilot. Then, get ready to experience this unique scenery up close as your helicopter prepares for a snow landing. Stand on the ancient ice of the glacier, breathe in the clean alpine air, and feel the seclusion of this awe-inspiring landscape. Hop back aboard your helicopter and enjoy more panoramic views on your return journey to the base. Throughout your flight, you'll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and past Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Endurance Flight - 50mins

6. Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Endurance Flight - 50mins

Take in some of New Zealand’s most impressive mountains during a helicopter ride. Land among them for even more spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities. Meet at the local partner’s office to check in and attend a safety briefing. Then, following a transfer to a private hangar, you will meet your pilot and board the helicopter for takeoff. Put your headset on to enjoy your pilot's guided commentary. Take off and fly over the Franz Josef & Tasman Glaciers, see Mount Cook before you discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. Fly through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings Savor a complimentary sampling of the renowned Shackleton Whiskey with glacial ice on the Shackleton Glacier, inspired by the very spirit of endurance that drove Shackleton's iconic journey.

Franz Josef: The Grand Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing

7. Franz Josef: The Grand Tour by Helicopter with Snow Landing

Experience quadruple the excitement as you fly over the stunning Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers on a helicopter ride over stunning mountain landscapes that includes a scenic snow landing. Depart from Franz Josef town and in no time you will be soaring over majestic glacier icefall's ascending among the Southern Alps on your most magical tour of your lifetime before descending to the panoramic snow fields for your snow landing experience. As you fly, admire below you the snowfields of the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman glacier, with magnificent views including Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman (new Zealand's highest peaks). After 10 minutes of feeling the snow on your feet, jump back in the helicopter and take off once again across the snowfield expanse and then land back where you departed from.

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What people are saying about Franz Josef Town

On the day of my trip it was raining but thinking it may stop as I drove towards Franz Joseph, it didn’t in fact it got heavier… by the time I reached the Kayak main office I had convinced myself that the trip would be cancelled and I no longer wanted to go, this was to be my 1st Kayaking experience and I didn’t want to be cold, wet and miserable. However, the staff in the shop were brilliant and convinced me it would be good, so I braved it and went along. The guides were brilliant and as we set about getting used to the Kayaks and how to paddle and stirring, I settled in. On the short breaks both guides gave interesting facts of the lake, history and the Kiwi’s. I had a wonderful time, thank you all so much.

We were lucky I have great weather for our flight. Our pilot Dion was very knowledgeable and gave us an amazing experience that we will treasure forever. This is the best way to view what is left of the glaciers. Glad we did it before they are gone. Highly recommend.

My partner and I enjoyed the trip even though it was raining and we didn't get to see the reflections on the lake. Our tour guide Dale [donkey] was full knowledge about history. Well worth doing for sure

Great experience, expected it to be scary but was totally not the case. Was lucky enough to sit in the front.

You must experience the kayaking from this team, and the team has done marvelous job.