New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

Abel Tasman National Park

Tongariro National Park

Milford Sound

Aoraki / Mount Cook

The Franz Joseph Glacier is located in the heart of the Southern Alps. Even though the glacier is shrinking slightly each year, it can be seen from quite some distance away.

Oceania

New Zealand

Glacier Franz Josef

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

profile

New Zealand family vacations

travel-type

New Zealand road trips

occasion

New Zealand honeymoon

environment-type

New Zealand lakes

An unmissable stop on the west coast of <a href="/new-zealand/">the Southern Island of New Zealand</a>, the Franz Josef Glacier is unusual among glaciers, being located just 300 meters above sea level. As such, it's extremely easy to access and many tourists visit each year.
Nevertheless, after an hour's walk through the valley, I was quite disappointed that I hadn't really managed to get any closer to the glacier. In fact, a warmer climate and excessive visitors numbers have led to the glacier withdrawing by a few kilometers in the space of just a few decades. Nevertheless, the valley in the glow of the glacier's bluish hues is truly exceptional.
I suggest that you make the most of the early evening and visit the hot pools in Franz Josef Village, relax, and enjoy the thermal pools. They are a perfect remedy for anyone who has pressed on while walking and is starting to feel the onset of aches and pains as a result.
Finally, if you've not yet managed to see a real kiwi (the birds, that is, not the people!), you can visit the Wildlife Center, which serves as an incubator for kiwis. As I have had the chance to observe them in the wild, I can't tell you what the center is like, but it could be your only opportunity to see them in the flesh.

The Franz Joseph Glacier is located in the heart of the Southern Alps. Even though the glacier is shrinking slightly each year, it can be seen from quite some distance away.

The first images&nbsp;that pop up in my mind when I think back to Franz Josef Glacier are the hordes of tourists walking toward the glacier. All enhanced&nbsp;by the noise from helicopters. Because access to Franz Josef Glacier is very easy (about 40 minutes from the parking lot), this spot draws big crowds.&nbsp;If, like me, you're content to just walk to the glacier, you may be a little disappointed. In fact, unlike Fox Glacier, it's impossible to get close to the foot of Franz Josef, and you will only be able to see the colossal ice field from far off.&nbsp;To see it from a closer spot, ask in the village, as a number of companies offer a walk on the glacier. They'll give you the adequate equipment and guide you on the ice.If you like hikes, go to Okarito, about thirty kilometers from Franz Josef. There you can go for a nice walk along the seashore. In the distance, you'll have a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains.&nbsp;

The most famous glacier in New Zealand, only 19 km from the sea. A popular tourist attraction <a href="/new-zealand/">during a stay in New Zealand</a>.

Glacier Franz Josef Vacations

Visit Glacier Franz Josef

Glacier Franz Josef: How to get there?

Glacier Franz Josef: When to go?

Glacier Franz Josef: For how long?

Glacier Franz Josef: What to see in the surroundings?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacation