Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk

Make your way to the Franz Josef hiking base camp, get suited up with equipment for the day’s conditions, then take a short bus ride to the trailhead. Set out along the glacier valley, following the Waiho River that marks the glacier’s retreat. As you walk, the guide shares the story of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere, as well as the natural history of the Franz Josef Glacier.

Once you near the terminal face, you get to cross over the public barrier for a brief climb to a viewpoint over the glacier. After the return hike down the glacier valley, this tour concludes with a transfer back to the base camp; since you have tickets to the Glacier Hot Pools that are attached to the hiking base camp, you can soak tired muscles in warm water following the trek.

• Follow the path of the glacial retreat up a scenic valley
• Learn about the glacier’s history and Maori legends
• Come as you are: all hiking equipment is provided

Hike to Franz Josef Glacier along the Waiho River on a half-day guided hiking tour that explores local ecology, history, and the terminal face of the glacier itself. Since the hiking tour includes equipment, from boots to waterproof clothing, you don’t need specialized gear to explore Franz Josef Glacier, and group size is limited to 13 hikers to ensure personal service from the guide.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 6 years
The glacier walks are quite challenging as the valley floor is undulated and becomes steeper nearer the terminal face, and clients need to be fit and able.
Operates in all weather conditions
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers