Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. We make a clear commitment to you that our trip is the most spectacular and rewarding available.
Franz Josef, New Zealand

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Tours and Tickets by Franz Josef Glacier Guides
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(1,055 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,220 reviews
Excellent
1,654
Very good
320
Average
107
Poor
68
Terrible
71

Darshni P
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
An amazing experience! The entire process was so smooth and all the staff, from check in all the way through to guides, were knowledgable and friendly.

We booked last minute approx 2 days before the departure date. The website was initially slow to take payment and remained on the loading screen, but we got there in the end. The team were well responsive via email.

On arrival, there is free parking on the main street and a tap to fill up water bottles. We were allocated into groups of 11, which was split across 2 helicopters. Our guide, Yula, was so fun and patient. As the first group onto the ice, we were able to stop at a sheltered part of the glacier alone and watch the sunrise over the mountain whilst she told us an indigineous origin story about the glacier - magical!

Try to factor in some breathing room into your itinerary. Some flights in the afternoon were cut short due to incoming cloud but the team are very good at communicating this as a possibility throughout. They do everything they can to maximise the experience safely.

I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone!
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bontaks
Sydney, Australia657 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
This adventure was so worth the money and effort to get here and do it. We were very fortunate to have the time to rebook when our first attempt didn’t go ahead due to bad weather. I highly recommend planning a few days in FJ and booking this for the first day so that you have the chance to rebook if things don’t go to plan.

I was so impressed with the safety procedures followed by this company. We knew we were in good hands when at check in they spoke to each individual who had flagged any kind of health condition to ensure that they can cater to your needs and keep you safe – from knee injuries to high blood pressure. And if you are on medication for serious health concerns, take it with you in case the weather changes quickly and you have to spend overnight on the ice (no, I’m not joking).

After our safety briefing and kitting up, we walked to the helipad where our group of 11 was split into a 6 and a 5 to be transferred in two helicopters to the glacier. They delivered us onto the massive ice formation, James Bond style, but safely! Our guide, Jimmy, knew this area intimately, his informed commentary allowing us plenty of time to pause and marvel in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The regular communication between guide team members increased when the cloud began to quickly descend, and soon we received instructions to return to the landing point before the weather prevented the helicopters from transporting us off the ice. No one wanted to spend overnight on the glacier, even though the guides are fully prepared for that possibility – tents and supplies stored in waterproof crates in an ice nook at the ready!

The entire experience was thrilling, one of the most unforgettable of our many travels.

BONTAKS TRAVELS
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Bontaks Thanks for taking the time to write us a great review of your experience, we really appreciate it! We hope you are enjoying the rest of your travels around Aotearoa. Nga mihi nui!
Written 3 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Carla
22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We waited three days from our original booking date to complete the heli hike due to bad weather but it was worth the wait. The helicopter trip was thrilling and the hike on the glacier was stunning. It wasn't physically challenging and the pace was relatively slow but we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the ice, guided by Max who was very friendly and informative.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tena koe CGFo1234, thank you for the taking the time to write a review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your experience with us, and that the weather cleared to allow us to take you on this adventure! Enjoy the rest of your travels around Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui.
Written 4 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We had Maya as our guide. She was outstanding - funny and knowledgeable. She grew up in the area so provided interesting historical color. On the way to the glacier, we walked through the lovely rain forest and learned about the interesting flora and fauna, including medicinal properties of fauna used by the Māoris. If you’re lucky enough to tour on a clear day, the waterfall and glacier are spectacular.

I highly recommend Maya and this tour.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora David, Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience and we are thrilled you enjoyed it. We feel very lucky to have Maya apart of our team! We hope the rest of your travels around Aotearoa are magical. Ngā mihi nui. Ruby
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JPN
Walnut Creek, CA15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
We took a guided tour of the Franz Joseph Glacier with Maya. She was an excellent guide with a good sense of humor. She knew about the glacier and the flora and fauna of the area. She is of Maori descent and had a delivery which included comments about her heritage. When we first got to the area, it was clouded over, so she took us through the rain forest first and then by the time we got to the glacier the clouds had lifted. We highly recommend this tour and Maya.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ngā mihi nui for taking the time to write about your experience and we are thrilled you enjoyed it! How lucky that you had Maya for your guide. She is wonderful! Safe travels wherever you go next. Noho ora mai. Ruby
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Matthew S
12 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
They did not tell me it was cancelled until I got there. I get weather happens but people should know ahead of time. If they had informed me before I literally got there I would have made other plans instead of wasting three days on standby. Best part is I am walking out a whole tour is getting ready to leave on their helicopter.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Sitmer Thank you for taking the time to make a review. The weather can be incredibly frustrating and can change at short notice hence why some trips are not cancelled in advance, we do our very best to get everyone that we can up on the glacier however sometimes this is just not possible due to changes in weather, safety is always our highest priority. We do hope you enjoy the rest of your travels and everything that Aotearoa has to offer. Nga mihi nui Janelle
Written 15 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rebecca
Adelaide, Australia1,767 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
It takes less than 30min to get up here and it’s through a bit of Forrest with views. Very crowded.

When you get to the top you’ll realize you’re just looking at a mountain with clouds, the glacier has receeded and probably only visible a small percentage of the time. We went in summer when it is supposedly most visible

We did take a helicopter to see it and that was amazing, so do that if able
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora , we are Franz Josef Glacier Guides and take guided tours onto Franz Josef Glacier, your reveiw appears to relate to a walking track up the Franz Josef valley. Nga mihi
Written 15 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lachlan M
Queenstown, New Zealand52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Solo
The biggest challenge for many experiences in New Zealand is the weather, especially so on the South Island’s west coast. This was the second attempt at the heli-hike after weather cancelled plans in October 2022. Safe to say this time, the weather held and the experience was phenomenal! Our guide was superb, health and safety is forefront and any medical conditions / injuries are thoroughly discussed before setting off. The heli ride was fun and the 2 hours spent on the ice was second to none - excellent from start to finish and so worth it!
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tena koe lachlantm, thank you for the taking the time to write a review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your experience with us. Enjoy the rest of your travels around Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui.
Written 2 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Curious14149166723
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
The staff, including the helicopter pilot, were incredibly good communicators, I give them an easy 5 out of 5. They got us to and fro the glacier safely despite me throwing a wrench into their carefully orchestrated helicopter loading process, I had to visit the toilet literally as you could hear the second chopper inbound. They waited for me and for that I am eternally thankful. Once on the glacier Amy showed her stuff, encouraging me every step of the way, my left knee in weak and I am claustrophobic I needed much encouragement. Amy reminded me of something Carl Sagan once said, when you are in love you want to tell the world, well Amy loves the FJ Glacier and now I can see why. Thanks Amy!
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ngā mihi nui for taking the time to write us a review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us on Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). Ka whakapau kaha matou i te mahi i roto i ā mātou kaupapa. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back again. Noho ora mai!
Written 28 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Liam
Queenstown, New Zealand1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jule was a legend! She made the experience top notch and was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. One of the best experiences you can do.
Written 17 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ngā mihi nui for taking the time to write us a review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us on Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). Ka whakapau kaha matou i te mahi i roto i ā mātou kaupapa. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back again. Noho ora mai!
Written 28 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER GUIDES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go