Visited in May 2023 We booked a heli-hike tour for the Franz Josef glacier and drove from Queenstown (approx. 4.5hr) and arrived an hour before our tour start time for check-in. Our tour helicopter landed on the glacier and we hiked up/down and through crevices of the glacier for over a couple of hours. Beautiful glacier and it's a definite must-do considering the glacier will no longer be around in 10 or so years as the production of glaciers have slowed dramatically recently. During our time on the glacier, we could hear the glacier occasionally breaking along the moraines. There was one other tour on the glacier and they were hiking however they were nowhere near us. Visiting via helicopter meant that the tour duration can change due to weather changes t prevent being stranded so we were fortunate enough that we were able to see a lot of the features including drinking from the glacier before the clouds rolled in and we had to leave. All hiking gear (hiking poles, crampons, ice picks) were all provided by the tour including shoes and jackets. Some level of fitness is required for traversing the glacier.

The glacier has receded, and the access track washed away. There is a short and well maintained walk from a large car park to a view of the glacier. It's been well designed to get as many people through in a day as possible. If you've allowed all day and got a nice day, you may be left wondering what next? Take some of the other excellent walks, especially lake wombat.

There are 2 quick hikes to see the glacier and luckily we were able to do so before all the clouds came in to town. Then it rained all day. We went to the wood fired baths which was nice but the town is run down and there are tons of tourbuses. Most people go on helicopter rides but it was too expensive for us.

Go early in the morning- like us - as the low cloud comes in very quickly. The track to both observation spots is well maintained. The main track is easy the one to the left is steep and a bit exhausting but worth it.

Nice easy 20 min walk to the lookout. Breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and the glacier. Make sure to go early before the tour buses arrive or the photo ops are limited.

The Franz Josef glacier has receded a lot since I last saw it 27 years ago (!) but it is still worth parking in the large car park and taking the standard walk as far as you can. Would also recommend the view of Fox Glacier ( and the mountains) from the Peak Viewpoint on Gillespies Beach Road near Lake Mathieson if the weather is clear.

Our family of four recently embarked on a journey to the town of Franz Josef, and it was magical. Nestled amidst the majestic Southern Alps, this quaint town offered us a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The highlight of was undoubtedly the walk to the viewing area of the Franz Josef Glacier. The trail was suitable for all ages, making it an enjoyable short trek for both our kids and us.

Rainy cold day but we decided to make the best of it. Drove to the base and walked one of the trails to the lookout. Well maintained path with beautiful foliage on either side. With the rain we witnessed numerous waterfalls.