Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers Regional Information

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are the two most high profile glaciers in New Zealand, unique because of their rapid rate of movement and their position at just 300 metres above sea level. Nowhere else at this latitude are glaciers so close to the sea in temperate environs. These remnants of ice ages gone are dramatic and beautiful, giving the visitor a real sense of the glacier as a river of ice cascading down the mountain valley. At present, the glaciers are advancing at a rate of one metre every day.

The Franz Josef Glacier was named by Julius von Haast in 1865, in honour of the Austrian emperor of the time. Located just five kilometres from the Franz Josef township, the glacier is easily accessible, with a magnificent snowcapped mountain backdrop visible on a clear day. Visitors are allowed to walk close to the glacier's terminal face, but those who wish to walk on the ice must take one of the guided walking tours or helicopter hiking tours on offer. There are also self-guided walks near the glacier, which offer good views of the glaciers from a higher vantage point.

The Fox Glacier was named in 1872, following a visit by New Zealand's prime minister, Sir William Fox. Fed by four glaciers, it falls from a height of 2,600 metres. Like its sister glacier, Franz Josef, the Fox Glacier is easily viewed and accessible by guided walks, which take hikers up to a higher point on the glacier where blue-ice caves and ice formations can be explored. Your guide will provide information on these geographical features, as well as the flora and fauna in the glacier region.

Also in the region, is the spectacular Lake Matheson. On a fine day, you can view the iconic panorama of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook and their amazingly clear mirrored images in the water.

Navigate with our great Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on West Coast weather.

For further information on the glacier region, visit the West Coast information site.