Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat
State Highway 6, Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef, 7952, New Zealand
80%
of people enjoy staying here
38 Opinions
- Excellent
- 17
- Very Good
- 9
- Average
- 5
- Poor
- 3
- Terrible
- 4
More about Franz Josef Glacier
Photos
Peters Pool
Perfectly still
View from our motel
Picture of the retreating glacier
Travel Tips for Franz Josef Glacier
Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices
by imstress
www.scenic-flights.co.nz
Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices has been operating since early 1980s. It is an experienced helicopter flight-seeing company providing visitors with a diverse range of South Island scenic helicopter flights and private charters in some of most spectacular alpine and coastal regions of New Zealand.
Boasting an impressive fleet of modern turbine helicopters and with flight offices located in Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Tekapo and Kaikoura, they specialise in year round snow landings, flight-seeing within National Parks and aerial whale watching.
It’s the only helicopter company licensed to land at all designated landing sites within the Westland National Park. It also provides a selection of highly popular Franz Josef & Fox Glacier scenic flights which includes a snow landing on a glacier all year round.
Complimentary pick ups from the town to the helicopter taking off site.
Pls refer to the website for more information or refer to their brochuers which I have scanned.
Glacier Walkers Essential
by wkcsmt
A day pack is useful. You can fill it with a drink bottle and some snacks if you want, especially when it's a long trip. 3-4 layers of warm upper body clothing, sunglasses and sun protection. For colder months, bring warm hat & gloves.
Avoid JEANS...they are not recommended on wet days as they become very cold and uncomfortable to wear!! Bring your camera & lots of film or a digital camera & memory sticks.
Blue Glacier Ice
by imstress
There are more than 380 glaciers in the Southern Alps of the South Island. The largest is the Tasman Glacier (29 kms) long.
About 30 metres of snow to fall on the neve of the glacier every year and thus forming the blue glacier ice.
It was amazing to see the blue and greyish snow from the helicopter.
Snow that is compacted on the neve forms blue glacier ice that is funnelled down the valleys of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
A scenic flight!
by Mez77
A scenic flight is a great way to view the glaciers. Choose from fixed wing and helicopter flights, some with a snow landing on the glacier.
I prefered to actually get onto the Glacier but if you are unsure about the hike, then a flight may be a good alternative.
GIGANTIC ICEBERG
by I-Believe-I-Can-Fly
I never imagined the term 'glacier' could be that gigantic. For a city girl like myself which exercise means hailing taxi on the street, I really had lack of confidence... so the best way was joining the less confident group....
Hotel Helper
Franz Josef Glacier
Questions and Answers
Q: Franz Josef - full day or half day tour? "I would like an honest opinion from someone who have been to the FJ glacier with the FJ Guides. I am definitely going to FJ in..."
A: "we did this a few years ago when our children were small
it was a longish walk to the foot of the glacier over quite a rough path - it must have taken half an..."
Read 8 Replies »
Latest Franz Josef Glacier hotel reviews
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
- 101 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012
- Glenfern Villas Franz Josef
- 186 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 24, 2012
- Glacier Cottages
- 13 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 24, 2012
- 58 On Cron Motel
- 114 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 15, 2012
- Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier
- 80 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2012
- Westwood Lodge- A Select Hotel
- 69 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 24, 2012
- Alpine Glacier Motel Lodge
- 160 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2012
- Glacier Gateway Motor Lodge
- 42 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2012
- Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- 76 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 1, 2012
- Punga Grove Motel & Suites
- 86 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2012
- Franz Josef Glacier YHA
- 62 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 6, 2012
- Terrace Motel
- 28 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 6, 2012
- Glow Worm Cottages
- 41 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 3, 2012
- Franz Alpine Retreat
- 32 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 24, 2012
Sign in with Facebook