Kids' Zone at Franz Josef
Glacier Country is a great place for a family holiday. Here we've provided a variety of suggestions for fun activities to entertain the kids and immerse them in all that Glacier Country has to offer.
| Go Soaring over Glacier Country A scenic flight is a childhood dream come true. Our aeroplane and helicopter pilots love seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they witness the enormity of the mountains and glaciers from the air. Toddlers and infants accompanied by adults can fly for free and Glacier Country flight seeing operators offer discounted prices for children. |
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Glacier Walking
Experience the incredible Franz Josef Glacier. Children aged eight and older can go on a glacier walk with the Franz Josef Glacier Guides hike. There are rates available for children. Either a half-day hike, or a heli-hike is recommended for little legs.
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Paddling Adventures
Glacier CountryTours & Kayaks and Okarito Nature Tours have child-sized equipment available, and double kayaks so children can paddle with their parents. Get off the beaten track and experience those magical areas of Glacier Country that can only be accessed by boat. From open water panoramic views to navigating through rainforest clad streams in a kiwi sanctuary, this free ranging tour is a unique Glacier Country experience.
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Go Cruising
Okarito Boat Tours also offers a fantastic cruise around the Okarito Lagoon. This is an excellent family outing. Children under 6 cruise for free. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and learn about the area. Paula and Swade have some intriguing stories, which will enthrall the young and the young at heart. |
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Children age 8+ are welcome as passengers on this outstanding cross-country adventure. The only requirements are to be able to fit a safety helmet and hold on tight! Across Country Quad bikes offer family fun in all weather. They are especially fun in the rain, as this allows you to truly enjoy the glorious mud! All gear provided.
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Glacier Hot Pools
The perfect relaxing family experience .The whole family can immerse themselves in nature. Children are welcome at the Glacier Hot Pools, there are family changing rooms, and under fives swim for free. The pools are surrounded by rainforest. |
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Horse Riding
South Westland Horse Treks can take children seven years and over horse riding in paradise. Go on a one, or two hour trek, and make sure you check out the rest of the animals on the farm before you go. |
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Get lost in the educational displays on the glaciers, geology, local tracks and walks, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area and our local history. Look carefully at the Rowi Okarito Brown kiwi displays to learn about the rarest kiwi in the world.
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Fishy Tales at Okarito
Buy a 400g bag of Talley’s squid bait from Glacier Motors, then drive out to the Okarito Wharf to feed the fish. Read the stories of Okarito on the Visitor Information Boards inside the boat shed, and see how many birds you can identify from the wharf. Take a wander along the beach or for stronger small legs head up the Okarito Trig Track. Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate for the kids, and outstanding coffees for the grown-ups at Okarito Nature Tours. |
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Tatare Peaks Animal Farm
Stop by and say “Hello” to Mustang, Batman and Rocket the alpacas, Cheeky and Latte the goats, and the rest of the menagerie at the Tatare Peaks Animal Farm. Look for the wooden rail fence located in the grounds of Glenfern Villas three minutes drive north of the Franz Josef Glacier village. |
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Short Walks around Franz Josef, Okarito and Whataroa
The Franz Josef Glacier Walk to the Forest Lookout, Sentinel Rock, the Terrace Walk, and the Pakahi Walk are all Department of Conservation short walks. They take less than half an hour return, and are all wide well graded tracks. The Waitangitaona Wetland Walk, and the Douglas Walk to Pete’s Pool are easy access walks, both wheelchair and pushchair friendly. |
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Souvenir Hunt
Go hunting in Fern Grove Souvenirs, The Glacier Shop, Fern Grove Four Square, and the Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre.
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Children’s Adventure Playground There is an adventure playground next to the Franz Josef Community Centre at the Southern end of town. There are also playgrounds for guests who stay at the Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park or the Rainforest Retreat. |
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| Glow Worm Hunt
Take a flashlight and wander the Terrace Walk after dark, or go and explore the 500 metre tunnel on the Tartare Tunnel Walk. Glow worms create their own galaxies hidden in rocky crevices and ancient tree stumps. Even the young at heart will stare in awe at the sight of this fairyland spectacle.
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Swim at Otto’s Corner
In summer take the turn-off just north of Lake Mapourika. Use the car park at Otto’s Corner campground and look for the landscaped steps at the lakeside end of the campground. Walk down to the secluded swimming spot with a pebbly beach. The rainforest provides shelter on a sunny day and there is a longdrop toilet in the campground.
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| Go Camping
Spend a night out in the open air and enjoy the MacDonld’s/ Otto’s Corner Department of Conservation campsite at Lake Mapourika (Adult $6/ night Child $1.50/night). Or the Okarito Camp Ground which is right on the beach in the heart of the Okarito Village ($10.00/night per adult / children free).
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Lunch in a Historic Mountain Hut
Take a packed lunch to the Defiance Hut behind the Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre. This historic hut was originally built at Cape Defiance above the Franz Josef Glacier. Inside you will find displays of historic skiing and climbing equipment, traditional mountain rations and a fascinating hut book.
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