Here in Glacier Country, Winter is a special time for us. It’s quieter, but by no means less beautiful. In fact, the weather is more stable for longer periods of time; there are often no clouds hanging around the mountains; resulting in clear, blue skies and perfect photo-capturing mountain views. Below are some of our favourite activities we can recommend for this time of year.

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre and see the new season’s Kiwi chicks with the VIP Backstage Tour, as well as in natural bush walk through

Enjoy our Fox Glacier with Fox Glacier Bike Rental & bike our Te Weheka walkway/cycleway, which follows the Glacier Valley through rainforest to the Glacier carpark.

Helihike on NZ’s largest Glacier with Fox Glacier Guiding

Horse trekking with South Westland Horse Treks, Franz Josef

Go out on your own or with an experienced guide on this lagoon in Okarito with Okarito Nature Tours. Encounter White Herons (Kotuku) as well as many other birds.

Walk around the iconic Lake Matheson and take mountain mirror reflection photos, listen to the birds & finish with a coffee at Matheson Cafe

Go adventuring through rainforest and creeks with Across Country Quad Bikes, Franz Josef

Glacier Country Lake Tours offers a relaxing alternative on Lake Mapourika, with their fully covered boat the Hanna-K. They also offer fishing tours.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides offer a range of guided tours on Franz Josef Glacier

Jump out of a plane with Skydive Fox