Things to do
Family Friendly
Reconnect with nature by taking the kids exploring in the untamed, natural wilderness of Glacier Country. Whether it’s unstructured play in a glacier valley, rainforest or beach or part of an organised activity, there are plenty of family friendly experiences in Glacier Country. Some activities are age restricted, so double check with each individual operator below.
The Helicopter Line has been offering scenic helicopter flights from Fox Glacier village for over 30 years. Their spectacular flights allow people with limited time to ‘get away from it all’ and experience an area of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
The majestic Kōtuku or White Heron, has a small population of approximately 150-200. To see just one is a special sight but witnessing the beauty and interactions of the White Heron colony together at their ONLY New Zealand breeding ground within the enchanting Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - is a unique experience!
Hidden in one of the most beautiful locations in the world the Waiho Hot Tubs in Franz Josef Glacier is the perfect way to unwind. Enjoy the nature while indulging in your own private wood fired hot tub.
Experience the awe inspiring scenery of the West coast, an area of New Zealand's wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. The Helicopter Line offers both scenic flights and a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike.
Enjoy a breathtaking guided glacier walk onto the world famous Fox Glacier with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company. Fox Glacier Guiding offer walks and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels.
Glacier Helicopters West Coast, pioneered glacier and snow landings in New Zealand in 1970. Since then they have enabled thousands of visitors to interact and enjoy some of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world.
Te Koha is a family run workshop and gallery space where you can carve your own
special piece of Aotearoa (NZ).
Experience the adventure of riding through rain forest tracks, river and grassland areas complete with a glacial backdrop.
Air Safaris will take you on an unforgettable 50 minute (allow 1 hour) scenic flight tour of the awe inspiring Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland World Heritage Parks – over 200 kilometres of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine scenery.
Shop, cafe and salmon ponds, approximately 1 hour drive along State Highway 6 from either Fox Glacier or Haast.
Okarito Kayaks is a small family owned kayak business offering freedom rental and guided kayaking trips on the Okarito Lagoon.
The West Coast Wildlife Centre is centrally located in Franz Josef Glacier Village and is one of the most popular indoor attractions on the West Coast.
Mountain Helicopters is a small private company offering value based fares. They fly from both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier and their emphasis is on personal service catering to the needs of small groups, families and individuals.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours provide many informative guided nature tours in Glacier Country. Their tours are especially designed for clients who want to learn about the wonders of this incredible natural environment.
The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
Experience the true untouched beauty and awe inspiring scenery of New Zealand’s South Island with an exciting scenic helicopter flight and snow landing on the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
A short scenic drive* from Franz Josef, a tour of the Okarito lagoon and rainforest waterways transports visitors to a place untouched by the passage of time.
From the Glacier Country Scenic Flights base beside the Whataroa River guests will fly into this magical alpine environment, experiencing lush sub-tropical rainforest, amazing rivers of ice, alpine snowfields and a multitude of stunning peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountains, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Westland Wonderland 40 minute HELIMAX movie, Franz Josef Cinema
James Scott and Videographer Dean Trolle have combined to create the most amazing HELIMAX cinema experience of South Westland
Kayak, Cruise or Fish on Lake Mapourika - or enjoy a thrilling off road quad bike adventure!
Glacier Helicopters West Coast, pioneered glacier and snow landings in New Zealand in 1970. Since then they have enabled thousands of visitors to interact and enjoy some of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world.
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef offering scenic glacier flights and much more in our incredible backyard.
Experience the true untouched beauty and awe inspiring scenery of New Zealand’s South Island with an exciting scenic helicopter flight and snow landing on the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Mountain Helicopters is a small private company offering value based fares. They fly from both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier and their emphasis is on personal service catering to the needs of small groups, families and individuals.
Things to do
Family Friendly
