Things to do
Landscapes and Nature
The untamed natural landscape is at the heart of every activity in Glacier Country. With New Zealand’s highest mountains on one side and the wild ocean on the other and spectacular glaciers, mirror lakes, rivers and lush fields in between – Glacier Country is a nature lovers’ dream.
Create an unforgettable experience by exploring the natural beauty of the environment on your own or join one of many guided outdoor activities.
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.
Petr Hlavacek Gallery is a purpose built destination gallery on a 5.5 acre property. It is nestled in a secluded setting at mountain foothills, outside of the small village of Whataroa, on the West Coast of the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
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.
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.
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.
Kayak, Cruise or Fish on Lake Mapourika - or enjoy a thrilling off road quad bike adventure!
Okarito Kayaks is a small family owned kayak business offering freedom rental and guided kayaking trips on the Okarito Lagoon.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a New Zealand-owned and operated family business based in Franz Josef Glacier. We offer small-group, guided nature walks tailored for all ages and abilities across Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and Okarito. Our tours provide an immersive experience into the region's rich natural landscapes, diverse birdlife and storied history.
Experience the adventure of riding through rain forest tracks, river and grassland areas complete with a glacial backdrop.
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.
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.
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.
Skydive Franz is one of only nine skydiving companies to make the Red Bull list of the Most Insane Places to Skydive in the World, stating that 'if you're going to skydive you might as well have a jaw dropping view in the background'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier valley and mountains on this short, easy walk to a small kettle lake – it’s a great option with children.
Things to do
Landscapes and Nature
