Half Day Guided Walking Tours in Glacier Country

HALF DAY WALKING TOURS

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FRANZ JOSEF NATURE TOUR

Experience the enchanting West Coast temperate rainforest and views of Franz Josef Glacier.

Our expert, knowledgeable guides lead you through the mesmerizing Franz Josef Glacier Valley alongside the mighty Waiau river - a personalised experience that's stunning in blue skies and magical under misty rain—like stepping into Narnia or Middle-earth!

DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: Up to 3 hours
DISTANCE: 1.7-3.7km
GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO: 1:10

FOX GLACIER NATURE TOUR

Enjoy a gentle, gradual climb up the Fox Glacier valley. Includes a shuttle to the trailhead from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier township. Traverse a beautiful trail through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Breathtaking views of huge rata and rimu trees, vibrant moss, upper Fox Glacier, the Fox Neve and Mt Tasman—one of New Zealand's highest peaks. Discover fascinating geology and glaciation, thermology (including a geothermal spring where you can dip your hand), flora and fauna, history and local stories from our knowledgeable guides.

DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 6.4km
GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO: 1:10

LAKE MATHESON NATURE TOUR

Nestled in an ancient forest, Lake Matheson and its enchanting beauty is renowned for its stunning mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. This walk gently meanders and undulates around the lake on a well-formed track, crossing picturesque bridges and boardwalks over a kaleidoscope of natural mountain streams. Learn about the lake's history, the unique conditions that create its spectacular mirror reflections and more from your knowledgeable guide. For the best chance to witness the lake's iconic mirror-like reflections, join us in the early evening.

DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 4.4km
GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO: 1:10

ŌKĀRITO NATURE TOUR

Discover the coastal village of Ōkārito on our premier bird-watching tour. This diverse environment features New Zealand's largest natural wetland and hosts 76 bird species, including the white heron (Kotuku), ruru (owl) and kea. Enjoy stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and Franz Josef Glacier. Experience the lush rainforest, estuary, sea cliffs and beaches. Learn about Ōkārito's rich history and unique wildlife, including long-tailed bats and Hector's dolphins. Visit the Ōkārito Native Plant Nursery and plant a native tree. This tour reveals one of New Zealand's hidden gems.

DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 4.2km
GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO: 1:10

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT OUR HALF-DAY TOURS

Rustbell

Thanks to Cliff for a great tour of Okarito and a very enjoyable walk to the trig station. Seeing dolphins and stunning views at the top! Awesome! - Okarito Nature Tour

Elisa

It was wonderful, we both had such a fantastic walk.If we had time, we would book you again for tomorrow at Fox Glacier - Franz Josef Nature Tour

Hugabe

Cliff was a very informative and personable guide who has an affinity to the region & a love of nature. We learnt so much about glacier formation, flora & fauna and the zero invasive predators initiative. Making our way across glacial fed streams was an exhilarating highlight.- Franz Josef Nature Tour