HALF DAY WALKING TOURS
FRANZ JOSEF NATURE TOUR
Explore the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest as you discover the Franz Josef Glacier valley- one of the lowest-lying and most unusual glaciers in the world. This tour is beautiful in blue skies or magical misty rain - you will feel like you are in Narnia or Lord of the Rings! At your own pace, wander past gorgeous glacial rivers, and streams and through beautiful podocarp forests; discover hidden natural treasures such as wild mushrooms and dozens of species of orchids. Relish the sound of the native bird songs and waterfalls; spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the towering snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea. This eco-tour is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great family-friendly experience.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3 hours
DISTANCE: 1.7-3.7km
$90.00 per adult
$45.00 per child (4-15 years)
Children under 3yrs are free
Minimum numbers apply
FOX GLACIER NATURE TOUR
We will drive you to the Fox Glacier (30 mins from Franz Josef, 5 mins from Fox Glacier township). This beautiful trail runs through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with focal points of huge rata, rimu trees and moss and views of upper Fox Glacier, the Fox neve and Mt Tasman – one of New Zealand's highest peaks. Receive information on glaciation, thermology (including a geothermal spring to dip your hand in), geology, flora and fauna, history of the area and local stories.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 6.4km
$95.00 per adult
$45.00 per child (4-15 years)
Children under 3yrs are free
Minimum numbers apply
Please note this tour does not get close to or view the terminal face of the glacier due to safety reasons.
LAKE MATHESON NATURE
TOUR
Lake Matheson is nestled in an ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. This Great Short Walk gently meanders and undulates around the lake on a well-formed track crossing gorgeous bridges and boardwalks over a kaleidoscope of natural mountain streams, suitable for all ages and abilities. Learn all about the history here, the special ingredients that cultivate spectacular mirror reflections and so much more with your knowledgeable guide. For the best chance of mirror-like reflections, this tour should be taken in the early evening. For a shorter early morning bird chorus tour, please see our Early Bird Tour.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 4.4km
$95.00 per adult
$45.00 per child (4-15 years)
Children under 3yrs are free
Minimum numbers apply
EARLY BIRD TOUR
This eco-tour is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great family-friendly experience. We will drive you to the Fox Glacier (30 mins from Franz Josef, 5 mins from Fox Glacier township). This beautiful trail runs through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with focal points of huge rata, rimu trees and moss and views of upper Fox Glacier, the Fox neve and Mt Tasman – one of New Zealand's highest peaks. Receive information on glaciation, thermology (including a geothermal spring to dip your hand in), geology, flora and fauna, history of the area and local stories.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 2 hours
DISTANCE: 1-3km
$90.00 per adult
$45.00 per child (4-15 years)
Children under 3yrs are free
Minimum numbers apply
Tour location will depend where you are staying ie Franz Josef = Franz Josef valley, Fox Glacier = Lake Matheson, Okarito = Okarito.
Please note this tour does not get close to or view the terminal face of the glacier due to safety reasons.
OKARITO NATURE TOUR
Ōkārito is a small coastal village bounded by the ocean, estuary, sea cliffs, lush forest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps around a 20-minute drive from the heart of Franz Josef Glacier and shows testament to the environmental and natural diversity that exists in South Westland. This is our best bird-watching tour. This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities and is your opportunity to explore Ōkārito and gain fascinating knowledge about its history, not only in gold mining and early settlement but also in the lay of the land. There are various walks in this area that offer views of New Zealand's tallest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman as well as Franz Josef Glacier on a clear day, the most mystical and breathtaking rainforest you will ever lay eyes on and 76 species of birds, lagoon and wetlands, beach and amazing sunsets; this is one of New Zealand's hidden gems. Ōkārito lagoon is New Zealand's largest natural wetland and is famous for the white heron – Kotuku, which is their feeding ground. This area is also home to ruru (owl), royal spoonbills, banded dotterels, long-tailed bats, kea, bar-tailed godwits, Ōkārito forest gecko, little blue penguins, fur seals, hectors dolphins and the occasional southern right whale while migrating! Along the journey, we will stop in at the Ōkārito Community Native Plant Nursery and teach you how to plant a native tree in our Okarito Restoration area!
You can also opt for the Full Day Ōkārito Penguin Tour.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 4.2km
$99.00 per adult
$45.00 per child (4-15 years)
Children under 3yrs are free
Minimum numbers apply
TOUR INCLUSIONS
All of our tours include:
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FREE hot drinks (tea/coffee/hot chocolate) and biscuits.
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Raincoats, over-trousers and large quality umbrellas to keep you dry if it rains
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Walking poles and sunscreen
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Knowledgeable and experienced New Zealand, local guide
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FREE use of Macpac baby carrier for under 3 years.
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Tramping boots are available upon request.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR TOURS DO NOT CLIMB ON THE GLACIER.
IF BOOKING ON THE SAME DAY PLEASE CALL US.
PRIVATE TOURS
Private tours are available upon request, please enquire.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All of our tours offer a 12 hr cancellation and full refund policy. All tours depart from our Franz Josef Glacier office unless otherwise organised. If you require transport please contact Glacier Country Shuttles & Charters Franz Josef. Please note that tour departure times may vary depending on the time of year and daylight savings, call us to confirm. Your tour departure time will be confirmed at the time of booking.
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