Rug Up! This world famous natural phenomenon is a 12-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of the South Island.
Together with the Fox Glacier 20 kilometres to the south, this incredible glacier descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. Accessible by an 8-hour hike or quick 6 minute helicopter flight, the natural spectacle is the perfect adventure accompaniment to South Island travel for those who love to get out and see raw nature at it's finest.
However, this does goes without saying, a helicopter landing on a glacier may not be for the faint heartened. Whilst this truly exhilarating and exciting activity can be booked with varying decrees of extremity, the sheer size and scale can be enough for some to get your heart racing.
Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest moving commercially guided glacier in the world. As a result, its features are constantly changing and no two trips are ever quite the same. You might find yourself sliding through narrow crevasses, navigating between staggering ice towers, squeezing through ice caves or if you are lucky, all three!
Below we reveal some of the best boutique accommodations in Franz Joseph that you can call 'Home Base' whilst exploring this incredible natural spectacle.
Located in the town of Franz Josef, the luxurious eco-designed Te Waonui Forest Retreat provides outstanding experience that is close to nature but far from ordinary. Offering an exclusive luxury hotel experience on New Zealand’s beautiful West Coast.
This is a 5-star retreat designed to offer an unparalleled example of sustainable accommodation. The four wings of the building join together to enclose an area of native rainforest that was carefully preserved during construction, and is so dense that guests can’t seethe opposite wing, ensuring a sense of privacy.
Relax in the comfort of a Deluxe King room immersed in the view from your private balcony of the rainforest. Cuddle-up in a Super King bed with luxury bedding and ensuite bathroom. The ensuite bathroom comes with a heated floor, mirror de-mister, bathrobes, hairdryer and luxury toiletries.
Hotel guests may dine at The Canopy restaurant, be it a warm sunny day looking out at the beauty of the West Coast rainforest or a cold evening by the warm fire. Enjoy a dining experience to remember with a carefully curated menu offering the finest local cuisine whilst you dine amongst the treetops.
Offering luxury accommodation option near the Franz Josef Glacier the Franz Joseph Oasis Hotel provides 20 superbly-appointed suites just a few minutes north of the Village.
Stay in the Premium King Suite a spacious suite featuring a fire place, a spa bath, luxurious bed linen and a large flat-screen TV.
The ensuite bathroom offers heated towel rails, a hairdryer and free guest toiletries.
The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef welcomes you to this enticing and dramatic region.
This hotel offers everything you need to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort.
With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace. Amaia Luxury Spa is conveniently close by so you can enjoy time out rejuvenating after a day taking in the many walking tracks and outdoor pursuits. Only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier where you can go on a hiking trek of the glacier after a short and exhilarating helicopter trip.
Experience a bird's eye view of New Zealand's stunning Southern Alps with a thrilling 40-minute helicopter tour that culminates in a snow landing on the Franz Josef Glacier.
From the moment you take off, your professional pilot will narrate the journey, pointing out the breathtaking alpine landscapes and snow-capped mountaintops that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Gliding over the Murchison Glacier valley, you'll marvel at the majesty of the Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier before descending toward the Tasman Sea, where lush rainforests line the shore.
This aerial tour is a must-do for anyone looking to take the less physical route but still soak in some seriously adventurous atmosphere.
What's Included:
Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes)
Live commentary on board
Pilot guide
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with a helicopter tour and guided hike.
Gaze upon the stunning glacial terrain from above as you soar between two icefalls in a chopper.
Once on the ground, gear up with provided glacier boots and ice crampons for a two-hour hike with a professional guide. Traverse deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles to reach ice caves and other glacial features. This unforgettable adventure offers seasonal departure times to accommodate your schedule.
Wrap up your experience with a chopper ride back down from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
What's Included:
Helicopter ride
Professional guide
2-hour hike on the glacier
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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