Activities in Franz Josef

The weather can have a major influence on activities so the operators require no deposit. The weather is generally clearer early in the morning. Booking ahead is highly recommended to secure a place. We can book any of these activities for you at no extra cost and you pay the operator when you do the trip.
We are keen walkers and bird enthusiasts so can advise you on all our local walking tracks.
See this link for more information: Glaciers in New Zealand

Hiking in Franz Josef

Walks You can walk up to close to the glacier face in about an hour. There are guided interpretive walks also available - highly recommended. Walks to and on the glacier are guided by companies authorised by the Department of Conservation. Glacier walks range from half day introductory trips to full day trips. Self-guided walks range from a 20 minute stroll through pristine native forest to all-day hikes through unique altitudinal forest sequences to stunning viewpoints of the glaciers, mountains, and all the way to the Tasman Sea.
See this link: Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Flights and Heli Hikes

Scenic flights There are several helicopter companies and a couple of fixed wing scenic flight operators based in Franz Josef. The helicopters can land on the snow for fantastic photo opportunities. There is the "grand tour" that takes in both glaciers and Mt Cook, our highest mountain. There is also the option of a shorter flight to view Franz and Fox glaciers. There are fixed wing flights up the glacier and around Mt Cook. These flights also take in the lowland forest and coastline during the flight.
Helicopter heli hikes There is also the option of flying by helicopter to the upper glacier for a guided two hour walk, then flying back to Franz Josef.

White Heron Sanctuary Tours

White Heron SanctuaryTours You can view White Heron, Royal Spoonbill and other wildlife in their breeding area by taking a jet boat trip up the Waitangitoana River. Jo and I really enjoy this trip.
See this link White Heron Sanctuary Tours

Canoeing and Kayaking

The options are either a guided trip on Lake Mapourika, which is situated a couple of kilometres from Ribbonwood. Alternatively you can hire canoes for short or long term hire on the Okarito Lagoon, a world renown wetland and wildlife habitat.
See these links to find out more about Okarito
Glacier Country Tours & Kayaks
Okarito Nature Tours - Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon

South Westland Horse Treks, Franz Josef

Experience the beauty of New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier country on horseback. This is horse riding in paradise with a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges and rainforest. Soak up the magnificent views of the Southern Alps and the spectacular glacier, as you trek over lush farmland, glacial moraine and riverbed.
See this link for horse treks in Franz Josef area Horse trekking

Okarito Kiwi Tours

Okarito Kiwi Tours is an owner operated company. They aim to take limited numbers per night out into the National Park, deep into Kiwi habitat.
Approximately 300 Okarito Brown Kiwi (Rowi) exist in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
See this link for more information Okarito kiwi tours