Franz Josef Glacier Deep Dive
Franz Josef — Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere — is one of only a handful of mid-latitude glaciers in the world that descend into temperate rainforest. Just a few hours' drive from Greymouth, it sits on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, fed by enormous winter snowfalls from the Tasman Sea.
Geography
Franz Josef is about 12 km long and drops from around 2 700 m to its current snout at about 300 m. The descent is unusually steep — half its length is below 1 000 m — which historically allowed it to push down into rainforest. Today the lower tongue has thinned and retreated sharply.
Recent behaviour
Franz Josef advanced in the late 1980s and 1990s — bucking the global trend — but has retreated sharply since 2008, losing over a kilometre of length. Rockfall risk in the proglacial valley closed the walk-up trail to the front in 2012; only heli-hike access reaches the surface.
How to visit
- Heli-hikes. Franz Josef Glacier Guides operates standard three-hour tours that include a 5-7 minute helicopter flight to a flat upper section, two hours of crampon walking, then return flight.
- Helicopter scenic flights. Multiple operators offer flight-only options for those who prefer not to walk.
- Valley viewing trail. Walks to the lower valley viewpoint (closed at the toe). No close approach possible.
- Hot Pools. Glacier Hot Pools in the township are a thematic add-on.
When to go
Year-round operation, weather permitting. Spring (October-November) and autumn (March-April) often have the best stable weather. Summer (December-February) has the most flying time but the heaviest crowds.
Safety
The valley below the glacier has the highest rockfall hazard rating in New Zealand. The DOC closure of the walk-in is permanent. Don't try to approach by foot, even from sections that look open.
Explore on the map
Franz Josef, Fox, the Whataroa and the neighbouring Westland Tai Poutini National Park ice bodies are on the interactive map. Plan the West Coast loop from Greymouth to Haast.