10 Things to do Adventurous in Franz Josef That You Shouldn't Miss

Glaciers are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are internationally-renowned glaciers that attract visitors from around the world every year. Fly up over the ice, and see pinnacles, crevasses, seracs, and the deep blue ice of glacier country. Walk-ins welcome.

Based in the township of Franz Josef, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Vantage Helicopters offer three amazing scenic flights that take you close to the awe-inspiring glaciers, evergreen rainforest and the magnificent mountains of the Southern Alps. View Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mt Tasman, depending on which scenic flight option you choose.

Glacier Helicopters offers a range of scenic helicopter flights from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Charter flights are available and can vary from 20 minutes to several hours duration. Flights depart from Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Our flights encompass the Mount Cook National Park, and both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Glacier landings are our specialty. Our helicopter flights allow people with limited time to “get away from it all” and experience area of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

Our fixed wing scenic flights promise an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glaciers and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park. Every seat a window seat – get the big picture! Experience breathtaking alpine scenery on an exciting scenic glacier flight with Air Safaris from their base at Franz Josef in Westland National Park on the West Coast - a must-do South Island tourist attraction.

New Zealand's Highest Tandem Skydive - 19,000ft. Be surrounded by Aoraki/ Mount Cook & Tasman, Franz & Fox Glaciers, Rainforest & Ocean for your Skydive. Our Friendly team and epic surroundings provide simply the best skydiving experience available in New Zealand! Choose From: 9000ft, 20+ seconds freefall, 13,000ft - 50+ seconds free-fall 16,500ft - 65+ seconds free-fall 19,000ft - 80+ seconds free-fall All of these options include a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier and a 6-8 minute parachute ride. We use the world's most advanced and most comfortable parachute systems.Our aircraft is maintained and operated to the highest standard in the industry. Photo & DVD options available.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus & Poppy started the company in January 2014 and are both experienced pilots themselves. We offer both scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers in the Southern Alps with snow landings and private charters. We have a small fleet of fantastic helicopters including AS350B2 Squirrels & a MD520N. All aircraft are maintained to high standards. We use modern technology including equipping all our aircraft with V2Track systems that use satellite tracking so ground staff are in contact with pilots at all times. Our team of highly skilled pilots have extensive experience flying in the unique mountain environment we operate in and we have been awarded the Qualmark Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award. Our company and pilots all have outstanding safety records and we are certified under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so you know you'll be in good hands flying with us!

Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.

We offer an action-packed 'all-weather' activity, shooting undercover in a building designed especially for our environment and your fun and safe shooting experience. We provide all equipment and transport to and from the range. Real guns, real ammunition with tuition provided for beginners and a challenge for experienced shooters. Covered shoes must be worn for this activity.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.