Franz Josef Glacier

PRICED FROM $1,345 | DURATION: 3 days & 2 nights

Discover one of New Zealand's best keep secrets — Franz Josef Glacier on the Wonderful West Coast of the South Island.

Regional Highlights

Located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, Franz Josef Glacier is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features.

Franz Josef Glacier: The centrepiece of the region, this glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Visitors can take guided hikes, helicopter tours, or even ice climbing expeditions to explore its icy expanse.
Fox Glacier: Just a short drive south of Franz Josef, Fox Glacier is another impressive glacier worth exploring. Like Franz Josef, it offers opportunities for guided hikes, helicopter tours, and other glacier experiences.
Hiking Trails: The region is a paradise for hikers, with a variety of trails catering to different skill levels. From short walks to multi-day treks, there's something for everyone, including the popular Roberts Point Track and Sentinel Rock Walk.
Helicopter Tours: A helicopter tour offers a breathtaking perspective of the glaciers and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can soar above the icy peaks, deep valleys, and rugged coastline for unforgettable views.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as kea (alpine parrots), tui, and fantails while exploring the region. Additionally, boat tours offer opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and even whales along the coast.
Franz Josef Village: The quaint village of Franz Josef serves as a convenient base for exploring the region. It offers a range of accommodations, dining options, and visitor services to cater to travellers' needs.
Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area: The Franz Josef Glacier region is part of the Te Wahipounamu (South West New Zealand) World Heritage Area, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and geological significance. This designation highlights the region's importance on a global scale.

From the highest mountains, largest glaciers, rainforests dramatic beaches and everything in between – Glacier Country ticks all the boxes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Includes

Guided tour of Hokitika
2 nights accommodation at the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Full-cooked breakfast daily
Five-course Degustation Meal at Canopy Restaurant
VIP Backstage Pass, West Coast Wildlife Centre
Westland Wonderland HELIMAX movie, Franz Josef Cinema
Guided transfers on the West Coast to and from Te Waonui Forest Retreat
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Dining Experience Greymouth to Christchurch

Price per person - share twin

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1. CHRISTCHURCH / HOKITIKA/FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Board a morning flight to Hokitika where your driver meets you for the relaxed drive south to Franz Josef.
Among the most accessible glaciers in the world, the West Coast's glaciers - Franz Josef and Fox - emerge from valleys that begin high in the Southern Alps and descend into rainforest.
Surrounded by native West Coast rainforest and designed with utmost care of its precious environment, your accommodation, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is encircled by rainforest and accommodated in natural and sustainable luxury. The ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness.
**Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat**

DAY 2. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Visit the largest kiwi captive rearing facility in the South Island to meet New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Your VIP Backstage Pass allows exclusive access through the incubation and rearing facility to learn about the history and successes of Operation Nest Egg.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Choose to see both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from the air by helicopter, landing on the snow plains of a glacier to jump out and take it all in. Or explore beyond the glaciers: join a mirror-lake kayak tour, scenic boat tour or fishing trip on Lake Mapourika, a scenic gem on the West Coast. Or join a thrilling off-road quad bike and buggy tour adventure, riding through glacier riverbeds and splashing through puddles on Jurassic rainforest trails.
For those looking for a more tranquil experience, soak in some hot tubs or let the dedicated team at Amaia Luxury Spa at Te Waonui Forest Retreat take you through a journey of ultimate relaxation. A relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or an indulgent manicure and pedicure treatment will leave you feeling like a new you.
**Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat**

DAY 3. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/ TRANZALPINE / CHRISTCHURCH

Your driver collects you this morning for the leisurely scenic drive north to Greymouth. This afternoon board the iconic TranzAlpine train for your all-inclusive Scenic Plus dining experience.
Travelling from coast to coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. Ease back and enjoy the views through oversized panoramic windows in the spacious cabin, while you are served a seasonal menu inspired by the mountains and rivers of the world-famous TranzAlpine train journey.
**Arrive into Christchurch in the early evening and transfer to the airport for return flights home.**

Your Accommodation

Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Luxury accommodation in Franz Josef

Located in Franz Josef, the luxurious eco-designed Te Waonui Forest Retreat provides an outstanding experience that is close to nature but far from ordinary. Offering guests the ultimate combination of a luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional retreat steps lightly upon the earth, and discerning travellers will appreciate the attentive personal service throughout their stay.

This 5-star retreat was designed to offer an unparalleled example of sustainable accommodation. The four wings join together to enclose an area of native rainforest that was carefully preserved during construction and is so dense that guests can’t see the opposite wing, ensuring a sense of privacy.

The Canopy Restaurant & Bar offers casual meals or fine dining in the rainforest in the acclaimed restaurant and bar. Relax and unwind in the hotel’s lounge bar for relaxed dining, be it a warm sunny day looking out at the beauty of the West Coast rainforest or a cold evening by the warm fire. The Canopy Restaurant offers a dining experience to remember with a carefully curated menu offering the finest local cuisine whilst you dine amongst the treetops.