Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Options

Getting up close with glaciers, it’s almost like meeting ancient, icy giants, it’s an experience that really sticks with you, alright? Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in New Zealand, very they offer some seriously amazing sights, and there are a ton of tours that let you discover their icy goodness. Choosing just one, it could be a bit tricky, so that’s why I put together a rundown of the top 5 tours you should check out to make your adventure to the glaciers something special, alright? We are covering pretty much everything, such as pricing, what to expect, and handy tips to make the most of your time. Let’s find the perfect glacier experience!

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike: Touchdown on Ice

Now, if you like a good mix of air and ice time, the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike could be just what you’re after, so to speak, alright? You hop into a helicopter that whisks you away right up to the glacier. This gets you some unreal views right from the start and skips all the lower, rockier parts of the glacier too. A guide then leads you on a pretty cool hike where you actually get to go inside these cool ice caves, very see some super blue ice, and generally have yourself an unbelievable time. You’re going to need gear – sturdy boots, that type of thing – yet they are on offer, making the whole thing dead simple, so to speak. The trip length is usually like, round 3-4 hours, alright? The pricing sits somewhere between $400-$500 (NZD) per person. Ready for a Glacier adventure?

Think about getting your camera totally ready! You’ll get plenty of ‘wow’ moments both during the helicopter flight and as you tramp across the glacier, that is for certain. Do listen to your guides closely as they can keep you totally safe and fill you with some pretty neat details about the glacier and area generally, alright? It’s also a clever idea to bring along sunglasses, very as the glare from the ice could be powerful, and perhaps a backpack where you may carry things, very such as sunblock. That could save you getting toasted by the sun in places you rather wouldn’t, alright?

What Makes This Tour Unique?

Helicopter Ride: You get a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Ice Caves Exploration: You get to venture into natural ice formations.
Expert Guidance: very a team of pros to lead the way and keep things interesting.

Fox Glacier Valley Walk: A Gentle Introduction

Suppose you like keeping your feet pretty much on the ground but still want those knockout glacier views, very a walk through Fox Glacier Valley tends to be really nice and simple. It’s just a mostly flat trail winding by the Fox River and, it eventually opens up so you can peep at the glacier face without really needing to hike much, alright? The walk itself may be about 2-3 hours round trip. yet it’s great so people with all sorts of fitness levels, and you are going to pass some stuff too such as information panels which give you the rundown so the glacier’s story and the environment that surrounds you there. A free, self-guided walk gets you fairly up-close. Guided walks might run you anywhere near about $30-$60 (NZD) to get more deep details and insight. Learn about easy glacier walks.

Don’t miss your shades, even when it seems to be cloudy, seeing that light may still sneak through so get ya! Check out the forecast before heading off, alright? Conditions could switch fairly rapidly, and you’d be sensible to tote some extra layers just to play it really safe and comfortable, very alright?

What Makes This Tour Special?

Accessibility: Suits any and all fitness levels.
Affordable: Free is always very great if that’s your pricepoint. Guided options would not damage ya either.
Informative: Very good signage teaches you all about local ecology.

Glacier Kayak Tour: Paddle Through Icebergs

Alright, you want to be doing something fairly out-of-the-ordinary, a glacier kayak adventure might be completely awesome. A kayaking trip sets you among some floating icebergs on a calm glacial lake, alright? Tours happen to have guides and safety equipment – buoyancy aids etc. – so that you’re comfortable and safe while soaking up the views and maybe seeing some local wild birds. Depending exactly on the tour you get, the adventure is near enough two-to-three hours typically. expect pricing of at very least $150-$250 (NZD), depending exactly on gear and the size of the group, you know. Experience ice kayaking!

Get ya that sunscreen before getting going! Even though the water is very chilly and it is not very roasting outdoors. It’s not a bad thing wearing waterproof stuff or layers you don’t mind becoming soaked because chances are you are going to be slightly wet somehow. A dry bag’s rather helpful in this respect because it could save precious gear from being dunked. Sunglasses! And zip lock bags will assist you too!

Why Is It Unforgettable?

Unique Activity: It’s quite something paddling amongst icebergs
Great Photo Opportunities: Photographs you are gonna wanna show off.
Peaceful Experience: Being so quiet on this type of tour permits one to appreciate the quiet surroundings so, too!

Fox Glacier Helicopter Landing: The Quick Peek

Those needing all the sights though running quite short on time, that is the type of trip that works really great. Jump in a helicopter that would take you soaring above so lush forests right prior to going ahead with putting you squarely upon the glacier. Once upon the glacier you will get maybe 10-20 minutes just running round taking shots while inhaling absolutely stunning scenery. Trips such as these is a really super popular method of touching on that snow if hiking really ain’t on ya radar. In about 20 – 30 minutes, a great sightseeing experience to add to a very limited or tightly constrained timetable. Fees can vary fairly depending so distance yet normally are about, so $250-$350(NZD). Quick scenic landings info

Clothing is a serious detail! Throw so waterproof kit and several layers along with gloves to ensure comfort even in so snow-swept zones. Take good solid walking footwear since footing potentially might get super dicey according so circumstances plus, so the right foot-support is gonna always prove beneficial. And don’t disregard totally them sunnies since ice flare truly ain’t nobody’s friend!!

Precisely Why Pick this Option?

Short on Time: Wonderful particularly if on a schedule.
Scenic Highlights: Catch striking views right across Westland Tai Poutini.
Photographer’s dream: Take spectacular panoramic photographs quite instantly!

Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools & Walk Combo

Picture combining walking over absolutely stunning paths plus some tranquil unwinding – well, that package potentially may do simply that alright? Commence walking near Glacier before concluding so a plunge upon warm pool nearby. Paths would take someone past striking perspectives around environment – concluding with a reward, these tranquil waters following that excursion! Walks typically range upon half – 3 hrs – fees so that hot tubs would run anyone upon so $30-$85 (NZD). This genuinely becomes outstanding considering absolutely how awesome being is when soothing immediately following something strenuous!Walk then unwind now!

Pack suitable bathers alongside poolside things. Bring swimwear as well to maximize these warm pools and remember taking something comfy simply as towel/swim robe towards convenience when switching either way outside bathing and not wearing poolside garments yet. Test timetables around since that will let ensure anyone schedule right there according – mainly thinking whether taking guided walking alongside such schedules/events surrounding warm spring use that must remain completely matched throughout schedule! And bear water by yourself particularly near strolling excursions since hydrating definitely maintains everything running better especially when that air will dry ya faster in the glacier and you do not even comprehend there!

Reasons for Opting Right Here?

Chill after hiking! Reward tired muscle tissue via geothermal unwinding,
Perfect Balance! Blend outdoorsy with unwinding stuff well plus relaxing – great really right –
Something towards All! Well ideal towards walking plus unwinding, appealing round varied hobbies very actually,