Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat, Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat
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Activities

As well as being a superb haven, Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat is the perfect base for exploring popular tourist attractions at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. The Glacier region of New Zealand's West Coast offers many activities and things to do. Whatever your interest, we can advise you on what are the best activities for you and we can make arrangements for all your needs.

Here are a few of our recommended suggestions - note prices and availability are subject to change. We are happy to assist with booking any of the following activities for you:

HELICOPTERS / SCENIC FLIGHTS
Helicopter Flights

With the helicopter flights there is a number of options as follows:
1.  20 minute flight over the Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing at the top of the glacier and there returning down the Franz Josef Glacier from$180 per person.
2.  30 minute flight up the Franz Josef Glacier, across to the top of the Fox glacier with a snow landing with views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, then flying down the Fox Glacier and across the rainforest back to the Franz Josef Glacier village from $240 per person.
3.  40 minute flight is the Grand Tour Flight up the Franz Josef Glacier, over the main divide to the Tasman Glacier, around Mt Cook across to the top of the Fox glacier with a snow landing, then flying down the Fox Glacier and across the rainforest back to the Franz Josef Glacier village from $340 per person.
Rates valid to 30.09.10



Heli Hikes
Helihike Highlights - 10 minute helicopter flight to the Franz Josef Glacier icefall, Glacier landing and pickup, 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations.  Professional and experienced guides.  All Equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, an ice axe, waterproof jacket). From $390 per person.
Rates valid to 30.09.10

Ski plane - Fixed Wings Scenic Flights
From 30 minutes of unique Ski plane glacier landing experience or over flight. All passages have a window seat. After the ski plane has landed on the snow, the engine is shut down allowing the passengers to experience the alpine solitude. Flights priced from $230 per adult.
Rates valid to 30.09.10

GLACIER GUIDED WALKS ON THE ICE
For those who would like to experience walking on ice and learning about the glacier, this is a must. You will be provided with socks, boots, crampons and a waterproof coat and will be given a briefing before setting off for the glacier with a guide. There are walks from 1-2 hours up to ½ day walks for everyone and full day options for the more intrepid. It must rank as one of the best value attractions in New Zealand.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Half Day Glacier Experience - $105 per person - Duration up to 4.5 hours (Ice time - up to 1.5-2 hours), traverse spectacular tracks of moderate difficulty and give you the opportunity of enjoying the impressive terrain on the lower reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Full Day Glacier Adventure - $160 per person  - Duration up to 8 hours  (Ice time - up to 6 hours),all day option takes you deep in the heart of the glacier.  Travel through the most spectacular and challenging glacier terrain, satisfying even the most ardent of adventurers.
Ice Climbing - $250 per person - Duration up to 7-8 hours (Ice time - up to 5-6 hours), A day packed with adventure and adrenalin highs.  Provided with tuition and all technical equipment.
Rates valid to 30.09.10



Fox Glacier Guiding
Terminal Face Walk - $49 per person - Duration 2 hours.  This is an informative and leisurely trip to the dynamic face of the glacier.
Half-Day Glacier Walk - $95 per person - Duration 4 hours.  Our friendly guides will lead you onto the ice via a 'secret' track through bush regenerating from previous glacial advances.  Your guide will share their enthusiasm and knowledge of the geology of the area, whilst you walk on the glacier viewing its stunning ice features.
All-Day Glacier Walk - $145 per person - Duration 6-7 hours. Spend a day exploring the fascinating ice features and majestic pinnacles of the longest West Coast Glacier.
Ice Climbing Adventure - $235 per person - Duration 8-9 hours. A full day experience introducing the exhilarating sport of ice climbing on the spectacular ice walls of the glacier.  Your professional guide will tailor you day to challenge novices and experts alike using the best technical gear available.
Rates valid to 30.09.10


GLACIER VALLEY ECO TOURS
The best alternative to climbing the glacier with the most comprehensive information on the glacier valley. Relaxed pace – local guides. Suits all ages and abilities. Tours are 3 hours with Hot drinks and snacks provided. Also have tours to the Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson & Okarito.

Franz Josef Glacier Valley Eco Tour

Gain an intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna.  Discover how the diverse climatic conditions and forces of native have shaped this incredible landscape.  Tour duration 3 hours - $65 per person.
Rates valid to 30.09.10



HOT POOLS/MASSAGE
Glacier Hot Pools

Relaxing under nature’s leafy canopy at The Glacier Hot Pools is a wonderfully rejuvenating experience to be enjoyed all year round.  The Glacier Hot Pools, features three invitingly warm main pools and three private hot pools secluded in native bush, fed with pure local glacier water.

Experience the tranquility of the pools on Cron Street, Franz Josef   www.glacierhotpools.co.nz



Massage - Glacier Hot Pools
Secluded within our rainforest sits the Glacier Hot Pools exclusive massage facility. Your highly skilled and professional Massage Therapist will create an experience specifically designed to suit your needs and requirements.
www.glacierhotpools.co.nz


HORSE TREKKING
South Westland Horse Treks
Experience Franz Josef Glacier countryside on horseback, with stunning views of the glacier and Southern Alps. Enjoy riding in small groups at a pace that suits your abilitiy. For more information please look on the following website: South Westland Horse Trek: www.horsetreknz.com

KAYAKING
Glacier Country Tours & Kayaks
Paddle around Lake Mapourika mirror image waters – Fun and informative half day kayak tours and kayaks rentals on a pristine rainforest lake with a magnificent alpine and glacier backdrop.

Okarito Nature Tours
A small family run kayaking company on Okarito Lagoon. Guided trips or freedom Rental. Full navigational & safety briefing given. View white heron (kotuku) and other New Zealand birds in their feeding ground.

FISHING & HUNTING
Glacier Country Lake Tours

Lake Mapourika offers great salmon and trout fishing.
www.ecocruise.co.nz



Guided Hunting Trips
Guided Chamois & Bull Thar Hunting can be arranged.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES
Lake Tours
Glacier Country Lake Tours operates sightseeing and wildlife eco-cruises across the untouched beauty of Lake Mapourika, offering a tranquil and easy adventure operating all year around in most weather conditions.
www.ecocruise.co.nz

Quad bikes
Across Country Quadbikes Franz Josef - Excitement builds around every twist and turn through riverbeds, rainforest, grassland, sand and glorious mud!  Franz Josef is unique, where glacier and forest meet and our 2-seater ATV Quad Bikes are the ultimate way to view it all, rain or shine.
www.acrosscountry quadbikes.co.nz

White Heron Sanctuary Tour
Visit NZ’s only White Heron nesting colony. View the Herons, Royal Spoonbill, Little Shag and other Birdlife, all in their natural environment. Coach ride and jet boat ride to access sanctuary.

Okarito Kiwi Tours
Okarito Kiwi Tours will take you deep into the Kiwi Habitat in the Okarito Forrest.  They offer low impact, low key guided trips in an educational and interpretive way.  
okaritokiwitours.co.nz


Skidive NZ
New Zealands’s most scenic skydive. Take off over the rainforest viewing Lake Matheson and the sea coast. Then climb to the western faces of MT Cook with spectacular mountain & glacier views. 9000 feet – 12000 feet. For more information please email on the following address: skydivenz@yahoo.com

 
website by digitise © 2005 - 2010 Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat
State Highway 6, Lake Mapourika, PO Box 11, Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Ph +64 3 752 0012, Fax +64 3 752 0021, Email: stay@glacier-retreat.co.nz, Reservations: 0800 FRANZ JOSEF