Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This eco-tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for off-track adventures & a profound insight into the intricate workings of the ecosystem. This unforgettable journey unveils the hidden wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Meander through ancient native podocarp rainforest, stroll along a pristine glacial-fed river and marvel at the mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped mountains on an ancient kettle lake. Join us for an experience that blends serene natural beauty with educational exploration.
Your knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience with fascinating stories and insights about the local history, flora, fauna, glaciology and geology.
Wander at your pace through streams and native podocarp rainforest, discovering hidden treasures like wild mushrooms &many orchid species. *We cannot get to the terminal face/walk on the glacier due to safety reasons. *Contact us to request a list of the public tracks included.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation or meeting point in Franz Josef, and drive you to the glacier carpark. From there, you will walk with your small group tour and guide to about 2000m from the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face, at the end of the forest walk.
Options
summer 24/25
What‘s Included
Wet weather clothing
Umbrellas
Boots if required - please enquire as stock is limited
Walking poles if required
Lunch
water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
115 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Franz Josef Glacier guided walk
Wil R,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cliff was a great guide, who's passion for the the environment and his outdoor "work place" was refreshing to here. Highly recommended!
Worthwhile tour
Sightsee53544902056,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting and informative tour! Our guide Cliff was knowledgeable about the bird and plant life, the geology of the region, and the history of the glacier.
Franz Josef Nature Walk
Rowena D,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 3 hour guided walk with Louis was amazing. Not only was he a lovely young gentleman, his knowledge of the area was outstanding. We learnt alot about the area we walked . It was very special to go off the main track in places , with hot chocolate being served in front of the Glacier , a nice touch . We would highly recommend. Wishing Louis all the best at Uni completing his Masters .
Great day your
Calvin H,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took a tour today with Sophia as our guide. Great tour. Sophia is a great host and knowledgeable about the area. I will be recommending the tours to all our guests. 😊😊🤩🤩
Sophia was a very...
Philip R,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sophia was a very knowledgeable guide who provided an interesting and entertaining walk through the rain forest. She took on board our preferences and provided refreshments.
Tasha Saves the Day
Y3913FPjohns,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I hope I have the right company. This is a story about the owner, Natasha. The company that arranged this trip informed us that we were going to be picked up at the hotel. We waited and waited, only to be told that things had changed and we were supposed to have met at the company's location. We were informed that we had missed our trip. Being our last day in Franz Joseph, the glacier is the main tourist attraction, and it seemed that we weren't going to see it. We went down to the office. Natasha was our angel. She had done nothing wrong, yet she personally drove us up to the glacier and waited in the parking lot for us to return. The reality is that she was under no obligation to do so. Her kindness was appreciated. We offered to take her out to dinner. We would have enjoyed her company. Quite simply, today's world needs more Natashas or Tasha as she calls herself.
Great ECO tour to see the Glacier and learn about conservation and the effect of climate change.
kameronw787,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Sophia to see all the ferns and other plants, to learn about conservation and technology to get rid of pests and predators to protect native NZ birds, Kiwis, etc. Also saw the Franz Josef Glacier up close and learned about the effects of climate change.
Back routes fantastic, guide class. Expect more from walking.
774Harryv,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good guide with fun anecdotes and answers questions you ask. The 1st part of the trip we can do on our own. Shouldn't be part of the trip. The 2nd part the back routes which are cool and great to see. These make the trip and for this you go with a guide. Without a guide you are not allowed on the back-routes. Do not expect a brisk trip as announced. Our company was mobile not the fastest and the slowest determines. The front screening needs to be done better. I feel like we've gone quite a bit wrong now. Walking is tight 1.5 hours at a time of 4 hours. What we did see is great.
Enjoyed but slow pace
Bryony T,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I enjoyed it but was expecting to walk further than 2km in 2.5 hours. Also would have been useful if it stated which track we would be walking on when booking as I had already done the majority of the track we walked on the day before by myself. I understand there were mixed abilities in the group but maybe this is something that could be asked when booking. Overall, my opinion would be to save your money and do the walk by yourself!
Not to be missdd
Scenic273104,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unforgettable and great guide and in safe hands! Lucky to fo it with my son for his birthday :)
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Operated by Glacier Valley Eco Tours