Franz Josef Nature Tour
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 and 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 own pace through glacial rivers, streams and native podocarp rainforest, discovering hidden treasures like wild mushrooms and dozens of orchid species.
Please note we cannot get close to the terminal face or walk on the glacier due to safety reasons.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Wet weather clothing
Umbrellas
Boots if required - please enquire as stock is limited
Walking poles if required
Lunch
water
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
Reviews
96 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome tour with Cliff and Louie
zitavskeho,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely walk off the beaten track in the rainforest with fantastic explanations on the history of the glacier, the many different plants and trees. Very informative and pleasant.
An awesome and informative experience
trazee73,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cliff was our guide and he was such a great chap, taking us off the busy track, through the beautiful trees and scub to show us flowers and birds. He was so knowledgeable, sharing his stories with the perfect balance of info with humour mixed with personal stories which kept us entertained. It was so cool to see the glacier and hear all about the natural environment, seeing it all through the eyes of a local. Thank you Cliff
Quirkily Kiwi
Ross H,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A really good trip with an excellent local guide. Cliff is your quintessential Kiwi with plenty of local knowledge and the requisite amount of quirky humour. Well recommended.
Informative and fun tour
Alison7780,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is amazing. Cliff and Louie were both incredibly knowledgeable about the plants and animals that call the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding area home. The company was also very accommodating in changing our tour day when the weather was truly awful. As a result we managed a tour with less rain and even a bit of sun! If you are passionate about knowing more about the delicate ecosystem of this magical area and have a passion for conservation and sustainability, this is the tour for you.
Learning exercise with cookies
KEVNAD1992AU,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mel is the best cookie provider and guide. Amazed by both Mel and Cliffs knowledge and the ability to take us off the main tracks. Cliff made the day fun even through his waffling. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks guys.
Informative nature walk
christopherrL1841XV,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great experience. Cliff, the guide, was knowledgeable and entertaining. Good value for money. Would highly recommend.
An incredible experience
Michelle L,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Glacier Valley Eco Tour was the highlight of our trip. Garrett (our guide) led us through lush rainforest, hidden trails, creeks, and waterfalls, all with stunning glacier views. His knowledge and passion for the area made the walk feel like discovering a secret world. Highly recommended and absolutely worth five stars!
Excellent team and tour.
rhysparker4,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After having vehicle issues , the team were more than helpful to move our tour to the afternoon Fox glacier tour. The tour was excellent and Cliff’s knowledge of the area and history/geography was exceptional. We took a route the public wouldn’t take and sat and had complimentary hot drinks while looking at the amazing glacier. Because we were a young group , Cliff took us off the beaten track and we enjoyed it very much (a little adventure). We felt safe the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon walk with Cliff. Thank you!
Franz Josef Glacier with Cliff
Cate B,
Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were looking for a relaxed and informative nature walk and Cliff provided all of that! He chose paths to suit our level of fitness and capability that provided some spectacular photo opportunities while sharing his vast knowledge and experience.
Loved this
sharroncarson,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to experience the temperate rainforest of the Franz Josef area. One of the only place where a temperate rainforest is so close to a glacier. Cliff took us on a lovely walk. Great vegetation, waterfalls, creeks, a lovely lake and views toward Franz Josef glacier. Cliff was very informative about the NZ flora and fauna and deleterious effect of the invader species.
Related Experiences
Operated by Glacier Valley Eco Tours