There is Plenty To Do in Franz Josef
Guided Glacier Walks and Heli Hikes
Explore the Franz Josef Glacier up close and personal with a guided walk. Experience the deep crevasse caverns and hear the grinding ice with the experienced and professional guides. All gear is included. Better still for the ultimate adventure and rated as one of the top three activities that must be done by all visitors to New Zealand. Combine the sensation of a scenic helicopter flight with a Glacier guided walk. We recommend and book Franz Josef Glacier Guides, The Helicopter Line and The Guiding Company. Franz Josef Glacier is very busy in the season (1 November - 31 March). Therefore only a limited number of walking spaces are available on the glacier. Rainforest Backpackers Lodge has a certain amount of spaces reserved each day for our clients. If you would like us to reserve a spot for you please email.click to email
Flights
Take a scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights to the top of the Franz Josef Glacier and even over Mount Cook, with the options of landing in the snow. With the Fox and Tasman Glaciers on either side the views to Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are unbeatable. We recommend and book The Helicopter Line, Glacier Southern lakes Helicopters, Air Safaris and Aoraki Aero Company. We highly recommend booking this activities ahead, please email us and we will be happy to assist with this fantastic part of your holiday.click to email
Horse Trekking
Discover the beauty of South Westland on horseback in this horse-riding paradise, with a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges, the Southern Alps and rainforests. We recommend and book South Westland Horse Treks. Send us an email for more information and bookingsclick to email
White Heron Tours
Visit New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony. See the magnificent Kotuku, Royal Spoonbill, Little Shag and other birdlife, all in their natural environment. We recommend and book White Heron Tours. Send us an email for more information and bookingsclick to email
Skydiving
This has to be New Zealand's most scenic skydive. Taking off over the rainforest viewing Lake Matheson and coastal views from Hokitika in the North to Haast in the South; climbing to the western faces of Mt Cook with spectacular mountain and glacier views; and then jumping out of a perfectly good plane - sensational. We recommend and book Skydive NZ. Send us an email for more information and bookings click to email
Lake and Lagoon Kayaking
Kayak with White Herons on Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, surrounded by magnificent rain forest. This is a premier eco-experience surrounded by many unseen birds in their natural habitats. Kayak hire is available from two hours and guided trips are also available. We recommend and book Okarito Nature Tours. Don't be disappointed and miss out on a White Heron experience while in Franz Josef. Email us to book a spaceclick to email
Rainforest Tours
We recommend and book Kamahi Tours for a variety of Guided walks and Eco Tours to and around the Franz Josef Glacier. These are personally guided tours with quality guides. Popular tours include walks to the Glacier Terminal Face, Lake Matheson, Okarito and Rainforest Walks. Send us an email for more information and bookings click to email
