Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

Some 140 glaciers flow from the Southern Alps, but of these only two (the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) penetrate as far as the lower rainforests. 
 
Few sights equal the spectacle of these giant tongues of ice grinding down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres above sea level
 
Visitors are often surprised to find such a warm/mild climate in Franz Josef (due to the moderating effect of the sea and rainforests), given the proximity of the glaciers and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps only a few kilometres from the township.
 
Two guiding companies offer a variety of guided glacier walks & climbing experiences, to suit all ages and abilities. Heli-hikes and scenic flights with or without snow landings are also available. Other activities include a variety of rafting experiences, white heron sanctuary tours, rainforest and coastal walks.
 
Franz Josef Township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafés, arts & craft retail, a general store and service station for motoring needs.

Fox Glacier

The Fox Glacier township offers a more intimate ‘village’ experience than its bigger neighbour, Franz Josef. Tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of good quality accommodation, hotels, cafés, a general store and service station for motoring needs. 
 
The Fox glacier offers a different set of glacier experiences than the Franz Josef glacier, and visitors are increasingly booking activities on both glaciers during their visit to Glacier Country. Local companies provide access to the Fox Glacier by way of guided walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights with or without snow landings.