Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Experience - Franz Josef, New Zealand

The Half-Day Glacier Experience is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice, traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty, and suitable for most agile people. The walk is longer in duration than others offered, allowing you more time to enjoy the impressive terrain on the lower reaches of Franz Josef Glacier. You will also receive free entry to the Glacier Hot Pools, a perfect place to relax after your glacier experience.

After being fitted out with all your equipment at our company office, a ten minute bus ride takes you to within 2.5 kilometer (1.5 miles) of the glacier, where you enjoy a short bush walk through regenerating rainforest, regrouping in the glacier valley.

You then proceed to the front of the glacier (2.5 kilometer), with your guide calling stops along the way to explain the unique features of the glacier and glacier valley. Here you strap on a set of Ice-Talonz, accessing the terminal face of the glacier for 1.5 - 2 hours traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty. The terrain can look daunting, but preformed access ways make exploring the lower reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier achievable for most agile people.

Your Half-Day Glacier Experience also includes free entry to the Glacier Hot Pools. Relax and unwind after your hike, the Glacier Hot Pools are a haven of natural tranquility. The pools are located in the heart of Franz Josef township and are open from 12 noon to 10pm year round. (Last entry at 9pm.)