The 6 Best Franz Josef Glacier Trips from Queenstown

1.Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · from $179Our pick

Leave Queenstown at 7:00 am for a 12-hour, one-way journey to Franz Josef with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. You’ll see Cardrona, Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, and Lake Matheson, with lunch, snacks, water, and luggage space included.

“Hanna was so sweet and thoughtful.We were a family of three and thankfully the tour was not called off.West Coast is so beautiful and peaceful.Wanaka,was terrific and photogenic.There were many walking trails in Blue pools walk,Lake Mathson and absolutely loved the experience”

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2.Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $1,178

Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, then hike across the ice with provided boots and crampons. Your small group has a guide, about two hours on the glacier, and return transport. Bring lunch and snacks, since there is little time to buy food in Franz Josef.

“From start to finish, the service and communication were absolutely fabulous. Leading up to the event, every detail was clearly explained, and I felt well looked after. On the day, through no fault of the tour guide, the weather took a turn whicRead more”

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3.Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 6h 30m · from $1,015

Fly from Queenstown to Franz Josef with pilot commentary, then take a helicopter to the ice. Guide Sarah or another local guide leads a two-hour crampon hike through crevasses and ice caves. Weather may shift the trip to Tasman Glacier, so you get the best workable glacier option.

“Amazing trip. View was amazing on the plane to Franz Josef. Lily is an amazing pilot. Glacier hike was an a great experience. Sarah is great guide and I felt safe the whole time”

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4.Queenstown to Franz Josef small group tour (one-way)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 15 reviews · 12 hours · from $173

Spend 12 hours crossing the South Island from Queenstown to Franz Josef with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Guides such as Martin and Christina lead the route through Cardrona, Wānaka, Haast Pass, Blue Pools, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, and Lake Matheson. Lunch, snacks, water, and hotel pickup are included.

“Really excellent trip and route. Loads of great stops on the way, felt really safe in the bus. Snacks, water and lunch provided was a nice touch.”

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5.Queenstown to Franz Josef Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $121Best value

Ride from Queenstown to Franz Josef in an air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. See Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Haast Pass, native forest, and the rugged West Coast before reaching Franz Josef Village. Bring food and arrive 15 minutes early.

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6.Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef 2-Day Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $359

Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch with a maximum of 15 people, stopping at Wānaka, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Matheson, Hokitika Gorge, Arthur’s Pass, and Castle Hill. Holly and Joel are among the guides connected with this route. Accommodation is not included.

“Fantastic experience over 2 days with our guides Holly and Joel that takes you to a large proportion over the west coast and also various mountains. Incredible views are offered all along the trip with live commentary from the guides that covRead more”

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