On this day trip from Franz Josef experience New Zealand's stunning nature of the Franz Josef Glacier. This relaxing, interpretive walk to the glacier is the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. With the emphasis more on geographical information and the glaciers history, venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced guide.
Take a day trip from Franz Josef to experience New Zealand's stunning nature and picturesque views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Once fitted out with all your equipment, take a short bus ride to the outskirts of the glacier. Your guide will take you on a Glacier Valley Walk that will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed following the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape.
You will learn about the glacier's history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, you will cross over the public barriers and after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier.
Andy was an excellent guide and was very knowledgeable._br/_ He also had a fun sense of humour, and the hot chocolate he provided his Grans recipe, was a nice touch._br/_ We felt safe and secure at all times._br/_ The walk was a good distance and physically achievable for most people._br/_ It was amazing to see Franz Josef Glacier in this way.
Review by: Elizabeth C, March 2018
Tour guide was great. It was rainy and cloudy, but we were able to still see the glacier. The tour guide was very knowledgeable
Review by: lorna.kate, March 2018
We had a great time, the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The use of boots enabled us to walk through the many streams and the scenery was awesome. To see the power of ice and water so close up is breathtaking.
Review by: Rahul C, February 2018
The 2 hours I spent on this walk were well worth the time and effort. We had a very small group only 5 people our guide, all reasonably fit, and we kept a steady pace, with periodic stops for pictures. Our guide, Bryan originally from Colorado, USA, was relaxed and knowledgeable, and answered our many questions. At no time did we feel we were being rushed, and we had plenty of time to take pictures and admire the scenery. The tour takes a couple of paths that deviate noticeably from the regular path, which occasionally gave us the sense that we were the only ones hiking to the glacier look-out point.
Review by: Susan W, January 2018
Loved this tour. Our tour guide was excellent and very informative. Would definitely recommend.
Review by: Jason B, January 2018
Phil was our guide. He was humorous and knowledgeable. He treated all with some hot chocolate when we got to our destination point. Great views as well!!!!
Review by: Yuan Zhi L, January 2018
Great walk through the valley via private path, highly recommended.
Review by: aayalina, December 2017
Good walk into the valley.
Review by: chuckrapp, December 2017
The Valley Walk is a moderate out and back with very little elevation change. The most difficult part is the rocky terrain. Olivia, our guide, was knowledgeable and friendly. Along the way there are a couple of nice photo opportunities. One could do the walk on his/her own not sure if the cost of the tour is worth the additional knowledge.
Review by: Abhineet K, December 2017
Great fun, and great trek. We were really lucky to have a clear sky for our trek. Please check the weather ahead of booking your trip coz if it's cloudy or raining which happens a lot coz it's in a rain forest the trip can be cancelled
Review by: James S, October 2017
Great tour. We got drenched but all part of the New Zealand experience. Couldn't see much of glacier but guide was great
Review by: Simon M, May 2017
This was a waste of money . The guide knew very little about glaciers and glacial features and wasted over half an hour kitting the party up in protective clothing that was not needed for a warm dry April afternoon . Too much time was lost allowing the partylargely japanese to take photos by a waterfall with the result we never reached the end of the path by the glacier itself . We would have done much better on our own . _br/_ The place was interesting ,the tour added nothing .
Review by: Jacqueline B, April 2017
Great tour! Glenthin was outstanding. We loved it. It was cloudy but we could still see the glacier. It was perfect for our time there. We got a great overview of the area and the fauna!
Review by: james.ae.richards, March 2017
The tour is pretty good overall. A bit expensive considering you really only go on a slightly different path to the general free public tracks. Our guide was enthusiastic and did fill us in on a bunch of interesting history and general facts. Luckily we were able to split the large 25 person group into 2 groups, so that we weren't slowed down by the older people with walking sticks.
Review by: wfpratt, March 2017
This was beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Hot Pools was an added bonus that we were not expecting. I did have problems with the heavy boots we had to wear as I do have some foot problems and by the end of the walk I had severe blisters that made the next few days uncomfortable to walk. I would have enjoyed this tour 100 more if I could have worn my own hiking shoes that option was not available as it is a long walk in someone else's shoes that don't fit properly.
Review by: Amanda C, March 2017
This tour was great. It was a nice walk and we had a great guide
Review by: Kristen M, March 2017
Great tour and Tour guide Nick. The walking was easy, well below our ability, and we got to go off of the beaten path to see an learn about some unique features of the glacier valley. I was hoping to get to a 'special viewpoint' a bit past where the general public stops but while we were at our own, more elevated spot we were at the same stopping point. I'm glad we chose the afternoon tour because we were not ruched to return to the bus on a tight schedule.
Review by: bb, January 2017
We were disappointed to not be able to see the glacier due to cloud not the fault of our tour guide though, just the nature of the variable weather conditions. We didn't seem to get as close to the glacier as the walkers on the self-guided track. I came to NZ 20 years ago and had excellent memories of walking on the glacier with a guide, but obviously the restrictions have increased due to the injuries/deaths sustained by tourists who went outside of the warning signs and barriers.
Review by: Elaine M, January 2017
Unfortunately the weather wasn't good for our glacier tour but it was great that all the wet weather gear and boots were provided- otherwise it would have been pretty miserable. The guide was good and made it very interesting but we didn't really get to see much of the glacier due to the weather. Overall though it was a good experience and doing the tour was much better than just doing the walk ourselves. The company were very accommodating - we had mixed up our dates a turned up a day late but there was no problem and they let us go on the tour the day we turned up.
Review by: Wanderlust US, December 2016
When I was booking this tour, I was under the impression you get to walk on the glacier. This walk only takes you to where the public is allowed. It needs to be made very clear that this includes no ice time. It would also be helpful to know that the hot pools are included in price so you can bring a bathing suit. Otherwise the tour guide was awesome and knowledgeable and fun to be around. A bit overpriced. I really wish I did the heli ride instead to get on the glacier.
Review by: Marian L, December 2016
Despite pretty awful weather, the walk was amazingly good - excellent informative guide Nick and the loaned clothing and boots kept us dry. Please add a reference to the included use of the hot pools after the walk to the google online booking so one can come prepared.
Review by: cassiekroo, October 2016
Michael and Jon were very knowledgeable and helpful guides. They provided details on plants, regional information and history and changes in the glacier. Both guides also kindly went above and beyond to help with recommendations for local restaurants and other attractions in NZ. The tour includes a hike easy to moderate, with some rock edges and walking across streams and slight incline, full gear you'll appreciate the waterproof pants, boots and all weather jacket AND complimentary entry to the hot pools attached to the same bldg where you check in. The return trip was via the public trail flat, very easy so I had a chance to compare the guided vs. doing it on your own. The guided tour gets you a little closer to the glacier base and is more of a hike than a walk on a flat path. Plus the details on the retraction, changes in size and impacts across time was all interesting and worth investing in a guide the gear and hot pool alone is worth the price of the ticket. Both guides were highly service oriented and you can feel their passion toward exploring the glacier and surrounding area, with a keen focus on safety.
Review by: Rebecca B, October 2016
Despite the weather on the day of our tour, it was amazing and the guide was friendly and knowledgable. Loved it!
Review by: richam, August 2016
Fantastic guide to a fantastic place. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour on the day we went so we got one on one attention. We were taken off the beaten track and got access to places the normal visitors don't get to see. The running commentary on the geology and history and flora and fauna was very appreciated. The free entry at the end of the day to the hot pools certainly relieved our aching muscles...lol.
Review by: CHIONG MOON B, July 2016
Very experienced guide with vast knowledge about the native plants. Felt very relaxed throughout the entire expedition. Friendly and cheerful.
Review by: Keith H, May 2016
Very disappointed. Expected to get onto ice as per the photo's advertising it shows, however turned out to be just a walk over rocks and through a small wood._br/_ Could have done this trip on our own without incurring any cost._br/_ Not value for money
Review by: Hannah C, May 2016
The staff are friendly and make sure that you are well equipped for the trip. It was pouring rain when I went, so all the provided gear was muchly appreciated. It was great to have a guide take you through valley and have them share history and science behind such beautiful views. This guided walk gives you a great intro into the area, so that you can go check out the other walking tracks as well.
Review by: Daniel D, April 2016
Excellent and enjoyable
Review by: Philippa M, April 2016
Had a wonderful guide who was very knowledgeable and enthusiastically shared his delight in the rocks and minerals and fauna as we walked at a comfortable pace. Only a couple of steep parts to the path as he took us off piste but Aaron was very helpful and sure footed helping those of us who were out of our comfort zone._br/_ Awesome scenery.
Review by: Keith D, March 2016
Great trip and knowledgeable guides.
Review by: Edna J, February 2016
Truly breathtaking!!! Our guide, Connor went above and beyond professional but still very personable and patient to answer all our one thousand questions. The base where we started from was great too with lots of unexpected amenities like a coffee bar and hot tubs. We wouldn't go with any other company! Experience of a lifetime is an understatement!
Review by: suellis31, February 2016
Booking a tour allowed us to hike paths in the woods leading to the glacier that the general public walking on their own could not access. The guide's knowledge of various plants and the history of the glacier definitely made it a good deal as opposed to just walking up to the glacier viewpoint on your own. The ticket also included use of the glacier hot water pools which felt great after all the traveling we had been doing.
Review by: Shona P, February 2016
A memorable activity. Loved scrambling along the valley, we waded through a rushing stream, stood so close to the spray of the wonderful waterfalls. Held chunks of ice from the pounding river. Fabulous guide. Joshua. Gave us such a lot if interesting details. He worked so hard to give the group a brilliant time and it certainly was amazing.
Review by: Nish, January 2016
Too expensive. Since we are doing the walking.
Review by: Jane A, January 2016
Great trip, beautiful scenery and the guide was superb, I didn't want a difficult walk and this was perfect. We had great weather.
Review by: Sharon P, December 2015
Very much enjoyed getting close to the glacier. Guides were fun and informative. Having company's gear to wear was worth the price of the ticket alone-warm, comfortable and protected us against the elements. No drying of boots and outerwear needed after the walk--just returned it to them.
Review by: anne a, November 2015
the guides were excellent-- Josh and Peter i think._br/_ They were interested in the guests and keen to share their extensive knowledge throughout the tour._br/_ it was obvious that you could just walk most of the way without the guides but it was worth the money to pay for the added information from the guides.
Review by: Linda P, October 2015
Tour guide was very knowledgeable but we didn't realise we could have done this walk by ourselves for free! Very overpriced for what it was
Review by: quachanhkhanh, October 2015
Very bad. Valley Walk and look Glacier River. _br/_ Never booking this tour
Review by: Cara B, August 2015
When i booked, it advertised that we would walk up to the terminal face of the glacier. On the day we only got the view the glacier from a 300m distance due to safety. I felt like the advertising had mislead us. the guide was very knowledgable and friendly however we could just as easily have done the public walking track ourselves for free.
Review by: Ray S, May 2015
The guide was a great character and took us of the main path, however the main patch to the glacier was a pulic walk way so we could have done it for free, not good value
Review by: Wayne B, May 2015
Good trip. Could have spent a little less time on the rocky river course.
Review by: Robert G, April 2015
This was a great hike. Wonderful sunny day and a very knowledgable guide, whose name I forget. Our guide knew the local plants and pointed them out to us. He even went down to the flowing stream and found us a couple pieces of the icy glacier that had broken off. The only negative was when we got back to the shuttle pick up our bus did not arrive for another 45 minutes. We were told the driver had misplace the bus' keys.
Review by: Emma P, April 2015
While the tour guide was good and interesting, I found the advertising of this difficult walk to be incredibly misleading, a fat asthmatic could have done that walk, especially at the rate we were going. Also the 'need' to get kitted up was unnecessary as we went no where near the ice and the day was quite warm. For what it was - definitely not worth the money!
Review by: ELVI R, March 2015
VERY GOOD
Review by: Rhonda M, February 2015
Great guide Lauren she told us about vegetation and wildlife , it was relaxed and friendly definitely recommend this walk to everyone who visits Franz Joseph glacier
Review by: sze lok t, January 2015
no
Review by: Becky, January 2015
Misleading ads. No walking on glacier. Information on vocuher all wrong. This walk can be done on your own. Just need to drive 10 minutes from town. Waste of money and time.
Review by: Nino B, January 2015
An awesome walk to the foot of the glacier. Had a great guide who told us lots about the glacial valley. Note that you do not walk on the glacier.
Review by: Jon L, November 2014
Tour was fun,guide very good ,kids enjoyed walking through creeks on the hike through the valley to the glacier face ,shame u can't get too close nowadays,if you can afford it do the heli hikeon top would be great fun but bit pricey as the only way to get up ontop is helicopter
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