Current access is limited due to flooding. See write up on Doc.govt.nz. Franz Josef. Expensive helicopter trips are available

These glacier landings are very dependent on the weather. We tried 4 times to go to Franz Josef Glacier. Not sure about the heli hikes as we only did the landing on Franz Josef Glacier. You will need to check with the companies.

Hi Victoria, We didn't do the glacier walk as my wife has a very bad back and the staff at the motel said you see a lot more by helicopter. So we took the Heli ride over and to the top of the glacier and it was truly impressive. The walk itself is about an hour and a half duration and as you aren't allowed to climb any section of the glacier itself and the walk takes you from the car park to the foot of the glacier face. No guide required. If we were all fitter, I would do both! The walk up to the glacier face in the valley of the surrounding mountains would still be breathtaking to do. Its lovely looking at the valley in the distance from the motels and township. Very scenic and a must do while in NZ. Enjoy your visit, Victoria.

Io sono stato a febbraio ed il clima era caldo.

This is an Alpine area so the weather is VERY unpredictable this time of the year. Getting through the Haast Pass from Queenstown could be a challenge on its own. If you get to Fox Glacier township you've done well (nice part of NZ). Now comes the tricky bit - will the Glacier be accessible? Best I can advise.

Hi I agree with the previous comment and would definitely recommend Fox for a couple of reasons. Firstly you have a much better chance of actually getting on the glacier as the weather doesn't affect it as much as Franz Josef. Also with small groups and excellent guides it is very safe and accessibl the choice is yours if you want to go into the ice caves or not and the boots and cramping are provided with a lesson beforehand..I was quite nervous at 67 years of age but I ma babes quite easily and it was the best experience ever. The short helicopter journey is exhilarating and nothing to fear.. Enjoy! You will love it ☺

We did the Milford Sound by boat which I think I would recommend it rather than taking a helicopter. We also walked the glacier and I would also recommend it walking it.

Doubtful Sound experience is better than Milford Sound. Much more peaceful and spectacular. Go by boat to get the full experience

Franz Josef is best option for visit to the glacier. There are several organised trips that can be booked from the information centre in town and might be best to book ahead for one of these if you intend visiting, to get the most out of the day

Time may be your biggest problem. Both glaciers are located on the west coast, halfway between Westport in the north and Queenstown in the south. It's a good day's drive from either to the glaciers. Franz Josef would be my choice of the two. You can drive reasonably close to both glaciers and then hike a distance to get closer, but you'll still be a good kilometre or so away from the glacier's face when they post signs to go no further (danger, and I'd take their advice - people have died ignoring the warnings). You can helihike on Franz Josef (costly, but highly recommended - you'll be right on the glacier for up to 3 hours, then soak in their hot pools as long as you want after). Problem with both glaciers is also the weather. Often they are in clouds or it is raining and you can't get near because of the condition of the roads or the helicopters can't fly. We spent 3 days in Franz Josef waiting for a break in the weather to get up on the glacier and just made it in on the morning of the day we had to leave. You can also fly over the glaciers (cheaper than helihiking, but still expensive). There is really little to do in Franz Josef other than the glacier and even less to do in Fox Glacier (30 kilometres away on a very twisty, turny road).