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Activities in Franz Josef

Franz Josef, Glacier Country

Experience the beauty of Franz Josef Glacier. New Zealand’s West Coast is buzzing with adventure activities from scenic flights to heli-hikes, eco-tours, and a range of water sports activities.

We can make your holiday experience one that you will cherish forever. Check out the range of activities on offer below.

To book an excursion, please email us and we can advise, arrange and confirm on your behalf. Westwood Lodge offers this as a complimentary service.

Payment is made direct to the activity operator at the time of the excursion. No deposit is required, and no money is paid if the trip is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Boat and Kayak Tours

Glacier Country Tours & Kayaks
This kayak tour offers a unique experience – you will paddle through a protected habitat with panoramic views of Franz Josef Glacier. The eco-tour will take you across Lake Mapourika, and past Westland’s oldest rain forest.

Okarito Boat Tours
Okarito Boat Tours offer guided trips which will allow you to take in the stunning scenery at your leisure. This untouched, protected area is inhabited with over 70 species of birds, and is the main feeding ground for New Zealand’s only colony of Great White Heron (Kotuku).

Nature and Walking Tours

White Heron Sanctuary Tours
The White Heron (Kotuku) is a very rare and sacred bird in New Zealand. The West Coast is the only known nesting site in New Zealand – it is located deep within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Experience the prehistoric White Pine (Kahikatea) rain forest, and absorb the natural Flora and Fauna as you spot the White Heron in it’s element.

Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours specialise in small-group guided walking tours in Glacier Country, West Coast New Zealand. They offer relaxed eco-style tours,  with plenty of opportunities to take photos, stand under waterfalls, hold ice out of the river, and see native flowers, birds, mushrooms and wildlife.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides are an internationally recognised operation which provides incredible guided glacier experiences. Walks and ice climbing are available.

Adventure Activities

Skydive Franz
Are you brave enough to take up extreme tandem skydiving? View glacier country from the sky, as well as a rain forest, mirror lakes and braided river beds – if you are looking for an unforgettable, action-packed experience!

Across Country Quad Bikes
Hop on a quad bike and drive through Jurassic like rain forest, ancient riverbeds, grassland, sand and glorious mud! This is the ultimate, adventure experience.

Eco Rafting Tours
Specializing scenic floats and family fun, to extreme whitewater rafting that will get your blood pumping! Eco Rafting Tours offer a Full Day Heli Rafting Adventure which is ranked one of the top 10 rafting adventures in the world.

Flying Tours

Glacier Helicopters
Glacier Helicopters on the West Coast pioneered glacier and snow landings in New Zealand in 1970. Experience a scenic helicopter flight which allows you to interact, and enjoy some of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world.

Heli Hike Franz Josef
Are you ready for an adventure? Combine an awesome scenic helicopter flight over the glacier, with a unique guided walk.

Air Safaris
Air Safaris is the premier Mount Cook (Aoraki) and glacier flight seeing experience. The flight includes spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Westland National Park and Mount Cook National Park.