Add dates

West Coast, South IslandHiking

Our most recommended West Coast, South Island Hiking

Franz Josef: Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour

1. Franz Josef: Half-Day Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Tour

Get out into nature and experience the wilderness on this tour of the Franz Josef Glacier. Soar in the air in a helicopter, trek with glacier boots and crampons, and take in the fascinating colors of the ice flow. Meet at the Franz Josef Village base in the Westland National Park and hop into a helicopter. Fly up to the glacier and land on a section pre-checked for safety by your guide. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons, walk through ice formations and pinnacles for 2 hours. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air, and take note of the unique color of the glacier. Hike back to the helicopter and return to the base with a profound respect for nature.

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

2. Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

Enjoy a thrilling hiking and helicopter experience on Fox Glacier. Marvel at dramatic landscapes from above, including spectacular ice caves, icefalls and Victoria Falls, which is the melted river from the hidden Victoria glacier. Land on the ice in a remote part of the glacier. Get fitted with crampons that are specially designed for icy conditions. Follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves. Each departure is a truly unique experience as there are so many changing features. Depending on the weather, spend up to 3 hours on the ice before boarding your helicopter to return to the take off point.

Franz Josef Glacier: 2.5-Hour Hike with Helicopter Transfer

3. Franz Josef Glacier: 2.5-Hour Hike with Helicopter Transfer

Soar to Franz Josef Glacier and see this 8-kilometer-long behemoth from above on a roundtrip helicopter tour from Franz Josef. Touch down on the glacier and follow your guide on a guided hike. Take in dazzling ice formations and stay warm with winter clothing and snacks along the way.  Start your journey at the glacier base in Franz Josef Town, where the team will check you in. Get kitted out with the essential gear and listen to a safety briefing. Once you are ready, follow your guide on a short walk through the native forest to the helipad to board the helicopter. After a thrilling scenic flight high above rugged terrain, land on Franz Josef Glacier and set off on a 2-hour and 15-minute guided hike. With an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, your guide will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery New Zealand has to offer.  Each trip is tailored to the ability of your group, as well as the conditions on the day of your tour. During the hike, your guide will tell you stories about the local area and share their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding terrain. The glacier's features are constantly changing, so you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. 

Queenstown: Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

4. Queenstown: Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Fly over the Southern Alps, home to over 3000 small glaciers. Visit Franz Josef Glacier on the western face of Aoraki/ Mt Cook or the Tasman Glacier on the east side. Enjoy the flexibility of seeing either glacier in case of poor weather conditions on your tour of choice. Check in on arrival at either the Franz Josef Glacier tour or Tasman Glacier tour and get to your helicopter. Have a safety briefing as your equipment is handed out. Go out to a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. Pass over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land at the upper Franz Josef Icefall. Alternatively, take a scenic helicopter flight over the Tasman Terminal Lake to the Tasman Glacier. Be fitted with crampons for your trek out onto the glacier, exploring ices caves, and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonders of the South Island’s glaciers.

Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

5. Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

Walk through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, spotting the huge rata, rimu trees and moss. During the walk your guide will provide informative commentary on glaciation, geothermology geology, flora and fauna. Dip your hand into a geothermal spring to feel nature up close. Take in the views of upper Fox Glacier, Fox Neve, and Mount Tasman, one of New Zealand's highest mountains. Due to the location, you won't get up close to the terminal face of the glacier, this walk is predominantly focused on the stunning nature in the Fox Glacier Valley.  Upon completion of the walk, your guide will drop you back to your accommodation.

Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

6. Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

Enjoy a relaxing small-group walking tour in the glacier valley to view the Franz Josef Glacier with an experienced local guide where you will learn about glaciers and the local nature, history, local stories & Maori legends. Get picked up from your accommodation and drive to the glacier carpark to begin your guided tour. Stroll through the tepid rainforest full of creeks, beautiful flora, fauna, and native trees. Discover hidden gems such as native snails, mushrooms, orchids, and birds, waterfalls & glowworms. During the walk, enjoy a cup of tea with a view, listen to the songs of the forest birds & chat with your guide.

Greymouth: Full-Day Best Of The West Tour

7. Greymouth: Full-Day Best Of The West Tour

Start the tour with pickup from your accommodation in Greymouth. Set off along the famous Coast Road, rated one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. First, stop at the Pancake Rocks, where the sea, winds, and massive geological change have shaped the landscape creating fascinating stacked limestone rocks and blowholes. This area is rated a must-do attraction when visiting the West Coast. Then, continue on to the Tree Top Walkway which offers the experience of walking amongst the treetops. This exhilarating adventure among temperate rain forest giants, high above ancient Rimu's and Kamahi trees offers a 20-meter high platform with a 450-meter-long walkway to explore and enjoy the views. Climb the 47-meter tower for a better view if you dare, and enjoy a refreshment at the local cafe. Admire beautiful views of majestic Lake Mahinapua while listening to the bird song. Finally, explore the famous Hokitika Gorge, a popular tourist spot that is known for its vibrant blue water and tranquil rain forest setting. This natural attractions is another must-do on the West Coast and is a great place to have a picnic or a swim to cool off in summer. At the end of your tour, return to Greymouth where your trip ends.

From Greymouth: Punakaiki Blowholes & Pancake Rocks Tour

8. From Greymouth: Punakaiki Blowholes & Pancake Rocks Tour

Travel the Coast Road, a scenic drive passing beaches and bays with native West Coast bush background. Stop for photos along the way before reaching Punakaiki where you will be guided through the pancake rocks and blowholes. Enjoy a nature walk with access to interpretation panels to learn about your surroundings.  After spending time at the blow holes you have time to grab a refreshment at the local cafe before travelling on to the Truman Track. Take a short walk to an ocean viewing platform and sandy bay. At low tide you can access the bay and walk along to the rock pools.  Head back via the famous Coast Road and if time allows the tour guide can stop off at some bays along the way and allow time for more photos. Your tour ends back in Greymouth at your accommodation or at the visitor centre.

West Coast: Eco River Safari in UNESCO World Heritage Area

9. West Coast: Eco River Safari in UNESCO World Heritage Area

With your local guides who were previously commercial pilots, travel to the top of the river and listen to informative commentary with multiple photography stops. At the top head out on an optional walk, good for all ages. View the untouched scenery of mountains and ancient rainforest. Enjoy local morning tea and a chance to take in the whole surrounding area with stunning photo opportunities. Then you'll have a speedy trip down to the Tasman Sea, finishing in a side stream to visit the whitebait breeding grounds. If your group is 6 people or over, you will enjoy a BBQ meal at the end of the tour, with whitebait, crayfish, venison, salads and refreshments.

Franz Josef Glacier: 2.5-Hour Lake Mapourika Cruise and Walk

10. Franz Josef Glacier: 2.5-Hour Lake Mapourika Cruise and Walk

Begin your adventure at the meeting point in Franz Josef to join your small group and transfer out to Lake Mapourika with your guide. Cruise across the lake in the comfort of the boat and enjoy a stunning vista of Southern Alps and glaciers. On a clear day enjoy views as far as Mount Cook.   Sit back as you arrive into the calm estuary of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Your local knowledgeable skipper will provide you with exclusive access and will guide you through a private rainforest trail.   Follow your skipper through the Jurassic rainforest track and get local insight on the region. Spot native birds as you find your way to the scenic lookout, the perfect spot for a cup or tea or coffee made on the spot.

Available activities

12 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about West Coast, South Island Hiking

What are other things to do than Hiking that are worth visiting in West Coast, South Island?

The other unmissable things to do in West Coast, South Island are:

Other Sightseeing Options in West Coast, South Island

Want to discover all there is to do in West Coast, South Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about West Coast, South Island

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 28 reviews

As you are used to from GetyourGuide partner companies, super organized. Our glacier guide Moss was super nice. Was in a good mood, was very funny and tried to offer us so much worth knowing and action, as well as many beautiful photo backgrounds. (Climbing under crevasses, standing in front of water holes, picking up an ice ax, etc.) I would have preferred to use the time and hiked a little higher to the glacier, and flown a small curve up to the glacier on the return flight. Then it would have been perfect. It was still a dream because the weather cooperated.

Had such a lovely time on this walk. The family all enjoyed it as well. Cliff is very knowledgeable, funny and ensured we had a terrific time. Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to walk through the track (some of which are off the beaten path) with someone that can point out some facts about New Zealand flora and fauna. The tea break near the glacier is enjoyable and provides plenty of opportunities to take snaps.

Excellent activity. All safety gear including boots and crampons and walk-in poles provided. Guides very knowledgeable and no hard sell on photos afterward. Heli ride excellent views. Glacier was friendly the day we visited and sunny. Worth the walk to cave at the top. Saw caves, crevasses, waterfalls and ice. Moderate exertion level. Awesome to see and do.

It was a day trip from Greymouth to Franz Josef. You may choose to skip some of the itinerary to join the 30mins flight at your own cost. It is good for those travelers who have limited times but want to cover all best scenaries. Not really need to stay overnight at Franz Josef.

Must choose this travel agency. We have wonderful days with the tour guide, Paul. We booked Franz Josef and west tour day tour for 2 days. He did such a great job and made our anniversary memorable. He is knowlegeable about history and story about everything here.