Franz Josef Activities and Experiences

We are most happy to help you book your activities in the Franz Josef and Fox area at no extra charge. 
Contact us beforehand, or come and see us in the office so we can help you plan your stay in our stunning region.

​Kiwi Centre

The West Coast Wildlife Centre, located across from the Terrace Motel, is the largest Kiwi Captive Rearing Facility in the South Island and is helping bring the critically endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi back from extinction – in partnership with DOC and local iwi. 
Take a self-guided tour of the indoor attraction and see live young Rowi kiwi in the natural bush walkthrough, discover highly endangered Tuatara, or purchase VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour to get a first-hand, behind the scenes look at our hatching and incubation programme combined with our Tuatara Encounter.

​Air Safaris

Air Safaris has operated alpine flight-seeing throughout the world heritage national parks of Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini since 1970. 
The iconic Air Safaris Grand Traverse scenic flight provides the opportunity to view New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers. 
The aircraft operated by Air Safaris are offering a window seat for every passenger and have wings-above to ensure unobstructed viewing below.

​Scenic Helicopter Flight 

​Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are the fastest growing of any glaciers in the world. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vast size of the glaciers.  
From Franz Josef Village fly over the Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. You will touch down on the snowy glacier plains, inhale the mountain air and take snaps with your chopper before heading back to base. 
There are several helicopter companies to choose from.

Glacier Heli Hike

A first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper, seeing only what experienced mountaineers can reach is a wilderness experience you’ll never forget.
From Franz Josef Village base, you’ll fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. You’ll land on a section of this 12km long glacier where the guides have made a daily safety assessment of the conditions on this fast-moving ice flow. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons you’ll walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles and see first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air.

​Waiho Hot tubs

​Nothing is better than soaking in warm water after a long trip.
Enjoy your own private tubs, nestled in a lush rain forest setting on New Zealand’s West Coast.
​The wood-fired hot tubs combine the soothing comfort of warm water with the unique atmosphere of wood smoke to give you an unforgettable experience. 

Lake Mapouraki Activities

Kayaking

Lake Mapourika sits nestled amongst Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest, and this is your opportunity to explore it. Glide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika.
Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail within the Rowi Conservation area, learn about the kiwi conservation and spot native birdlife

Scenic Cruises

Lake Mapourika is a scenic gem on the West Coast, situated just north from Franz Josef Glacier at the iconic Jetty Bay. Lake Mapourika’s Jetty is a popular spot for photographers, although you need get onto the water to see the Lake in its full beauty! The scenic cruises and guided walks are popular with visitors of all ages. Set amongst a breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps & many Glaciers (including the Franz Josef Glacier), you can even see as far as Mt Cook from the water. The lake’s rainforest fringed shoreline is home to many native NZ bush birds and we’re often visited by the rare White Heron as they come to enjoy the lake’s abundant fish and eels.

Fishing Tour

Lake Mapourika is one of the South Island's most scenic fishing destinations. The lake holds good stock of Brown Trout and Wild Salmon (including sea run salmon). The salmon season runs from Oct 1st to March 31st annually. Brown Trout can be caught year around.  
A local NZ fishing guide will provide all necessary fishing instruction and equipment. No previous experience is necessary. 

Skydive

​Skydive Franz & Fox has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glacier Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. 
Offer 13000ft, 16500ft and 20000ft – New Zealand Highest Skydive
Tandem skydiving is the fastest, easiest and safest way for an inexperienced skydiver to enjoy the thrill of jumping out of a plane, free falling through the sky at 200kph/120mph and floating safely to the ground under a parachute. The system includes a harness and parachute system for both the passenger and the instructor to share, so you can simply enjoy the thrill of the experience knowing your instructor has everything under control. 

Quad bike trips

​Experience the thrill of riding the unique 2-seater quad bikes or 3-seater buggies through a variety of terrain including a stunning rainforest, splash through rivers and ride over ancient glacial riverbed and grassland.
We can have fun in the sun and see spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the famous Franz Josef Glacier or as we like to say, "the wetter the better" to get down and dirty in the mud and water.
Let our experienced guides take you on an unforgettable journey through our beautiful backyard!

Okarito activities

Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland. A coastal lagoon, it is 27 kms south of Hokitika, covering an area of about 12km. The area is unique for its rare birdlife, including the White Heron.
Okarito itself is a picturesque small township with several fantastic activities including Okarito Eco Boat Tours on the lagoon and Kayak Tours. 

We are happy to book any of the above activities at no extra charge.