Franz Josef Nature Tour: Informative and Family-Friendly Experience With Experienced Nature Guides

Join our Franz Josef Nature Tour for an informative and family-friendly experience. Explore the stunning natural beauty with experienced nature guides and learn about glaciology, geology, flora & fauna, and local legends & history.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Franz Josef Glacier - The guide will collect participants from their accommodation or designated meeting point in Franz Josef and transport them to the glacier carpark. From this location, the small group tour, accompanied by the guide, will proceed on foot to approximately 2000 meters from the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier, concluding the forest walk.
What's Included
  • Boots if required - please enquire as stock is limited
  • Walking poles if required
  • Umbrellas
  • Wet weather clothing
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • water
Additional Information

This eco-tour is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and skill levels, offering chances for off-track adventures and a deep understanding of the ecosystem’s complex dynamics. This memorable journey reveals the hidden marvels of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Wander through ancient native podocarp rainforest, walk along a pristine glacial-fed river,…

Location
20 Main Road
Main Road
Glacier Valley Eco Tours, in The Helicopter Line building (next to Glacier Motors)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(113 Ratings)
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1 star
Rowena
Mar 13, 2026
Franz Josef Nature Walk - Our 3 hour guided walk with Louis was amazing. Not only was he a lovely young gentleman, his knowledge of the area was outstanding. We learnt alot about the area we walked . It was very special to go off the main track in places , with hot chocolate being served in front of the Glacier , a nice touch . We would highly recommend. Wishing Louis all the best at Uni completing his Masters .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Calvin
Mar 1, 2026
Great day your - Took a tour today with Sophia as our guide. Great tour. Sophia is a great host and knowledgeable about the area. I will be recommending the tours to all our guests. 😊😊🤩🤩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philip_r
Feb 26, 2026
Sophia was a very... - Sophia was a very knowledgeable guide who provided an interesting and entertaining walk through the rain forest. She took on board our preferences and provided refreshments.
Review provided by Viator
Y3913fpjohns
Feb 23, 2026
Tasha Saves the Day - I hope I have the right company. This is a story about the owner, Natasha. The company that arranged this trip informed us that we were going to be picked up at the hotel. We waited and waited, only to be told that things had changed and we were supposed to have met at the company's location. We were informed that we had missed our trip. Being our last day in Franz Joseph, the glacier is the main tourist attraction, and it seemed that we weren't going to see it. We went down to the office. Natasha was our angel. She had done nothing wrong, yet she personally drove us up to the glacier and waited in the parking lot for us to return. The reality is that she was under no obligation to do so. Her kindness was appreciated. We offered to take her out to dinner. We would have enjoyed her company. Quite simply, today's world needs more Natashas or Tasha as she calls herself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kameronw787
Feb 22, 2026
Great ECO tour to see the Glacier and learn about conservation and the effect of climate change. - Great tour with Sophia to see all the ferns and other plants, to learn about conservation and technology to get rid of pests and predators to protect native NZ birds, Kiwis, etc. Also saw the Franz Josef Glacier up close and learned about the effects of climate change.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic273104
Feb 10, 2026
Not to be missdd - Unforgettable and great guide and in safe hands! Lucky to fo it with my son for his birthday :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sally_b
Feb 7, 2026
Excellent experience!! - Absolutely brilliant, our guide Sophie was so knowledgeable and made a great hot drink at the glacier 😀😀 We saw the glacier, walked through the rainforest and on the river bed
Review provided by Viator
Sally14b
Feb 7, 2026
Excellent walk full of information - Brilliant walk with Sophie she was so informative about the plants etc. It was raining very hard but the waterproofs they supply are excellent keeping you dry. We managed to see the glacier and was served a hot drink and cookie from Sophie😀😀
Review provided by Tripadvisor
774harryv
Feb 13, 2026
Back routes fantastic, guide class. Expect more from walking. - Good guide with fun anecdotes and answers questions you ask. The 1st part of the trip we can do on our own. Shouldn't be part of the trip. The 2nd part the back routes which are cool and great to see. These make the trip and for this you go with a guide. Without a guide you are not allowed on the back-routes. Do not expect a brisk trip as announced. Our company was mobile not the fastest and the slowest determines. The front screening needs to be done better. I feel like we've gone quite a bit wrong now. Walking is tight 1.5 hours at a time of 4 hours. What we did see is great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bryony
Feb 10, 2026
Enjoyed but slow pace - I enjoyed it but was expecting to walk further than 2km in 2.5 hours. Also would have been useful if it stated which track we would be walking on when booking as I had already done the majority of the track we walked on the day before by myself. I understand there were mixed abilities in the group but maybe this is something that could be asked when booking. Overall, my opinion would be to save your money and do the walk by yourself!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $64
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).