Explore the stunning Franz Josef Glacier

France joseph glacier, New Zealand • Must Do

Must Do

Best months to visit

Jan, Feb, Nov

9°C – 16°C, january in franz josef glacier features warm temperatures ranging from 9°c to 16°c, with an average of 12, high crowds, peak season

Walking required

Yes

Hiking on uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.

Value for money

Medium

Pricey, but the experience is generally considered worthwhile.

Analysed by Rimigo AI, for you!

Not ideal

Our analysis

No analysis available

Highlights we curated for you

See what similar travellers think of this activity

Reviews from other travelers

Summarised by AI

Stunning Views

Couples raved about the breathtaking scenery and unique ice formations. Romantic and memorable!

Heli-Hike Worth

Couples found the heli-hike an unforgettable experience. Guides were professional and knowledgeable.

Magical Experience

Visitors felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The blue ice was truly magical.

Weather Dependent

Couples were disappointed by weather-related tour cancellations. Plan for flexibility!

High Price

Travelers felt the heli-hikes and scenic flights were expensive. Budget accordingly for this.

Glacier Retreat

Couples noted the walk to the glacier face is now distant, impacting the experience.

How to book

Viator

RECOMMENDED

Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

2h - 3h

4.8

from

USD 45

per_person

BOOK

Getyourguide

Premium Experience with Hotel Pickup

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before

4h - 5h

4.9

from

USD 70

per_person

BOOK

Klook

Private Full-Day Tour

Non-refundable

8h - 10h

5.0

from

USD 120

per_person

BOOK

Hours of operation

Monday

open - open

Tuesday

open - open

Wednesday

open - open

Thursday

open - open

Friday

open - open

Saturday

open - open

Sunday

open - open

In-depth experience

May contain spoilers

Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.

Discover the scenic Franz Josef Glacier

Embark on a exploration of Franz Josef Glacier in this captivating video

When to visit

We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.

Month

Crowd Level

Weather

Availability

Our recommendation

December

HIGH

8-15°C

December marks the beginning of summer, with daytime temperatures around 15°C and nighttime lows near 8°C. The region experiences heavy rainfall, averaging around 376 mm over 18 days.

Open

Due to high demand, early booking is essential for tours and accommodations.

Recommended

Despite the higher likelihood of rain, December's warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours make it a popular time to visit. Visitors should plan and book in advance to ensure availability.

January

HIGH

9-16°C

January in Franz Josef Glacier features warm temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C, with an average of 12.5°C. The region experiences significant rainfall, averaging around 361 mm over approximately 15 days.

Open

Due to high demand, advance bookings are essential for tours and accommodations.

Recommended

January offers warm weather and long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and heli-hiking. However, the high tourist influx means higher prices and the need for early reservations.

February

HIGH

9-16°C

February continues the warm summer trend with temperatures between 9°C and 16°C, averaging 12.5°C. Rainfall is slightly lower than January, averaging around 222 mm over approximately 11 days.

Open

High demand necessitates early bookings for tours and accommodations.

Recommended

February's warm weather and slightly reduced rainfall make it a favorable time for glacier activities. However, expect high prices and the need for advance planning due to peak season crowds.

March

MEDIUM

7-14°C

March marks the transition to autumn with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 14°C, averaging 10.5°C. Rainfall increases to around 252 mm over approximately 11 days.

Open

Some tours may have reduced schedules as the season changes.

Recommended

March offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a good time for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Be prepared for increased rainfall and check for any seasonal changes in tour operations.

How to get there