Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
South Island, New Zealand
Daily Budget
~NZ$268
~US$55 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Adventure base
Overview
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two glaciers that descend from the Southern Alps almost to sea level, making them among the most accessible glaciers in the world. The twin glacier villages sit on the West Coast, 25 km apart, surrounded by lush temperate rainforest — a unique juxtaposition of ice and green. Due to glacial retreat, you can no longer walk onto either glacier from the valley floor; the only way to set foot on the ice is by helicopter (heli-hike). The villages are small, purpose-built for tourism, and have a captive backpacker audience thanks to the single road through.
Editor's Pick
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier stands out for: Heli-hike onto an active glacier — a bucket-list experience; Unique landscape where glaciers meet rainforest near sea level; Free valley walks to glacier viewpoints.
Things to Do
View all 8 activitiesHeli-hike onto Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
Heli-hike onto Franz Josef or Fox Glacier (3-4 hours including helicopter flight; from $400-450 NZD — expensive but unforgettable)
Kayak on Lake Mapourika with mirror reflections of the mountains
Kayak on Lake Mapourika with mirror reflections of the mountains (half-day from $95 NZD)
Top Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (NZD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | NZ$124 | $26 |
| Food | NZ$58 | $12 |
| Transport | NZ$15 | $3 |
| Total | ~NZ$268 | ~$55 |
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
8 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier?
- Budget around NZ$268 NZD (~US$55) per day in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Franz Josef & Fox Glacier?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Franz Josef & Fox Glacier are Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier?
- Top-rated hostels in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier include Montrose Lodge Fox Glacier, YHA Franz Josef, Rainforest Retreat Franz Josef. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from NZ$102 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier?
- Must-do activities in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier include Heli-hike onto Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, Kayak on Lake Mapourika with mirror reflections of the mountains, Scenic helicopter flight over both glaciers and the Southern Alps. There are 8 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
