10 Glaciers in New Zealand 2024: With Highlights & Location

New Zealand Glaciers

Glaciers in New Zealand includes Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, The Tasman Glacier, The Rob Roy Glacier, Hooker Glacier, Murchison Glacier, Volta Glacier, Mueller Glacier and many more.

The famous New Zealand Glaciers are known to offer travellers with scenic landscapes of glacial lakes, flower laden meadows, alluring forest covers, imposing mountain ranges, and national parks. The raw beauty of nature and the exquisite wilderness of these natural formations will stupefy your senses. You can come over to these places during the peak tourism season and indulge in a wide range of activities under the expert supervision.

When talking about some best glaciers in New Zealand, you have Franz Josef Glacier which offers loads of adventure opportunities to the thrill seekers, Fox Glacier which is popular for its alluring natural beauty and significance and The Tasman Glacier which is famous for heli hikes and guided tours. You can also head out to Hooker Glacier on New Zealand tour to explore the unexplored part of the world as well as indulge in some brilliant photography sessions as well.

Here is the list of best glaciers in New Zealand:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
Explore All (43)
01

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier happens to be one of the accessible glaciers in New Zealand which is situated in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It is one of the most guided New Zealand glaciers with heaps of adventure junkies visiting every single year to explore the stunning blue ice caves and deep crevasses.

You can also book flights for Air Safaris and Fox Franz Heliservices to capture a memorable view and count the same as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Highlights:  Air Safaris, Helicopter Hiking, Rainforest Retreat

Location: Westland Tai Poutini National Park
02

Fox Glacier

Located on the west coast of South Island, this glacier is about 12 km long and offers panoramic views to the visitors. This is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites that will give you an indication of the alluring natural beauty and significance.

The guided tour of this place would last for about 2-3 hours and in the course of the same, you will be spotting rivers, beaches, and forests.

Highlights: UNESCO world heritage site, unforgettable glacier experience

Location: Westland Tai Poutini National Park
03

The Tasman Glacier

The Tasman Glacier happens to be a 23 km long Best Glacier in New Zealand that is upto 4 km wide and is about 600 meters thick at some points. Tourists love to come over to this place for trying out heli hikes and guided tours from the month of July to the month of September.

Hike through the track, you will get to witness awesome views of the largest glacier in the whole country.

Highlights: Heli hikes and guided tours, stunning views of pristine white snow and ice, Ski Plane

Location: Southern Alps in New Zealand's South Island

04

The Rob Roy Glacier

The Rob Roy Glacier happens to be one of the Best Glaciers in New Zealand that is situated in the Mount Aspiring National Park. The best part of this place is its dramatic hanging cliff off the edge of the Peak. Hiking tour of this place takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete.

It is well marked, easy and incredibly enjoyable.

Highlights: Dramatic hanging off the edge of Rob Roy Peak

Location: Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island
05

Hooker Glacier

Hooker glacier is yet another glacier that sits on the slopes of the alps in the Southern Island. It is about 11 km long and offers fantastic walking tours to the visitors to let them witness the views of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The route through the Best Glacier in New Zealand takes about 3 hours to complete and on the way you will be able to capture amazing scenery on both the sides.

In the course of taking the hiking tour, you must capture the experience of standing before the peak as it surely leaves people speechless with its magnificence.

Highlights: Guided hiking tour, watching the Ice floating icebergs, Suspension bridges

Location: New Zealand
06

Murchison Glacier

Murchison Glacier, which is situated on the eastern part of Mount Cook in the Southern Alps is a wonderful place to visit for adventure seekers. It offers great opportunities to the daring souls like skiing and ski mountaineering.

The melt water of this glacier feeds the Murchison River and it in general flows under the Hooker Glacier.

Highlights: Skiing and ski mountaineering

Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand
07

Volta Glacier

Volta Glacier happens to be located in the Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps of South Island of New Zealand. The glacier splits into an upper and lower glacier and is connected by an icefall.

Highlights: Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook,scenic highlights in Mackenzie

Location: Mount Aspiring National Park
08

Mueller Glacier

The Mueller Glacier is a 13 km long glacier that flows through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand.

Being one of the most sought after New Zealand glaciers, it is named after a Danish born Australian scientist who was on an exploration tour of Australia and was documenting the lesser known ranges.

Highlights: luxury inflite helicopter or ski plane, stunning views of Mt Sefton, captivating rugged mountain terrain

Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
09

Douglas Glacier

Douglas Glacier happens to be located on the southeast slope of Mount Logan. The glacier is about 1.21 km along and is about 2.4 km wide. It flows down from the east summit of Mount Logan to an altitude of about 6400 ft.

These New Zealand glaciers terminate in an icefall on the barren ground.

Highlights: Glacier Rock, stoney Creek river crossings, deciduous coniferous forest covers

Location: West Coast 7999, New Zealand
10

Olivine Ice Plateau

Olivine Ice Plateau is one of the  New Zealand glaciers that is located in the Olivine Wilderness Area and Aspiring National Park in the South Island. This place is named after the mineral olivine, found commonly in the region. In order to reach the Plateau you would need to pass through Rock Burn, Park Pass, Cow Saddle, Fiery Col and the Forgotten river.

You will capture brilliant views of nature and pristine surroundings from the peak.

Highlights: Rich is Mineral Olivine

Location: Olivine Wilderness Area and Aspiring National Park

People Also Ask About New Zealand

  1. What are the best things to do in Fox Glacier?

    1. Visit the Lake Matheson: Spread over 30 hectares of area, the glacial lake of Matheson is famous for its stunning reflective view of the snow capped mountains in the backdrop. From hiking, cycling to fishing, Lake Matheson is the perfect escapade from the bustling city crowd.

    2. Explore the natural hot pools of Welcome Flat: Hidden amidst rainforests and Alpine terrains of Copland Valley is one of the most visited and very unique destinations. Welcome Flat is home to some of the best hot pools of New Zealand that you cannot miss out on while exploring the stunning beauty of this island nation.

    3. Take a helicopter tour of the Fox Glacier: Taking the helicopter ride, you will be able to see some of the uninterrupted views of the Best Glacier in New Zealand, Fox Glacier. It stands tall to thousands of feet high up in the sky and the experience you will be getting is surely worth a lifetime.

    4. Watch the sunset at Gillespie’s Beach: Noted for one of the best sunset views, Gillespie’s beach overlooks the snow-capped Mount Cook on one side and the southern Pacific Ocean on the other side. Camping for the night on the beach is another thing to try while planning to watch the sunset from the beach. You will also be able to capture scenic views of the southern alps taking a coastal walk along the water body.

  2. Which is better, Fox or Franz Josef Glacier?

    Both Fox and Franz Josef New Zealand glaciers attract adventure seekers all through the year. The difference between both the places is that Fox Glacier has got a gradual incline whereas Franz Josef has got a steeper incline. The surface of Fran Josef Glacier is covered with crevasse and ice caves however this is not the same with Fox Glacier.
  3. Is it worth going to Franz Josef Glacier?

    Yes, it is definitely worth going to Franz Josef New Zealand glaciers as it is one of the most sought after natural wonders and you will be able to make some unforgettable memories at this place along with your loved ones.
  4. How far is Franz Josef Glacier from Queenstown?

    Franz Josef Glacier is located at a distance of 351.0 km from Queenstown which can be covered within 4 hours and 39 mins via state highway 9.
  5. What are the best things to do in Franz Josef Glacier?

    - Hiking To Alex Knob
    - Tartare Tunnel – Glow Worms
    - Chasing Waterfalls
    - Roberts Point Track
    - Franz Josef Valley Glacier Walk
    - Callery Gorge Walk
    - Heli Hiking On Franz Josef Glacier
    - Kayaking On Lake Mapourika

  6. What are the different types of day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia?

Newly Added New Zealand Experience

New Zealand Top Attractions

Places To Visit In New Zealand
Excellent
My experience in New Zealand was superb. Everything was because of the well-planned trip done by Thrillophilia. From day 1 till the last day of our trip it went so smooth and unforgettable which was beyond our expectation, The Itinerary was very fulfilling and we even get more than what is mentioned on it... The package is mixed with a unique experience of activities... We truly enjoyed the whole tour throughout. Even we had a great stay, nice adventure, new tastes of amazing foods, met wonderful people, and get close to nature... Lovely organized we missed nothing on this tour.
Excellent
We visited New Zealand on our honeymoon, we are very lucky that we choose this destination which we had no regret at all with this trip...The main thing was that the trip was very well-organized and very well-executed. The selection of touring spots, hotels, transportation, airport picked-up, and dropped-off, really I must say that the whole tour planning is extremely superb... Every spot arrived really amazed and gave us good pictures at each... No doubt I will strongly advise everyone to take help from Thrillophilia for any booking tour within or outside the country...Thanks, Thrillophilia for the amazing honeymoon trip.
It was really a nice, beautiful and unforgettable trip!! New Zealand is such a beautiful place with lots of amazing attractions and different experience, I booked this tour with my friends and we really enjoyed a lot on this tour. We have a guide with us who was very knowledgable, friendly and helpful took us to all the main attractions with proper details of each... It was really a full fun trip... I never forget the tours at Agordome the show there is about different kinds of sheep which was very lovely and cute it was very entertaining and the audience was full really it was the hightlight of the place and our tour. We had many different activities on this trip, the transfer on the SIC basis was very comfortable and enjoyable with the other traveler. Accommodations were really good with good service and breakfast the entire stay, Full support we get from the team the entire trip, The tour went so perfect as we expected... I highly recommend this tour to everyone who is looking for the best tour in New Zealand this is the best package... I love this tour would like to return again one day...
This is my first-time using this service...I had a knowledgable, friendly, and helpful agent who was happy to assist me before planning, during the trip, and even after I returned back from the trip we are kinda good friends now... Thoughtfully they planned my trip with detailed about everything which was easy for me to follow the itinerary and it went well... they keep in touch the entire trip and tried their level best to give the possible service to me...I enjoyed every bit of this trip. Great stay, great transport, great activities...Literally I was blown away with this trip
The longest international trip I took this time with Thrillophilia that is for 12 days in New Zealand. Yes, I've been getting a good experience with this company in which I have no doubt to booked any tour from this portal... The trip I had was very well-planned and very-executed especially the itinerary was very fulfilling right from the beginning till the end of the trip, the service we get from Thrillophilia and the entire team who was looking towards us the entire trip was truly amazing, we found no issues at all the whole time on real-time they took action and solved all the problems...The hotels and the transport they provided as per what we choose on the time of booking which was outstanding, luxurious and at a prime location, the guide they assigned to us was very informative, knowledgable and friendly too shared all the interesting fact of the place like culture, religion, and history... We really had a great sightseeing tour, amazing activities, and explored the place like a local... I am so happy that I got all exactly on the itinerary... This is really amazing... I would definitely recommend this to all who loved to travel.
Excellent
I booked this tour from India with my little ones. The place is full of greenery and mountains also the coastlines are must visit. As I traveled with kids, we were given handled with care, being it the driver or the hospitality with friendly staff and the food was also good. Would recommend it ahead.
Suryakanta Marar New Zealand Tour Package From India
Excellent
I would start from how wonderful the place the environment and the surroundings were. We loved the way the tour was executed including mostly every type of the activities possible. We were mermerised in all the way possible. Just it!!
We had a fantastic trip to New Zealand thanks to Thrillophilia for this amazingly organized trip. Management and arrangements were super brilliant. The activities we had on this trip were outstanding, the entire trip we were been guided by the professional and helpful staff, both on-ground and online service were fantastic, the itinerary was very satisfying which we get everything listed on it. The experiences we had there were truly huge. The places are worth seeing and visiting. Highly recommended
The trip was planned in such a way that the travelers would definitely happy with it after experienced it...The team suggested us with this trip to New Zealand for 9-days my partner and I were happy with this trip...The place is truly a paradise...The activities we had were fun and exciting which we enjoyed the one that came with the package as well we do enjoy the self-itineraries too which we took part in many adventure activities, went shopping souvinirs, as so on.. Our guide was welcoming and informative, Hotels, transfers, meals, and 24/7 services were all super Excellent.
I was always attracted and wanted to travel to New Zealand for a long time... I am so happy that I am getting this chance to make it happened this year and I am so glad also that I choose the right website for my trip. Very professionally they plan my trip as per my needs. I 100% very satisfied...with the itinerary, the service, arrangement of accommodations, transport, guide, and everything... Altogether made my trip memorable... Really appreciate everything...Worthy Experience.

Popular Nearby Places Around New Zealand

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong