Glacier Country NZ

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Glacier Country NZ

Visitor information for New Zealand's Glacier Country on the West Coast of the South Island. Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Okarito, Whataroa
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We are a group of 90 businesses who work together to let the world know about remote Glacier Country, New Zealand. Glacier Country is part of the great untamed wilderness of the South Island and stretches from Okarito and Whataroa in the north, through Franz Josef Glacier and onto Fox Glacier in the South. The region provides access to some of the most spectacular landscapes in New Zealand includi

ng its highest mountains, longest glaciers, ancient rainforest, wildest rivers and most rugged coastlines.

15/06/2026

Five unforgettable adventures await in Glacier Country.

1. Take your sense of adventure to new heights ice climbing on our glaciers with Fox Glacier Guiding (pictured here) and Franz Josef Glacier Guides

2. Splash through glacial riverbed and through Jurassic rainforest on an off-road quad or buggy tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

3. Jump into New Zealand’s best scenery with epic views of Aoraki / Mt Cook and the glaciers out to the coastline with Skydive Franz Josef

4. Experience the thrill of landing on a glacier before exploring the spectacular ancient ice on a guided hike with Fox Glacier Guiding and Franz Josef Glacier Guides (pictured here).

5. Enjoy Glacier Country from above with lots of scenic flight options. One minute you are surrounded by rainforest and only a few minutes later enjoying a birds eye view of the Southern Alps and glaciers.
https://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/things-to-do/scenic-flights/

Which adventure will you take on first?

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

🎥 Epic footage by Bare Kiwi compiled by us!

08/06/2026

Take in the snow-covered peaks of our highest mountains Aoraki / Mt Cook and Mt Tasman from the West Coast with these five scenic spots:

1. Lake Matheson
2. Ōkārito Lagoon
3. Gillespies Beach
4. Lake Gault
5. Ōkārito Trig Track

There are also plenty of options to see them from another perspective on a scenic flight 🚁

Which one are you choosing first?

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

01/06/2026

Glacier Country Winter Reflections: 2/8 Lake Gault

Winter brings some of the calmest and clearest days creating perfect conditions to capture stunning reflections across our lakes, lagoons and waterways.

Like its well-known neighbour Lake Matheson, the dark waters of Lake Gault create magnificent mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Reached via a 3-hour return walk through ancient podocarp forest this peaceful spot is one of Glacier Country’s hidden gems.

Save this for your winter trip to Glacier Country 💙

Discover Lake Gault in Fox Glacier 👇
🔗: https://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/gct_walks/lake-gault-track/

📸: Geoff Marks | the_viewfinda

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

28/05/2026

Some of the best views don’t require a long walk.

These four scenic stops make exploring Glacier Country easy with incredible scenery right from the roadside.

Save this for your next West Coast adventure 🌿

Franz Josef Glacier | Fox Glacier | Okarito | Whataroa

25/05/2026

Long weekend plans? Here’s some inspiration for your King’s Birthday weekend…

Enjoy the scenic drive here taking in viewpoints and short walks along the way. Then once you arrive slow down, everything is within easy reach so you can relax and enjoy the long weekend at your own pace 🌿

- Slow mornings
- Great food
- Short rainforest walks
- Relax in nature

What’s first on your long weekend itinerary?

Explore Glacier Country 👇
🔗: https://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

20/05/2026

Glacier Country Winter Reflections: 1/8 Okarito Lagoon

Winter brings some of the calmest and clearest days creating perfect conditions to capture stunning reflections across our lakes, lagoons and waterways.

New Zealand’s largest unmodified coastal wetland Okarito Lagoon is surrounded by stunning scenery from the Southern Alps down through layers of rainforest to the lagoon waters. On a still day these landscapes are beautifully reflected across the lagoon.

One of many stunning reflection spots waiting to be discovered in Glacier Country 💙

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

18/05/2026

Some photos from the recent Glacier Country Car Show in Franz Josef 🚗

Held annually in May at the Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park the show brings together a mix of classic and modern vehicles from around the South Island.

The event is a fundraiser supporting the local St Johns Ambulance as well as community groups. With live music and market stalls as well as the display it's a fantastic day out for both locals and visitors alike 🙌

Keep an eye out for next year’s date!
Franz Josef Glacier Country Car Show

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

15/05/2026

King’s Birthday Weekend plans?

Jody Direen is playing live at Monsoon in Franz Josef on Saturday 30 May from 8pm 🎤

She’s bringing the full band, all the favourites and her new single West Coast🎶

Free entry. Limited capacity. First in, first served.

Follow Monsoon Bar & Restaurant for all the details.

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

13/05/2026

This is autumn at Lake Matheson 💙

Autumn and winter’s calm clear days create ideal conditions for catching mirror reflections of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

It’s one of the most special times of year to explore.

Read more reasons why we love this time of year 👇
🔗: https://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/six-reasons-to-visit-glacier-country-in-autumn/

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

11/05/2026

If a Glacier Heli Hike isn’t already on your bucket list now’s the time to add it ❄️

Experience unforgettable views, ice caves, arches and tunnels revealing the incredible textures and beautiful blue of the glaciers.

It's one of those experiences you’ll be talking about long after you leave.

📸: evelyn._.chan with Fox Glacier Guiding

Fox Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier | Ōkārito | Whataroa

Address

PO Box 78
Franz Josef Glacier
7586

Website

http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/

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