FRANZ JOSEF / WAIAU ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Giants, One Day — Glacier Watching in Franz Josef / Waiau
An 8-hour guided day that visits two of New Zealand’s largest glaciers with included protective gear, complimentary hot drinks and hotel pick-up.
Two Giants, One Day — Glacier Watching in Franz Josef / Waiau.
Experience the raw scale and subtle contrasts of two of New Zealand’s largest glaciers on a single guided outing from Franz Josef / Waiau. The Twin Glacier Tour pairs close-up viewing with interpretation from a knowledgeable New Zealand guide so you can compare icefalls, moraine, and glacial landscape processes across both sites in one full day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
See two major glaciers in one day
The tour is designed to visit both glaciers in a single 8‑hour outing, giving travelers a rare chance to compare the character and scale of two of New Zealand’s largest ice systems under the guidance of an experienced local guide.
Warm-up breaks and protective kit included
Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits are provided, and the operator supplies raincoats, over‑trousers, large heavy‑duty umbrellas, walking poles and sunscreen to help keep you comfortable on changing glacier‑edge conditions.
Local knowledge and family value
A knowledgeable New Zealand guide leads the day, combining interpretation with practical support; the operator also promotes family value—children 15 years and under receive half price—while maintaining an age minimum for safety.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Across an eight‑hour schedule you’re moved between glacier vantage points with guided stops that let you observe contrasts in ice, rock and glacial drainage. The guide frames what you see, hot drinks and brief shelter breaks punctuate the walking, and included protective clothing and poles help manage the variable weather common in the Franz Josef / Waiau area.
THE ROUTE
See two major glaciers in one day
The tour is designed to visit both glaciers in a single 8‑hour outing, giving travelers a rare chance to compare the character and scale of two of New Zealand’s largest ice systems under the guidance of an experienced local guide.
THE COMFORTS
Warm-up breaks and protective kit included
Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits are provided, and the operator supplies raincoats, over‑trousers, large heavy‑duty umbrellas, walking poles and sunscreen to help keep you comfortable on changing glacier‑edge conditions.
THE GUIDE
Local knowledge and family value
A knowledgeable New Zealand guide leads the day, combining interpretation with practical support; the operator also promotes family value—children 15 years and under receive half price—while maintaining an age minimum for safety.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who to plan around.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Twin Glacier Tour runs for approximately 8 hours.
Bring outdoor clothing suited to the day’s weather, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses, camera and energy for a full day of walking and viewing.
The operator supplies raincoats, over‑trousers, large heavy‑duty umbrellas, walking poles and sunscreen; complimentary hot drinks and biscuits are provided. There is a limited supply of tramping boots available from the operator.
Complimentary pick‑up and drop‑off from your accommodation is included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Twin Glacier Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
Is there an age minimum for participants?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under the age of 12; participants should be aged 12 or older.
Is transport provided?
Yes. Complimentary pick‑up and drop‑off from your accommodation is included.
What gear and comforts are provided by the operator?
The operator provides raincoats, over‑trousers, large heavy‑duty umbrellas, walking poles and sunscreen; hot drinks and biscuits are also included. A limited supply of tramping boots is available.
Are hot drinks included on the tour?
Yes. Complimentary hot drinks (tea/coffee/hot chocolate) and biscuits are included.
Is the tour good value for families?
The operator promotes this as a family value option: children 15 years and under are offered at half price, while still observing the minimum age requirement.