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West Coast Glacier Explorer

~Rainforest trails. Glacier ice. The wild West Coast.~

Departure

November–April

from

Queenstown, Wanaka

or Fox Glacier

Duration

3 Days

Difficulty

Easy/Moderate

Guide

Private Guided Trip

3–10 people

Accommodation

Hotel

Franz Josef

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Highlights of the Trip

Glacier Valley Walks

Walk to viewpoints overlooking Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with your guide sharing the story of these changing landscapes.

Fox Glacier Heli Hike

Fly into the mountains, then explore Fox Glacier’s changing ice formations on a guided hike. Experience the scale and beauty of the glacier up close.

Lake Matheson

Enjoy a morning walk around the lake, where calm conditions can reveal reflections of the Southern Alps.

Discover the wild West Coast on a private three-day journey from Queenstown. Walk through glacier country, see Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from the valley trails, and take a helicopter flight onto Franz Josef Glacier for a guided walk on the ice. Finish with a peaceful morning at Lake Matheson before returning to Queenstown.

Travel from Queenstown through mountain valleys and rainforest to the West Coast, where glaciers descend towards the forest. Your first walk leads to a viewpoint over the Fox Glacier valley, giving you time to take in the landscape after the journey.

The next day, explore the Franz Josef Glacier valley on foot before joining a heli hike. A helicopter flight takes you onto the glacier, where a specialist guide leads you across the ice and introduces you to its changing formations. It’s a chance to experience the glacier both from the valley and up close.

On your final morning, walk around Lake Matheson. When the water is still, the Southern Alps may appear reflected in the lake—a memorable last view before the drive back to Queenstown.

This private trip is designed to give your group time to enjoy each place. If you’re looking for a more demanding walk, we can discuss longer track options when planning your journey. The order of activities may change to make the most of the weather and heli hike availability.

Our Signature Multi-Adventure Tours are fully guided and thoughtfully curated, with most essentials taken care of so you can focus on the experience.

Professional Silver Beech Outdoors guide throughout the journey
All ground transport in a comfortable private vehicle
Carefully selected accommodation for the duration of the tour
Daily breakfast
Lunches and snacks provided on activity days and in remote locations
All scheduled activities and experiences listed in the itinerary
National park fees, permits, and DOC concession fees where required
Pre-departure support, trip planning, and packing guidance

[Complimentary Gear Rental]

To help you travel light, we offer free use of essential hiking equipment, subject to availability:

Day pack
Walking poles
Waterproof rain jacket

[What’s Not Included]

All dinners
Personal food/drink purchases
Travel insurance (required)

Your guide will assist with dinner recommendations, bookings, and local options.

[Difficulty Levels]

Moderate: This trip suits guests with reasonable fitness who are comfortable walking for a few hours on varied terrain. The Fox Glacier and Franz Josef viewpoint walks and Lake Matheson walk are taken at a relaxed pace, with breaks along the way.
The Franz Josef heli hike is the most demanding part of the trip. You’ll walk on uneven glacier ice with a specialist guide and the equipment provided by the heli hike operator. No previous glacier experience is needed for the standard itinerary. Longer walks, such as Alex Knob or Roberts Point, are more demanding and can be discussed separately with experienced hikers.

[Departures]
This private 3-day journey departs from Queenstown, Wanaka or Fox Glacier between November and April, on dates chosen by your group. Departures are subject to accommodation and activity availability, so we recommend booking at least six months in advance.

[Room Types]

Twin Room: This option provides a room for two people equipped with two separate beds, offering comfort and convenience for friends or family traveling together.

Double Room: Designed for couples or close companions, this option features a room with one double-sized bed.

Single Private: Perfect for those who prefer solitude, this option offers a room just for you, ensuring privacy and personal space for your stay. Please note that an additional cost of $500 NZD applies for the Single Private option for this trip.

[Third-Party Activity Requirements]

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike : Participants must weigh between 35kg and 115kg, or up to 120kg with gear, and be at least 137cm tall.

*Responsibility for safety during these activities lies with the respective third-party operators. If these requirements are not met, an alternative activity will be offered.

Walk through glacier country, step onto the ice and slow down beside Lake Matheson—all in three unforgettable days on the wild West Coast.

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Price

$3,800 NZD per person

*Additional fee for single private room

West Coast Glacier Explorer

Glacier Valley Walks

Fox Glacier Heli Hike

Lake Matheson

Price

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