Bella Vista Franz Josef

There are many activities and tours designed for all age groups and physical abilities, all aiming to give you the best Glacier experience possible.
There are miles of walking shoe friendly paths through out the bush, including one just behind our accommodatoin. Activities included, sky diving, Quadbiking, carting, boat / fishing tours, Kiwi watching and visiting the glacier and relaxing in the new hot pool complext just a short walk from your accommodation.

Glacier Valley Eco Tours provide guided walks which pick you up from our motel and take you for a walk up the Glacier valley. These are great for those that want to find out about the Glacier Valley without actually having to climb it. Their daily experience they can lead you up to the face of the glacier and beyond the rope barrier to experience more than those self-guiding.

If you want to experience something other than the Glacier whilst here I recommend a trip with Ferg’s Kayaks. These tours head out for a paddle on a local lake, no experience necessary. Their office is just along the road from us.

If the above sounds much too physical or you want to get the best view of the Glacier, treat yourself to a spectacular plane or helicopter flight. Mt Cook ski planes actually land on the snow, if the conditions are right!

The other option for a view from above is a helicopter flight.

As far as just enjoying the Glacier Country at your own pace there are many walking tracks which offer stunning views. The main walk up to the glacier is 45 minutes one way from the car park. This leads you up to about 20 meters from the Glacier. The Glacier is currently roped off so you can not touch it. As it is on the move resulting in the front face being quite unsteady.

I recommend a drive to Okarito if you can fit it into your visit. Other than the isolated beach there is the Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland. This wetland is home to nearly 70 species of birds and is the seasonal feeding ground of the elegant White Heron. We can arrange boat trips out on this lagoon through a local operator.

We offer our guests a free booking service for all tours as outlined above. On your arrival we can help you find a tour that suits your energy level, your budget and the weather conditions.

I hope that this is of some help to you in planning your stay in Franz Josef. We look forward to meeting you and wish the best for your visit to South Westland’s Glacier Country.

See you soon,