Twin Glacier Combo Tour – Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Explore Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier in one unforgettable day

The Twin Glacier Combo Tour is a full-day eco-adventure designed for travelers who want to experience the two most famous glaciers on New Zealand's West Coast without taking a helicopter. Led by expert local naturalist guides, the tour combines rainforest walks, glacier viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, geological storytelling, and spectacular alpine scenery into a single immersive experience. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Tour Highlights

🧊 Visit Two Iconic Glaciers

Instead of choosing between them, this tour explores both:

• Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere)

  • Walk through lush regenerating rainforest

  • Reach spectacular glacier viewpoints

  • Discover hidden waterfalls and ancient "dead ice"

  • Learn the Māori legends and fascinating geological history

• Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe)

  • Explore glaciated valleys surrounded by native forest

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the glacier and upper ice fields

  • See the impressive Fox Névé

  • Admire views towards Mount Tasman, New Zealand's second-highest mountain. (Glacier Valley Tours)

What Makes This Tour Special?

Unlike standard sightseeing walks, guides focus on interpreting the landscape, explaining:

• Formation and movement of glaciers

• Effects of climate change on glacier retreat

• West Coast rainforest ecology

• Native flora and fauna

• Glacial rivers and landforms

• Local history and conservation efforts

The experience is educational while remaining relaxed and accessible for most visitors. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Scenic Experience

Throughout the day you'll encounter:

• Ancient rimu and rata forests

• Moss-covered landscapes

• Fern-lined walking trails

• Crystal-clear glacial streams

• Hidden waterfalls

• Alpine viewpoints

• Dramatic glacier valleys

• Southern Alps mountain scenery

Photographers will find countless opportunities, with constantly changing perspectives between rainforest and ice. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Tour Schedule

What's Included

The tour is designed to be comfortable in the West Coast's ever-changing weather and typically includes:

• Guided walks at both glaciers

• Expert local naturalist guide

• Return shuttle transport between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

• Hot drinks (tea, coffee or hot chocolate)

• Biscuits/snacks

• Rain jackets and over-trousers (when required)

• Walking poles

• Sunscreen

• Hiking boots if needed

No glacier climbing or ice walking is involved, making it suitable for visitors who want a safe, ground-based glacier experience. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Wildlife & Nature

Keep an eye out for:

• Native bellbirds

• Fantails (pīwakawaka)

• Tūī

• Silver ferns

• Tree ferns

• Giant rimu trees

• Native mosses and fungi

• Seasonal wildflowers

The combination of temperate rainforest and glacial landscapes makes this one of New Zealand's most biologically diverse regions. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Photography Opportunities

Best photo stops include:

• Franz Josef Glacier valley viewpoints

• Hidden waterfalls

• Rainforest boardwalks

• Fox Glacier panorama

• Fox Névé and surrounding mountains

• Ancient moss-covered forest

The changing scenery throughout the day provides a remarkable contrast between vibrant rainforest and blue-white glacial ice.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

Ideal for:

• Nature enthusiasts

• Photography lovers

• Families with older children

• Active travelers

• Visitors with only one day in Glacier Country

• Those wanting an educational eco-tour rather than an adrenaline activity

Insider Tips

• Wear sturdy walking shoes and layered clothing.

• Bring a reusable water bottle and camera.

• West Coast weather changes rapidly—rain often enhances the rainforest experience rather than detracting from it.

• Morning departures generally provide quieter trails and softer light for photography.

• Since no helicopter is required, the tour is less weather-dependent than aerial glacier experiences, though conditions can still influence routes. (Glacier Valley Tours)

Overall Experience

The Twin Glacier Combo Tour is one of the most comprehensive ground-based glacier experiences on New Zealand's West Coast, allowing visitors to compare the distinct personalities of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier in a single day while learning about the unique ecology, geology, and history of the UNESCO-listed Glacier Country. (Glacier Valley Tours)