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Elevation

How High is Franz Josef Glacier?

Franz Josef Glacier’s elevation, at its start in the remote mountain ranges of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is about 9,800 feet above sea level (about 3000 meters).

In just over 6.5 miles (about 11 km), the elevation sinks to about a 1,000 feet over sea level (about 300 meters), a dramatic drop of about 9,500 feet (2,700 meters) in this short distance, making Franz Josef Glacier one of the steepest glaciers in the world!

Nowhere else in the world will you find a frozen river of ice bordered by moss-covered ferns and a temperate rainforest!

Due to the extreme elevation drop, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, traveling down the valley at average speeds of more than 20 inches (50 cm) per day, about 10 times faster than the average glacier, and leading to a constantly evolving icy landscape of ice caves, deep crevasses and towering seracs.

Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!

Best Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand

South Island, New ZealandActivities & Best Tours
Franz Josef & Fox GlaciersHeli-hike, Glacier + Snow Landing, Mount Cook + Glaciers, Tandem Skydive, Guided Valley Walk
Milford SoundBoutique Cruise, Small Group Cruise, Full day Tour + Cruise, Luxury Cruise, Flyover
QueenstownShotover River Jet Boat, Skydive, Lord of the Rings Tour, Zipline, ATV, Wine, Farm Dinner, Gourmet Food Tour

Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk Elevation

If you’re planning to hike the Franz Josef Glacier Walk to the viewpoint, the elevation along the valley is about 300 to 500 meters above sea level.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Elevation

Heli-hiking is typically at elevations of 1000 – 1500 meters above sea level, and you should be prepared for much colder (sometimes below freezing) weather.

Heli-hiking at elevations of 1000 - 1500 meters above sea level
Heli-hiking at elevations of 1000 – 1500 meters above sea level

Franz Josef Glacier Scenic Flights Altitude

A scenic plane or helicopter flight will offer a bird’s eye view of the glacier from altitudes well above the highest Franz Josef Glacier elevations of about 3000 meters.

On clear days, you may even spot New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook (elevation 3,724 meters).