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If your kids have ever asked what a glacier is, this is the part of New Zealand that answers it. Aoraki/Mount Cook and Franz Josef sit on opposite sides of the Southern Alps, and between them you get New Zealand's highest mountain, its biggest glacier, some of the darkest night skies on earth and a rainforest that runs right up to the ice. We did both with our kids, then 5 and 8.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook Village is about 3 hours' drive from Wanaka. At 3,724 metres, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest peak, and the village sits right at its feet.
Our kid-approved picks:
Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve. The park is part of one of the few International Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Staying up late to see the Milky Way was a highlight for our kids. Book a stargazing tour or just step outside after dark.
The Hooker Valley Track. The park's most popular walk crosses three swing bridges to a glacier lake with Mount Cook towering above. It's mostly flat and doable for kids, but allow about three hours return.
Tasman Glacier Lake by boat. Small boats weave between floating icebergs on the lake below New Zealand's largest glacier. It's surreal. If you skip the boat, a short walk in the Tasman Valley leads to a viewpoint over the glacier.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. At The Hermitage Hotel, it tells the story of the mountain and the explorer. A good rainy-day option.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre. Two floors of displays about the plants, animals, Māori heritage and walking tracks of the park.
Keep an eye out for kea, the cheeky mountain parrots. They will investigate your car and your snacks. You can also browse Mount Cook tours on GetYourGuide.
The drive to the West Coast
The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef over the Haast Pass takes around five hours, so break it up. The Blue Pools walk is a must, with clear blue water under a swing bridge. Near Fox Glacier, the short walk around Lake Matheson gives you mirror reflections of the Southern Alps on a calm day.
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a tiny town on the Waiho River, and Glacier Country is stunning from the ground and mind-blowing from the air.
Our kid-approved picks:
A helicopter flight with a snow landing. In our kids' words, it's like "riding a magic carpet!" You fly up over the glacier and land on the snow high in the mountains. Older kids and adults can add a heli-hike on the ice.
The Glacier Valley Walk. An easy walk up the valley to a viewpoint of the glacier. The glacier has retreated a long way, so check the Department of Conservation website for current track conditions.
West Coast Wildlife Centre. See kiwi up close and learn how the centre protects them.
Tartare Glow Worm Tunnels. Old gold-mining tunnels about 45 minutes' walk from town. There's water inside, so expect wet feet, and bring a flashlight.
The town playground. Small but perfect for burning off energy after the car.
For older kids and adults, the Callery Gorge Track is a 90-minute return walk past waterfalls and over a bridge above rushing glacier meltwater. Dinner at Alice May's is a cozy, quirky way to end the day.
Bonus stop: Hokitika
Heading north, stop in Hokitika, a seaside town known for its artists and greenstone carvers. Walk the wild driftwood beach, see the turquoise water at Hokitika Gorge, try the West Coast Treetop Walk and let the kids loose at the pirate ship playground.
Tips for glacier country with kids
Book helicopter flights for early in your stay. They're weather dependent, so you'll have backup days if one is cancelled. You can browse Franz Josef tours on GetYourGuide.
You'll need a car for this road trip. Compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars.
Cell coverage is patchy on the West Coast. An eSIM like Holafly keeps you connected in town.
Pack rain jackets and warm layers. The West Coast is one of the wettest parts of New Zealand.
Bring insect repellent for the sandflies.
Fill up on fuel and snacks before the Haast Pass. Services are few and far between.
See the full route in our 4-week New Zealand itinerary, or request a custom itinerary.
Happy Adventuring!
Jen
Get dropped on a remote beach and walk back, explore Labyrinth Rocks and swim in turquoise water. Our kid-approved guide to Abel Tasman.