Glacier Valley Eco Tours — Local services in South Island

As I am passionate about nature and wildlife, I knew when I visited Franz Josef I wanted to use a company with likeminded values and am pleased I found Glacier Valley Tours.

Booking was easy and upon arrival they checked I had the right gear for the terrain and lent me a robust pair of walking boots, as my walking shoes weren’t right. Then off we went with Tyler, our guide, who was so knowledgeable and friendly, it didn’t take long for us all to be chatting away, as if we had known each other for ages!

By checking in with us, he ensured that he not only shared his extensive knowledge of the region, ecology and geology, but also ensured he covered the topic we were both particularly interested in.

We explored areas of Franz Josef Glacier that you would not get to see if you were self directed, and with Tyler interpreting the environment for us and explaining the difference in ages and types of the vegetation, the time flew by and suddenly we were on our way back to the office.

One of the best tours I have ever done, I would highly recommend it. Thank you Tyler, a wonder memory of my visit to...

For anyone who wants to slow down a bit to learn more about NZ's wildlife and natural environment, their eco tours are amazing and totally worth your time / money. Yes, you could do yourself most of the same trails that they will take you on, but their encyclopedic knowledge and genuine passion for the ecosystem is incredible and inspire you to see the rock, the trees and the birds in an entirely different way. They genuinely are a must-do for anyone with curious minds, kids or adults alike!

We did the Okarito Trig Walk tour with Jerome, who will show you which plants to eat / not eat and the Lake Matheson sunset tour with Cliff, who, being an old hand at guiding and the owner of the business, is a font of stories.

What's more, they carry hot teas and chocolates in their rucksack for the tour to enjoy! Stories, insights and chocolate, what else do you want?

These guys are amazing and a diamond amongst the tourist activities in the area. We've never joined a tour like them before, give them a try!

(Oh and Jerome looks and sounds like...

Delightful Experience with Glacier Valley Eco Tours - 5 Stars!

Our tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours, guided by Jerome, was a delightful experience. Jerome’s expertise in guiding us through lesser-known paths added a unique touch to our adventure. His knowledge about the local flora and fauna was a lot of fun and very engaging!

The walk through the sub-tropical rainforest was like walking through an enchanted fairyland straight out of Lord of the Rings. The scenery was lush and magical, creating a memorable experience. Exploring the Moraines and the river bed also added a sense of adventure to our journey.

A special mention goes to the hot chocolate break in front of the glacier, on the river bed, which was a beautiful serene moment amidst the stunning natural backdrop.

Overall, the tour was a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty. Jerome’s guidance was a key part of what made this experience worth a solid five-star rating. Highly recommended for those seeking to explore the glacier valley in...