A little bit about us
We are proud to provide the most incredible glacier experience to our manuhiri (guests), since 1990.
We have exclusive guiding access to the world-renowned Franz Josef Glacier. Our guiding techniques allow us to safely access remote glacier terrain that would normally only be accessible to experienced mountaineers.
We are not only passionate about Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), but also the West Coast. We are committed to providing the best experience to our guests and we take their safety seriously.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides is owned by Ngāi Tahu Tourism. Our purpose is to make a connection with our customers through our people, our place and our culture.
WHO ARE NGAI TAHU?
Ngai Tahu is an iwi (tribe), whom still occupy most of the South Island today, making Ngai Tahu the largest iwi in the South Island. Because of their status, Ngai tahu own several businesses which includes Nagi Tahu Tourism.
Our glacier experience we place you in the heart of Tai Poutini, West Coast. The local hāpu (sub-tribe) Kati Māhaki believe that the name Tai Poutini refers to the tides of Poutini, a great taniwha (water serpent) that would protect the West Coast region by swimming up and down all the waterways.
Tai Poutini, West Coast holds a lot of stories of how the land came to be. These stories are told through the descendants of this area Kati Māhaki, and we have the privilege to share these stories with you.
All profits from Ngāi Tahu Holdings go towards projects to support the iwi.