As the Easter school holidays begin, New Zealand’s pristine South Island invites adventurous families to witness one of nature’s greatest marvels—Franz Josef Glacier. In an extraordinary seasonal offer, Ngāi Tahu Tourism, a respected steward of Aotearoa’s natural heritage, has announced a limited-time $50 discount per person on its acclaimed Glacier Encounter—a rare and family-friendly alpine adventure.
This exclusive deal, valid for bookings until 30 April, invites families to ascend into the skies and land atop the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, experiencing an icy world that has inspired explorers and captivated imaginations for generations.
Families of four can pocket $200 in total savings, making this one of the most accessible glacier experiences for travellers aged four and above. The offer is designed to make an elite adventure more attainable while celebrating the cultural and environmental responsibility that defines Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s approach.
“We want to open the doors of our wildest wonders to younger generations,” said a Ngāi Tahu Tourism spokesperson. “Franz Josef Glacier is a taonga—an ancestral treasure—and the Glacier Encounter is a way for families to learn, respect, and connect with the living land.”
Adventure Meets Ancestral Connection
Operated under the guardianship of Ngāi Tahu, one of New Zealand’s largest iwi (tribes), the Glacier Encounter experience is more than a sightseeing tour. It’s a journey through living history—both geological and cultural.
Participants first soar in a helicopter above the dramatic landscape of the Southern Alps, soaking in views of rainforest-cloaked valleys, snow-draped peaks, and the magnificent glacier itself. Upon landing, guests step onto the glacier for an unforgettable up-close experience, led by expert guides trained in safety and storytelling.
This initiative reflects a broader national movement to combine ecotourism with indigenous leadership, making tourism educational and sustainable. By choosing this experience, travellers support local Māori enterprises while deepening their understanding of the land they explore.
How to Book This Limited-Time Offer
To unlock the family savings, travellers use the promo code FAMILYENCOUNTER at checkout when booking online via the Franz Josef Glacier Guides official website. The offer applies to trips up to 30 April, making it the perfect Easter holiday escape.
This promotion arrives at a time when domestic and trans-Tasman travel is gaining strong momentum. Families are looking to replace screens with scenes, choosing experience over excess.
With school holidays often consumed by commercial attractions or routine getaways, this unique alpine adventure provides something timeless: awe. Whether it’s the whoosh of the helicopter or the crunch of boots on ice, the Glacier Encounter is guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
A Holiday Investment That Gives Back
Not only is this an adventure worth investing in, but it’s also a chance to reconnect with the natural world and with one another. In a world increasingly dominated by virtual experiences, the tangible, tactile encounter with a glacier is something no screen can replicate.
This is an opportunity worth seizing for those yearning for deeper family connections and a meaningful Easter holiday.
Written by Christine Nguyen
