Franz Josef Travel Guide

Travel to Franz Josef, the beautiful glacial village situated in the rugged South Island of New Zealand. Find out all the information you need to make the most of your trip here, including what to see and do, where to stay, and the best time to visit.


Introduction to Franz Josef

Looking for adventure and stunning natural beauty? Look no further than Franz Josef, a small but stunning glacial village situated in the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Nestled beneath the imposing Southern Alps, this picturesque town offers a wealth of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and spectacular scenery. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best things to see and do in Franz Josef, as well as offering tips on everything from where to stay to when to visit.

List of Places to Visit in Franz Josef

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • West Coast Wildlife Centre: Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region at this fascinating wildlife centre, which features interactive exhibits and a kiwi breeding programme.
  • Te Ahoaho (Franz Josef) Community House: Discover the history of the local Māori people and their relationship with the land at this community-run cultural centre.
  • Gillespies Beach: Take a short drive out of town to this historic gold-mining settlement, which offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past.

Natural Attractions of Franz Josef: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Franz Josef Glacier: Explore the stunning glacier that gives the town its name on a guided tour or helicopter flight.
  • Fox Glacier: Visit Franz Josef’s neighbouring town to marvel at the beauty of the adjacent Fox Glacier.
  • Lake Matheson: Take a tranquil walk around this glassy lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary: Spot rare birds and other wildlife species at this beautiful wetland sanctuary, which is home to the endangered rowi kiwi.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Franz Josef

Franz Josef is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with a range of trails to suit all abilities. Some of the best include:

  • Franz Josef Glacier Valley Trail: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque river valley to the base of Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Alex Knob Track: Challenge yourself with a steep but rewarding ascent to the summit of the iconic Alex Knob, which offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
  • Moana Rua Circuit: Take a gentle hike through beautiful beech forest and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Mapourika, which offers stunning reflective views on calm days.

Best Things to Do in Franz Josef: Activities and Tours

  • Helicopter Tours: Enjoy an unforgettable scenic flight over the glaciers and Southern Alps, with options for landing on mountain tops and hiking in remote areas.
  • Glacier Hikes: Explore the stunning frozen landscapes of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on a guided hike, which includes crampons and ice axes.
  • Horse Riding: Discover the beauty of the surrounding forests and mountains on horseback, with options for riders of all levels.
  • Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding: Tour the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika on a kayak or paddleboard, with opportunities to spot rare bird species.
  • Canopy Tours: Soar above the forest canopy on a thrilling zip-line adventure, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Franz Josef

Day 1: Arrive in Franz Josef and check into your hotel.

Day 2: Take a helicopter tour over the Southern Alps and glaciers.

Day 3: Explore the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Trail and take a guided hike on the glacier itself.

Day 4: Go horse riding through the beautiful local forests and mountains.

Day 5: Take a scenic drive to Gillespies Beach and learn about the region’s gold-mining past.

Day 6: Enjoy a leisurely kayak tour of Lake Mapourika and spot rare bird species.

Day 7: Relax and recharge before heading home.

Food and Drink Scene of Franz Josef

Must-Try Dishes

  • West Coast Whitebait: This local delicacy is a must-try for seafood lovers, and is usually served with bread or fries.
  • Venison: Sample some of New Zealand’s best game meat, with options ranging from venison steaks to burgers.
  • Lamb: Dig into some of the country’s renowned tender lamb dishes, which are typically served with roasted vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • West Coast Craft Beers: Sample some of the region’s finest handcrafted beers, which are made using locally sourced hops and water.
  • Central Otago Wines: Try some of the renowned Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays produced in the nearby wine region of Central Otago.

Where to Stay in Franz Josef: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets in Franz Josef, including:

  • Punga Grove: This stylish, modern hotel is conveniently located close to the town centre and offers a range of room types.
  • YHA Franz Josef: This popular backpacker hostel is a great budget option, with excellent facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Rainforest Retreat: Get closer to nature at this eco-friendly guesthouse, which is set amongst lush rainforest and offers a range of unique accommodation options.

What to Buy in Franz Josef: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Greenstone and Pounamu: Pick up a piece of New Zealand’s precious jade stone, which is traditionally used in Māori artifacts and jewellery.
  • Possum Merchandise: Purchase some locally made products featuring the soft fur of the introduced possums, which are now a pest in the area.
  • Manuka Honey: Take home a jar of this deliciously sweet honey, which is made from the nectar of the native Manuka tree and is renowned for its medicinal properties.

Local Culture and Customs of Franz Josef

New Zealand has a strong indigenous culture, and visitors to Franz Josef are encouraged to learn about and respect the local Māori traditions and customs. It’s also important to remember that the region is home to a fragile ecosystem, and visitors should take care not to disturb the environment or harm any native wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Franz Josef

While Franz Josef is a year-round destination, the best time to visit depends on your interests. For outdoor activities, the summer months of December to February offer the warmest temperatures and the longest daylight hours, while the winter months of June to August offer ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding on the nearby mountains. Spring and autumn are also popular times to visit, with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Franz Josef

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and avoid leaving any litter or damaging any vegetation.
  • Support local businesses and purchase locally made products and souvenirs.
  • Plan your visit in advance and make the most of the guided tours and activities on offer.

Don’t:

  • Attempt to hike on the glaciers without a guide or the appropriate equipment.
  • Ignore any safety warnings or instructions from tour guides or authorities.
  • Disturb any wildlife or interfere with any Māori cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Franz Josef

While Franz Josef is a relatively safe destination, visitors should take care when hiking or participating in adventure activities. Always follow safety instructions and guidelines, and be aware of any weather warnings or alerts. The region is also prone to earthquakes and landslides, so visitors should be prepared for these eventualities.

Health in Franz Josef

New Zealand has a high standard of medical care, and visitors can access medical facilities in Franz Josef if required. It’s also important to take precautions against sunburn and insect bites, as the region is notorious for sandflies and other biting insects.

Getting to Franz Josef: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Franz Josef

The nearest international airport is in Christchurch, approximately a five-hour drive from Franz Josef. Domestic flights are also available to Hokitika, which is around an hour’s drive north of the town.

Bus Stations Near Franz Josef

Several bus companies operate services that stop in Franz Josef, including Intercity, NakedBus, and Kiwi Experience.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or campervan and drive to Franz Josef, which is approximately a six-hour drive from Christchurch.

How to Get Around in Franz Josef

The town of Franz Josef is small enough to navigate on foot, although visitors may choose to rent a bike or car to explore the surrounding countryside and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Franz Josef: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Franz Josef, visitors may wish to head to nearby attractions such as Fox Glacier, Hokitika, or the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Alternatively, visitors may choose to continue their New Zealand adventure by exploring other parts of the South Island, such as Queenstown or the Marlborough wine region.

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or peaceful relaxation, Franz Josef has it all. From its stunning glaciers and mountains to its rich cultural heritage, this beautiful town offers something for everyone. So why not start planning your adventure today and experience the magic of Franz Josef for yourself?

Ice climbers on Franz Josef Glacier in 2006 Ice climbers on Franz Josef Glacier in 2006 Rain forest in Franz Josef Rain forest in Franz Josef View of the glacier from above in 2009 View of the glacier from above in 2009