The Franz Josef Glacier area is identified by its lakes, rivers, waterfalls and rainforest all with a backdrop of New Zealand’s highest mountains. With one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and the ocean nearby, Franz Josef is a unique and must-see region.25
The small but lively Franz Josef Glacier village is only a few kilometres from the Glacier itself, and is situated at the base of the spectacular World Heritage Area. The village has an excellent variety of accommodation, restaurants, activities and general services.
The main attraction – Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, descends from the tops of the Southern Alps into rainforest close to sea level. This provides a very rare opportunity to see or walk on a dynamic glacier within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway.
There are a range of attractions such as scenic flights, guided glacier hikes, a cycleway, forest hikes of varying length, guided walks, kayaking, and action adventures like quad biking or skydiving to name a few.
Getting there
Franz Josef Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 135km 1 hour and 43 minutes by car from Hokitika, 285km 3 hours and 35 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Fox Glacier village.
Franz Josef Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. From the glacier car park it’s a 45 minute walk to the public glacier viewing point.
Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.
