Franz Josef Glacier: Your Complete Guide to Adventure on Ice

Published on 12 June 2025 at 00:20

Franz Josef Glacier (or Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in Māori) is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, where else can you walk from a lush rainforest to the foot of a glacier in under an hour?

Located in the heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef is more than just a frozen river of ice, it's a basecamp for wild adventure, a haven for nature lovers, and home to some of the most surreal landscapes Aotearoa has to offer.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to see and do in Franz Josef and the surrounding area:

  1. Take a Heli Hike on Franz Josef Glacier

If you're going to splurge anywhere in New Zealand, make it here. A heli-hike flies you onto the glacier itself, where you'll be fitted with crampons and guided across icy crevasses, blue caves, and jagged pinnacles.

  • 🚁 Tour includes scenic helicopter ride + 2-3 hour guided hike
  • 🧊 Explore ice tunnels, sculpted seracs, and hidden blue pools
  • 👣 No experience needed – just moderate fitness

This is the ultimate glacier adventure and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  1. Walk to the Glacier Face (Franz Josef Glacier Walk) IS NOW CLOSED

Sentinel Rock Viewpoint Walk is now the Main Option

Distance: ~1.7 km return (~30 minutes) | Grade: Easy
This well-maintained track leads to a safe viewing platform, where you can glimpse the glacier from a distance. It’s a great short walk to understand the glacier’s scale and see the dramatic valley it carved .

✅ Tip: Always check with Visitor Centre for track updates, conditions can change quickly.

  1. Explore the Rainforest Tracks Around Town

Franz Josef is unique in that it combines icy alpine terrain with lush temperate rainforest. Take time to walk one (or all!) of the short scenic trails:

  • Tatare Tunnels Walk – Easy 1.5 hr return walk into old gold mining tunnels, bring a torch and look for glowworms!
  • Callery Gorge Walk – Follows a turquoise river through dense bush to a scenic gorge (1 hour return)
  • Lake Wombat Track – Peaceful forest walk with views of native birdlife and a mirror-like lake

  1. Soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

After a long day exploring, nothing beats a soak in the Glacier Hot Pools tucked among the rainforest.

  • Choose from public pools or private cedar hot tubs
  • Surrounded by ferns, bush, and birdsong
  • Especially magical in the rain!

  1. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight

Short on time but want the views? Scenic flights (10–40 mins) fly over Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, and even all the way to Aoraki / Mount Cook.

  • Optional snow landing on the upper glacier
  • Perfect for photography and epic alpine views

Pro tip: Book early in your stay, flights are weather-dependent and often sell out.

  1. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre

Get up close with rowi kiwi, the rarest species of kiwi in New Zealand, at this local conservation and breeding centre.

  • Interactive exhibits and live kiwi viewing
  • Great rainy-day option or stop with kids
  • Supports vital conservation efforts in the region

  1. Hire a Bike and Explore the Area

For something more relaxed, rent a bike in town and cruise the scenic backroads or explore trails like:

  • Waiho River Trail
  • Canavans Knob Track – short ride to a great lookout
  • Okarito Beach (if you’re up for a longer mission)

  1. Take a Day Trip to Okarito Lagoon

Just 25 minutes north of Franz Josef lies Ōkārito, a quiet coastal village with New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland.

  • Go kayaking on the lagoon among native bush and wading birds
  • Keep an eye out for kotuku (white heron)
  • Climb the Okarito Trig Walk for stunning 360° views

  1. Check Out Nearby Fox Glacier

If you have time, the Fox Glacier township is just 25 minutes down the road. Highlights there include:

  • Lake Matheson – known for perfect mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
  • Fox Glacier South Side Walkway
  • More heli-hikes and scenic flights if you want to double down on ice adventures

Best Places to Eat & Drink in Franz Josef

  • SnakeBite Brewery – Great for burgers and local craft beer
  • The Landing Bar – Classic Kiwi pub food and solid portions
  • Full of Beans – Good coffee and breakfast/brunch
  • Alice May Restaurant – Cosy cabin feel with hearty meals and mulled wine

Where to Stay in Franz Josef

  • Rainforest Retreat – Treehouse-style accommodation with hot tubs and saunas
  • YHA Franz Josef – Budget-friendly with a chilled backpacker vibe
  • Aspen Court Motel – Great for couples or families
  • Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park – Good option for campervans or cabins

When to Visit Franz Josef

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Best weather and glacier access
  • Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp mornings, fewer crowds
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow-capped peaks, moody alpine vibes, fewer tourists
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): Waterfalls at their best and blooming wildflowers

Weather can be unpredictable year-round, so bring rain gear and be flexible with plans.

Final Thoughts

Franz Josef is more than just a glacier, it’s an immersive wilderness experience. Between the ice, rainforest, thermal pools, and wildlife, it’s a place where nature truly takes centre stage. Whether you’re here for one day or five, this little West Coast village will leave a big impression.

So lace up your boots, charge your camera, and let the glacier guide your adventure.

 

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