For west coast travel on the South Island, Franz Josef / Waiau is a must-visit location. This incredible, isolated nook offers the chance to land on a glacier, see the world’s rarest kiwi, and hike some impressive tracks. This is a small settlement, so it’s essential to plan your trip somewhat before you arrive. Here are five things to know before you go to Franz Josef.
1. Map Out The Distance To Nearby Towns
Franz Josef is an idyllic location with much to see and do, but there are many other points of interest to check out while you’re in the area. Franz Josef to Hokitika is around a 1 hour 45 minute drive. Hokitika offers a quaint beachside resort dotted with bars and cafes. If you’re travelling through Arthur’s Pass to reach Franz Josef, you’ll pass through Hokitika. It’s the perfect stop-off location to grab a bite to eat and refuel for the remainder of the journey. Cutting through town to access the beach, you will find the famous Hokitika sign crafted from driftwood, a material so popular that the town even holds a driftwood festival in January each year. Hokitika is also the closest destination with a major supermarket.
Check out our list of the most Instagrammable spots in Hokitika!
Travelling south from Franz Josef, the closest town is Fox Glacier which is around 25 minutes away by car. Home to the less famous sister glacier, Fox Glacier is a small town that boasts an array of activities such as helicopter flights, kiwi colonies, and a host of walks. After a trip to the Westcoast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef, you’ll be itching to drive down to Fox Glacier so that you can walk around the natural sanctuary where these rare birds are released. Lake Gault is a three-hour return trip and is best experienced by night if you hope to spot a Kiwi.
Twenty minutes north of Franz Josef is Ōkārito, a small lake resort nestled in a quiet village. The Okarito kayaking experience is the best in the area. With knowledgeable guide Barry on hand to provide a wealth of information on the local site and birdlife, you’ll be in the water in no time. No prior experience is necessary, though a moderate amount of fitness is good if you want to complete the entire track. The experience offers a forested kayak tour where you can spot the rare white heron, whose only nesting site is located on this beautiful lake. As you glide through the water, you’ll notice that the only noises you can hear are nature’s sounds, with the gentle calls of the local birdlife and the distant sound of the crashing waves.
Need to know more? Read our 6 Amazing Places to Visit on the West Coast.
2. Know What Amenities Are Available
Franz Josef is a small town that doesn’t have all of the luxuries a main city of New Zealand might offer, but there’s still plenty here to meet your needs. A large i-SITE is available on Cron Street with experienced local guides to give you information on the area and recommend the ultimate experiences. While there is no large chain supermarket, a moderately sized Four Square offers most general items of need at reasonable prices. There’s a local police station and medical centre. A community hall and gym are located just off State Highway 6, as is the petrol station, postal services, and phone box. An ATM is available outside the West Coast Wildlife Centre and mechanical services outside the township on Donovan Drive.
Along with these basic amenities, the town also offers bus and shuttle services, a DOC visitor centre, two churches and a souvenir shop.
3. Plan a Helicopter Trip to Franz Josef Glacier
Due to the receding nature of the glaciers, it is no longer possible to walk to either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. While there’s an hour and a half return walking track to impressive viewing platforms at both glaciers, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the feel of the glacier beneath your feet – the densest ice in the world.
Thanks to the heli hikes, it’s possible to experience a Franz Josef Glacier walk. Heli Services offer a 20-minute flight and snow landing with their experienced guides, who provide information about the glacier as you fly. Heli Services ensure that everyone gets the best view by swapping seats for the return flight, meaning everyone gets the chance to ride upfront with the pilot. When you land on the glacier, you can walk on the dense ice and snap as many pictures as you like of the wild, icy landmark.
4. Check the Status of the Hot Pools
The Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools are a well-known and beautiful spot to visit. Be sure to check the status of the hot pools, as they may be in hibernation. However, the perfect hot tub alternative is just across the street (quite literally). Waiho Hot Tubs offer you the chance to relax in a wood-fired hot tub nestled in lush tropical surroundings. When you arrive, your host will guide you to your private tub, complete with a changing room and spa table to hold some refreshing beverages while you soak. A cold water tap allows you to control the tub’s temperature to meet your preferences perfectly. The flora attracts a few visitors, including the spirited fantail, who may join you for a while. A range of salts are available to add to your tub, and there are toilets and showers on site. Thanks to the readily available rental of towels and swimwear, you can jump in a hot tub at any time, even if you didn’t plan for a dip before you arrived.
5. Choose the Right Accommodation
There’s a range of accommodation at Franz Josef to suit all needs. The Glow Worm Accommodation, The Terrace and Rainforest Retreat all offer travellers some good options. Franz Josef has a variety of hotels, motels and family-owned accommodation lining the town’s streets and outskirts. For travellers on a budget the Chateau Franz Backpackers offers glacial views and great prices. If you opt for accommodation on Cron street you’ll have an array of eateries available in walking distance like the Blue Ice Restaurant and Bar.
