Take pleasure in our record of one of the best issues to do in Franz Josef city, a gem of the west coast of New Zealand.
I spent an entire summer time dwelling within the epic Franz Josef city, and spent the whole time ticking off each journey I might discover.
From mountaineering on one of many greatest glaciers within the nation, to in search of out secret little waterfalls, there’s no scarcity of superior issues to do in Franz Josef city, New Zealand!
Tucked away on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is the small township of Franz Josef, or as I wish to see it, the gateway to Glacier Nation.
Franz Josef is an exquisite city perched alongside the heavy flowing Waiho River, which emerges from the foothills of New Zealand’s ‘backbone’ of the Southern Alps.
It’s right here you will be assured to have an epic time adventuring into the snowcapped peaks, listening to the sounds of the native birds, or going all out and leaping right into a helicopter for a one-of-a-kind ice-hiking expertise.
The Finest Issues to Do in Franz Josef Glacier
Irrespective of your pursuits or journey objectives, Franz Josef Glacier, often known as Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park, is a must-visit whereas in New Zealand.
I spent 3 months dwelling and dealing on this beautiful a part of the nation, and I can let you know there are such a lot of epic issues to do in Franz Josef Glacier!
There are additionally a number of nice lodging and eating places in Franz Josef city to take a look at whenever you’ve completed mountaineering and exploring.
Mountain climbing To Alex Knob
Need these epic glacier views however can’t fairly afford a helicopter flight? Properly that is one of the best hike you are able to do in Franz Josef!
Enable 8 hours (17 kilometres) for this zig-zagging uphill bonanza as you meander by beautiful beech forests to the sound of the Waiho River beneath.
You’ll come throughout a sequence of lookouts staggered all through the path, however the one you’re after is a few 1,280 metres above sea stage, leaving you with breathtaking views of Franz Josef Glacier.
My finest tip is to go away early, like actually early (4-5 am), so that you’ll get there in time for dawn, plus it’s fairly cool mountaineering by an early morning inversion layer into wonderful sunshine.
Don’t miss our newest final information on mountaineering in New Zealand! Assured to get you prepared for journey.
Tartare Tunnel – Glow Worms
One of many least-visited locations in Franz Josef is the Tartare Tunnels, however that is most likely probably the most distinctive of all of the hikes within the space.
Solely a brief 45 minute stroll from the centre of city brings you alongside the fox-glove (a purple flower widespread in New Zealand) lined banks of the Tartare River to the doorway of an outdated gold mining tunnel generally known as the ‘Tartare Tunnels’.
These had been hand-built by a bunch of 15-20 males in extraordinarily freezing, harsh situations some 120 years in the past.
Right now, Tartare Tunnels are consumed by a trickling of icy chilly water and glow worms! It is likely to be scary for a bit to show off your flashlight, however when you do, glow worms cowl the ceiling of the outdated gold mining tunnel, and it’s like you’re watching the milky galaxy above…it’s wonderful!
Tartare Tunnels is a one-way tunnel, so it should take you about 10 minutes to stroll by the tunnel to a wood, low-level platform engulfed by lush vegetation and a trickling stream of pristine water.
Positively among the best locations to go to in Franz Josef.
READ MORE – In your exploration of the South Island, try these epic issues to do in Wanaka.
Chasing Waterfalls
When you’re like me and love waterfalls, Franz Josef is the place to be. I’m going to provide the insider tips about the place all these epic, crystal clear waterfalls are.
- Franz Josef Valley Glacier Stroll – These are the place the massive ones falls the place you possibly can see 2-3 waterfalls coming from the mountains of the Fritz Vary. To actually expertise these waterfalls, you will have to do the 1.5 hours of strolling to the bottom of Franz Josef Glacier and again.
- Callery Gorge – That is an array of waterfalls, however one of the best one is situated at Callery River, the place you possibly can watch this magnificence move proper beneath you as you cross a sturdy, wood bridge. That is the proper place to sit back out with only a few folks coming this manner.
- Roberts Level Observe – At the beginning of the monitor (I’ll leap to this one later), simply after Douglas Bridge, a stream meets the start of the path. Right here as a substitute of following the monitor, head as much as your left and maintain rock-hopping till you come throughout this secret little waterfall perched amongst native New Zealand ferns.
- All over the place – Franz Josef has a large number of little waterfalls just about wherever you go, so all you must do is hear, trek by just a few Punga ‘native fern’, and you should have your personal waterfall!
These stunning waterfalls are a Franz Josef must-see!
Peter’s Pool
What’s higher than seeing double mountains? In all probability nothing.
You’ll be able to see snow-capped peaks reflecting off this secret little pond as soon as thought to have fashioned when a large chunk of ice fell off Franz Josef Glacier and melted, forming Peter’s Pool!
Peter’s Pool is a brief 20-minute one-way stroll from the Franz Josef Valley automobile park. Nonetheless if wish to immerse your self in a Lord of the Rings scene, stroll from the flip off to Alex Knob alongside the primary highway heading towards Douglas Bridge and really expertise what it’s wish to be below the canopies of historical rainforest bushes.
It’s really among the best issues to see in Franz Josef.
Roberts Level Observe
Roberts Level Observe is the proper problem for the avid hiker, so tighten your laces and head for the mountains for this 12.3 kilometre return hike.
Roberts Level Observe for the primary half takes you thru Lord of the Rings-like rainforests, full with moss-covered bushes and cascading waterfalls all with beautiful views of Waiho River and the Fritz Vary.
A sequence of swing bridges let you stroll over vertical drops, all whereas getting a way of what it was like for early mountaineers and hikers by visiting Hende’s Hut.
Final however not least, the laborious uphill hike rewards you with uninterrupted views of Franz Josef Glacier. So definitely worth the effort, and one of many epic issues to do round Franz Josef.
West Coast Wildlife Centre
One other among the best issues to do in Franz Josef city is go to the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
This can be a excellent place to go to for households with children, however it’s additionally an ideal place to study concerning the native wildlife.
It’s house to the official hatching facility for 2 uncommon kinds of kiwi birds, and it’s the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island of New Zealand.
When you get some dangerous climate throughout your go to to Franz Josef, this can be a enjoyable indoor exercise to strive within the village.
Franz Josef Valley Glacier Stroll
The Franz Josef Valley Glacier Stroll is your basic stroll, and a must-do if you wish to see Franz Josef Glacier in a straightforward trend.
This 1.5-hour stroll from the Valley Glacier automobile park is the preferred of the Franz Josef actions and is appropriate for everybody.
Strolling alongside the banks of the Waiho, with Franz Josef Glacier clearly in sight and surrounding snowcapped peaks, this straightforward stroll is a must-do in case you are on tight schedule.
Remember to do that stroll early because it will get very busy later all through the day. It’s one of many prime sights close to Franz Josef city.
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is one other one of the crucial spectacular glaciers in New Zealand. It’s only 25 minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier and you’ll simply mix the 2 into one journey.
Whereas Franz Josef Glacier is extra well-known and in style, Fox Glacier is definitely larger (it’s the third largest glacier in New Zealand whereas Franz Josef is the 4th).
Fox Glacier additionally has a extra gradual descent than the opposite glacier. So the hike shouldn’t be as steep. The Fox Glacier stroll is simply 5km from Franz Josef city and the whole stroll is about 2.6km.
Lake Matheson is an exquisite lake proper subsequent to Fox Glacier. You’ll be able to see the encompassing mountains mirrored in Lake Matheson and it’s an exquisite sight.
In case you have time it’s best to attempt to go to each Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers as a result of they’re each unbelievable!
Callery Gorge Stroll
Callery Gorge Stroll is the closest to the city of Franz Josef, making it the twond hottest hike in Franz Josef, however don’t let that put you off.
This 90-minute return hike meanders previous spectacular waterfalls, historical bushes drooping with moss, and lichens the place native birds hop from department to department.
Views of the Waiho River are elevated and are fairly spectacular (if you realize the place to search out them).
After a gradual descent by extra mystical rainforests, you end up at Callery Gorge Bridge sitting precariously over a raging quantity of water, principally from ice soften.
From this level, you possibly can head again the best way you got here, or select to stroll alongside the perimeters of the Waiho River (solely try this when water ranges within the river are low).
Probably the most underrated Franz Josef strolling tracks is Canavan’s Knob, located on the banks of the Waiho River.
Canavan’s Knob is a straightforward stroll, winding across the edges of the hill giving beautiful views of the encompassing, lush farmlands, proper out to the sights of the ocean and coastal city of Okarito.
On the prime of Canavan’s Knob (40 minutes return) is a spectacular view of Franz Josef Glacier, which is admittedly fairly surprising given Canavan’s Knob is the furthest hike within the valley away from the glacier.
Not prepared to go away the beautiful landscapes behind? Proceed your exploring and skim our New Zealand Journey Information!
Heli Mountain climbing On Franz Josef Glacier
Heli-hiking on the glacier is by far probably the most epic journey exercise you are able to do on the West Coast – It would truly be one of the best factor to do whereas in Franz Josef!
Everybody involves Franz Josef to see its glacier perched excessive up between the Baird and Fritz ranges, weaving its option to the center of the Southern Alps.
What higher option to see the glacier than to really go ice mountaineering on it! So strap in your crampons, seize an ice decide and leap in a helicopter for what is among the most adventurous actions you are able to do in Franz Josef!
Helicopters are the one protected manner onto the glacier, because of the backside of it turning into extraordinarily unstable prior to now 15 years.
Our suggestions are to go together with Franz Josef Glacier Guides on Cron Avenue…these guys and women know tips on how to present you a superb time whereas up on the glacier.
You may also try this heli-hiking tour on Get Your Information!
Hell-hiking is a should do for all adventurers and one among ours favourite Franz Josef sights!
Need extra adventures in New Zealand? Don’t miss our submit on one of the best issues to do in Queenstown.
Kayaking On Lake Mapourika
There isn’t any higher option to see the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s west coast than from the crisp, clear Lake Mapourika!
Solely a brief 15 minute drive from Franz Josef township, Glacier Nation Kayaks are the proper folks to take you on a kayak from one finish of the lake to a different the place you’ve the chance to search for kiwi’s (the fowl) alongside the banks of Echo Bay all whereas endlessly gazing into beautiful mountains stretching from one finish of the horizon to the opposite.
Maintain a watch out for Mount Tasman, New Zealand’s 2nd highest mountain often peeking out from behind the clouds.
Go on a kayak tour to get the complete Franz Josef sightseeing expertise!
Love kayaking? Take a look at our submit on kayaking in Abel Tasman Nationwide Park.
Glacier Sizzling Swimming pools
When you’re questioning what to do in Franz Josef on a wet day, try the Glacier Sizzling Swimming pools!
Positioned on the Franz Josef Glacier Guides Base, the Glacier Sizzling Swimming pools are the last word place to sit back out.
Select from the primary pool, with temperatures starting from 36-40 levels ,or choose on your personal non-public pool the place you’re immersed throughout the forests of Franz Josef.
After your spa expertise, get pleasure from a blissful therapeutic massage by the hands of probably the most skilled therapeutic massage therapists on the West Coast.
Franz Josef Journey Information
We shared our favourite locations to go to in Franz Josef and so we wished to incorporate a listing of lodging appropriate for all budgets.
The place To Keep – The Finest Lodging In Franz Josef
For such a small city on New Zealand’s west coast, there are numerous glorious lodging choices to swimsuit each price range.
Finest Hostel In Franz Josef – Glow Worm Lodging
When you’re a backpacker on a price range, then it’s best to try Glow Worm Lodging.
With over 1,000 constructive critiques and a 9.9 out of 10 ranking on Hostelworld, you possibly can’t get a way more beloved hostel than this one.
With good, clear rooms, free wifi, a comfortable lounge room with a hearth place, free BBQ amenities, and a spa pool, you’re definitley getting your cash’s value right here.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge In Franz Josef – Rainforest Retreat
The well-known Rainforest Retreat eco-lodge accommodates everybody from backpackers to folks driving campervans, proper as much as these wanting to search out that piece of luxurious within the brand-new treehouses they’ve simply constructed (they’re fairly epic).
Then there may be all of the lodging in between, starting from Gecko Huts (little huts in a secret a part of the Rainforest Retreat) to the older tree huts all with their very own non-public verandah, kitchen, queen mattress and so on.
Luxurious on vacation for some is the best way to go, so why not go for the newly constructed deluxe choices which embody beautiful elevated views of the Baird and Fritz Ranges that are usually lined in snow. So sit again in your private spa and sip in your wine!
Rainforest Retreat prides itself on being the primary place to remain in Franz Josef, full with an onsite bar and restaurant serving New Zealand produce to West Coast’s favorite beer, Monteith’s.
We classify this place as mid-range, not as a result of it’s medium high quality, however as a result of they’ll cater for all budgets.
Finest Luxurious Lodge In Franz Josef – Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Te Waonui Forest Retreat prides itself on being the ‘gem’ of Franz Josef, the place the place travellers go to actually calm down, all whereas taking within the breathtaking views of the encompassing lush forests and towering mountains of the Southern Alps.
Te Waonui is an eco-friendly institution because the backdrop to this lodge is delicate nationwide park. They do all the pieces they’ll to guard the atmosphere round them.
This actually is the creme-de-la-creme of resorts in Franz Josef. When you’re able to splash out for an important day, that is the place to do it.
Find out how to Get to Franz Josef, New Zealand
Franz Josef township is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand, in Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park on the South Island, and is in fairly a distant place away from bigger cities and cities.
From Queenstown – There are just a few choices in getting there and one of the best by far is hiring a automobile and driving through Wanaka to the Haast Cross, which can take round 4.5 hours relying on highway and climate situations. When you go for a bus, it will take round 8.5 hours because the bus drivers wish to cease at sights akin to Thunder Creek Falls on the west aspect of Haast Cross.
From Christchurch – The commonest manner for travelling to Franz Josef township is through Christchurch by the Arthurs Cross on the TransAlpine Prepare, which takes you previous spectacular mountain ranges, forests and lakes arriving into Greymouth, the place you possibly can rent a automobile and drive south. From Greymouth to Franz Josef enable 2 hours, however be sure that to cease by the seaside city of Hokitika for some scrumptious fish and chips.
The Finest Eating places In Franz Josef City, New Zealand
Rounding out our record of one of the best issues to do in Franz Josef city is after all figuring out the place to eat! Listed below are a few of my favourites.
Snakebite Brewery
Snakebite Brewery is the proper place to indulge after an extended day on the path, with its Vietnamese impressed delicacies and big vary of beers on faucet to home made mars bars and rocky-road slices. Snakebite is the place to be when consuming out, and is the native’s favorite as properly.
Blue Ice Restaurant and Bar
In case you are after native delicacies, Blue Ice Restaurant and Bar situated on the prime of the road is unquestionably advisable.
Go for venison or lamb shanks with a glass or two of native crimson wine. After you end your meal head on upstairs to the Ice Bar for a refreshing beverage with a reasonably epic view of the encompassing mountains.
Oh, and the Ice Bar owns a stretch limousine Hummer (actually fairly unusual) which will be ordered to choose you up out of your lodging!
The Alice Might Restaurant
Tucked away on Cron Avenue is The Alice Might Restaurant idyllic for a quiet evening out away from the crowds. Take pleasure in a meal exterior beneath the heat of a mushroom heater whereas indulging in finely ready native delicacies.
That’s it for my record of one of the best issues to do in Franz Josef Glacier. Assume I’ve missed one thing? Discovered the article useful? Depart a remark beneath and let me know!
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