Franz Josef

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Franz Josef is a tourist destination. Its prime reason for being is to serve tourists visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. Located in Westland it lies at the foot of the western slopes of Mount Cook and is in the middle of the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By car

  • It is about a three hour trip from Greymouth.
  • Its about a four and a half hour trip from Wanaka.

[edit] By bus

Tour buses generally make Franz Josef one of their stops, either for the night or at least a lunch break. Alternatively, for a really cheap option, try nakedbus.com - bus services start at $1.

[edit] By air

Frans Josef Airport is really only suitable for light aircraft. Mind you, Mount Cook Airport is just on the other of the mountains, and a scenic flightseeing trip can often be arranged at short notice.

[edit] Get around

While you can take your car to the car park at the foot of the glacier, you will need to get out and walk to the terminal face, as the Glacier is receding at present. There are a number of walking tracks in the glacier valley. Please take heed of the warning signs as you get close to the glacier terminal face.

If you prefer to do things the easy way, try flightseeing, either in a plane or helicopter.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Franz Josef Glacier

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Visit the Glacier

    • Take an unguided trip.
    • Take a guided trip.
    • Take a helicopter flight.

Air Safaris [1] provide scenic flightseeing tours flying from Franz Josef. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glaciers and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook and the main divide to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park.

[edit] Whitewater Rafting

  • Whataroa & Perth Rivers. 20 minutes north of Franz Josef are two of the best one-day whitewater rafting runs anywhere on the planet. Total wilderness experience, awesome Class IV & V rapids, and stunning scenery. Accessible by helicopter only. Rivers Wild [2] 0800-GO-WILD (in NZ) or +64-21-748-371 (overseas)

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Sleep at the high quality Franz Josef YHA Youth Hostel. Cheap, good, looks great, great views. Also has a stone fireplace. See info at the NZ YHA site: http://www.yha.org.nz/ Recommended.

[edit] Get out

Just down the road is Fox Glacier. The Fox Glacier is the biggest of the West Coast glaciers and more accessible of the two.The Fox Glacier is also currently advancing.

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