Things to do in Franz Josef: 12 Epic Adventures

The town of Franz Josef might be small, home to only around 500 permanent residents, but there are plenty of amazing things to do in Franz Josef. Located on New Zealand‘s South Island, it is a must-visit on any itinerary for this country for its adventure, scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

Most people visit for a chance to see the Franz Josef Glacier before it is sadly gone. But there is a whole wealth of other activities to keep you occupied in this town.

Things to do in Franz Josef: Activities

If you are after something to get the heart pumping or looking for something a little more relaxing, there is something for everyone.

Go on a Franz Josef Helicopter Hike – Things to do in Franz Josef

Probably one of the best things to do in Franz Josef, and the reason a lot of people visit the town – to go on a Franz Josef Helicopter Hike. It is expensive, but definitely worth it. You take a helicopter ride up to the glacier. Then spend 2.5 hours walking across the surface of the glacier, and even through ice caves and crevices.

Top Tip: The heli hike is so popular that it is likely to sell out. Book in advance, through platforms like this. And book for your first day in Franz Josef, so if it is cancelled, you have another chance of hiking:
Franz Josef Heli Hike

Take a Helicopter Ride over Franz Josef Glacier

If you want to step on the Franz Josef Glacier, but don’t fancy the effort of hiking, then book a helicopter ride over the glacier, with a landing. This way, you get to step foot on the Franz Josef glacier, but for slightly cheaper and less effort.

Top Tip: If you want to know whether the heli hike experience is worth stretching the budget for, check out this post:
Franz Josef Helicopter Hike: Is it worth it? And everything you need to know

Glacier Ice Climb experience – Things to do in Franz Josef

However, if you want to take it to another level, why not try ice climbing on the glacier? This is a full-day experience, and the most expensive of the three. You don’t have to have any experience; the guides will give you expert guidance throughout. Take a helicopter ride up and learn how to ascend towering ice formations amidst the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, all while enjoying panoramic views of the glacier.

Skydive – Things to do in Franz Josef

New Zealand is famed for its amazing skydiving, and Franz Josef is no exception. You can choose from 13,000 ft, 16,500 ft or 18,000 ft, and all give you amazing views over the glacier.

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see a Kiwi

You can’t visit New Zealand and not see a kiwi; however, they are incredibly hard to spot in the wild. The West Coast Wildlife Centre offers a rare chance to see these nocturnal birds up close in a purpose-built, darkened environment, while also supporting important conservation work. Entry costs around NZ$65 for adults, with proceeds helping to fund breeding programmes for the endangered rowi kiwi and other native species on the West Coast.

Visit the Glacier Hot Pools – Things to do in Franz Josef

After all the adrenaline, you might be looking for something a little more relaxing. This is where the Glacier Hot Pools come in. Tucked away in the heart of the village, they offer the perfect place to unwind, with private and public cedar tubs heated by natural spring water. Surrounded by native rainforest and accompanied by the sounds of a nearby stream, it’s an ideal way to soothe tired muscles and slow things down after a day of exploring Franz Josef

Take an Adrenaline-fueled Quad Biking Tour

Such a fun activity to do in Franz Josef. Join a quad biking tour and follow a guide for 2 hours as you drive along muddy trails, across river beds and through streams. I actually found out about this by accidentally getting lost and ending up walking along the track. It was muddy and wet, and I had to jump into the undergrowth when the tour came past. But it looked fun, so I decided to give it a go.

You can choose between driving alone, a two-person quad or a three-person buggy.

Visit Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is about a 25-minute drive from Franz Josef and is known as the twin glacier to Franz Josef. It is also the longest glacier in New Zealand.

You can also heli hike on the glacier, as well as a glacier landing like in Franz Josef. However, this glacier is said to be much quieter.

Head to Lake Matheson

Reportedly, the most photographed lake in New Zealand, Lake Matheson, is known for being the perfect mirror of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on a calm day. To achieve the mirror effect, you need to have a perfectly still day. It’s a 30-minute drive from Franz Josef and is a perfect stop for its walking tracks, reflective waters, and especially stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Go to Lake Mapourika

Lake Mapourika is known for being a scenic gem, and is and it is only a 5-minute drive from Franz Josef. One of the most popular things to do on the lake is to take a kayak tour. But if you fancy a more laid-back, less energetic approach, this lake cruise gives you the perfect opportunity to relax in nature.

Things to do in Franz Josef: Hikes

One of the most famous things to do in Franz Josef is go hiking, and there are plenty of lengths and difficulties to choose from. Here are some of the best walks.

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

One of the easiest walks, being just 1.2KM there and back from the end of the access road. It is also predominantly flat. You now can’t complete the entire trail due to flooding in the valley, but it does take you through pretty greenery before offering a view of the glacier. Sadly, due to how far it has receded, Franz Josef is much further away than it used to be, but still a lovely walk. A great one to do when you arrive in the town for a first viewpoint.

Alex Knob

This hike is the one that will offer you the best view of the Franz Josef glacier, which is nothing short of stunning. But you do need to earn these views. It is a 17 KM long hike, and the steepest in Franz Josef. However, the trail is in good condition.

Roberts Point

The hardest hike in Franz Josef. The route winds through native rainforest, past thundering waterfalls and down a floating staircase, before a steep scramble delivers breathtaking views over Franz Josef Glacier. It even includes the longest swing bridge in New Zealand.

Tatare Tunnels Walk

Another fairly easy walk, but make sure to take a torch and waterproof shoes! The Tatare tunnels are the old gold mining tunnels, and you can still explore one. It is 400M long, although it is a there-and-back, and the bottom of the tunnel is filled with water. At the end, you also get a chance to see gloworms!

The water to get there is through a beautiful forest, and comes out along the river. It is mainly flat, with an uphill section towards the tunnel. But the track is well paved.

Callery Gorge

Another fairly easy walk, with a few uphill parts. It starts from the same place as the Tartae Tunnels, and takes you down to a river, which has stunning blue water. Another hike with a swing bridge to cross, and it also takes you through a beautiful rainforest.

Things to do in Franz Josef: Where to eat

Some of the best spots to eat in Franz Josef are perfect after a day of adventure!

• Alice May Restaurant and Bar: A long-time favourite in Franz Josef, Alice May is known for its cosy atmosphere and hearty meals. The menu focuses on local ingredients, with good-sized portions of classic New Zealand dishes.
  
• King Tiger: King Tiger offers a mix of Asian-inspired flavours. It’s a popular choice for something a little different, with bold dishes and friendly service that make it ideal for an easy but satisfying evening meal.
  
• Full of Beans: Perfect for breakfast or a coffee stop, Full of Beans is a laid-back café loved for its good coffee and casual vibe. Expect simple, tasty food, outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favourite.
  
• Snakebite Brewery: Snakebite Brewery is the spot to head to for craft beer in Franz Josef, brewing its own beers on site. Alongside the drinks, you’ll find pub-style food, live music on select nights, and a lively atmosphere.

Where to stay in Franz Josef

There are a variety of places to stay in the town, and here are the best for every budget.

Luxury: Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef – An upscale hotel with beautiful rooms, excellent service and a convenient village location with rainforest surrounds.
Mid-range: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier -Modern rooms, on-site dining and bar facilities, easy access to the town and comfy rooms.
Budget: Rainforest Retreat – Offers a range of accommodation, including backpackers’ rooms, in beautiful surroundings, complete with a hot tub.

How to get to Franz Josef

Kiwi Experience

I travelled to Franz Josef from Rotorua on the Kiwi Experience bus (you can read all about this way of travelling here: Kiwi Experience review: what it is really like to travel around New Zealand with Kiwi Experience). However, there are multiple ways to get to Franz Josef.

By Car

The easiest way to get to Franz Josef is by car, especially if you’re exploring the South Island at your own pace. There is plenty of parking around the village, and having a car makes it much easier to reach nearby attractions like Lake Matheson and the glacier valley walks.

I use Discover Cars, who have great options all over New Zealand.

• From Queenstown: The drive takes around 4.5–5 hours, travelling through Wanaka and over the Haast Pass. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country, with mountains, rivers, and rainforest along the way.
• From Wanaka: Around a 3.5–4 hour drive, following the same stunning Haast Pass route.
• From Christchurch: Expect a 5–6 hour drive, depending on your route, either via Arthur’s Pass or down the West Coast from Hokitika.
• From Hokitika: Franz Josef is just under 2 hours south, making it an easy and beautiful coastal drive.

By bus

Travelling to Franz Josef by bus is a convenient option if you don’t have a car. Intercity and other coach services run routes to Franz Josef from several locations, including Greymouth, Queenstown, Nelson, and Wanaka, making it a primary way to reach the West Coast town for glacier access. Buses stop directly in Franz Josef on Main Road, offering scenic routes to this popular glacier destination. Services aren’t as frequent as on the East Coast, but it’s a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery without driving.

How long do you need in Franz Josef?

For most travellers, 1 to 2 days in Franz Josef is the perfect amount of time. This gives you enough time to explore the glacier valley walks, visit Lake Matheson, and relax in the Glacier Hot Pools without feeling rushed.

If the weather is on your side, you could easily do everything you wanted to do in three days, including a heli hike, a day trip to a lake, adventure activities, and some hikes. However, you might want to allow some extra days to increase your chances of the heli hike running.

More posts on New Zealand’s South Island:

• Franz Josef Helicopter Hike: Is it worth it? And everything you need to know
• 18 Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand
• Solo Travel in New Zealand: Campervan Diaries
• Visiting Mount Sunday, New Zealand: The Real Edoras
• Lord of the Rings Filming Locations In New Zealand
• Visiting Mount Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand: Epic 3 day Adventure Itinerary
• Roys Peak Hike: Is it Worth it? And all you need to know
• Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: How to choose

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