//
Town in the West Coast Region of New Zealand
Photo: Alexander Klink, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Franz Josef is a village and glacial area at the foot of the western slopes of Mount Cook, in the middle of the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A free option to see the base of the glacier and valley with the melted glacial river flowing down it. Track closes during heavy rain.
A range of trips taking visitors up on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. From Valley Walks, half and full day options to ice climbing and heli hiking, there is a trip to suit every ability. Franz Josef Glacier Guides is the only operator permitted to guide on the Franz Josef Glacier. Bookings are essential.
Local family owned and operated helicopter company providing scenic flights over the glaciers with snow landings. Flights vary in length (25–45 min) and are suitable for all ages. Also sells a small range of outdoor clothing, accessories and pounamu.
Scenic flightseeing tours by plane flying from Franz Josef. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glacier and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook and the main divide to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park.
Tandem parachute jumping.
a helicopter scenic flight company licensed to land at all designated landing sites within the Westland National Park. It has bases at Whataroa, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Karangarua and Haast. Flights depart daily subject to safe and suitable weather conditions. View the Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers. Mount Tasman and Mount Cook. 4- and 6-passenger helicopters and are suitable for individuals or groups.
Man-made hot pools fed by glacier water.
Private tubs. Set amongst native bush & feels very private despite being in town. Opened September 2020.
A short walk through the bush, glow worms may be seen at night. 30 minutes return.
An 80-minute walk to some old water tunnels.
Walk along a rocky riverbed to a glacier viewing area. The track is 5.4 km long, and starts 4 km from the centre of Franz Josef (if walking from town, take the Douglas Walk or Lake Wombat Track for the last 2 km).
An 11–12.3-kilometre tramping track in Franz Josef Glacier and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It takes approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Within the track are swing bridges, ice-carved rock, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs
Enjoy the music upstairs after your meal. Licensed till 3AM, has DJs in house through the tourist season and has rave reviews for the lamb shanks, whitebait and pizza (particularly the salmon pesto pizza). Lovely authentic Chinese menu as well.
Features of vintage things and old photos about Alice May as indoor decorations. Its owner Jennie O’Loughlin is one of Alice’s grandchildren. No booking is necessary; it’s first come, first served. Happy hours (10% discount) before 6PM.
Pub with Asian food and craft beers, but no brewing.
One- and two-bedroom villas. Warm, comfortable, contemporary apartment-style accommodation.
Motel accommodation in the centre of township.
B&B lodge, with great views of the West Coast rainforest and the Alps. The beds are comfortable, and the atmosphere relaxing.
Budget but comfortable option an easy walk north of town - motel rooms, dorms, caravan and campsites.
Quality B&B rooms plus a cottage available. Environmentally conscious, great breakfast.
Built in 1926 in "Arts & Crafts" architectural style. B&B accommodation.
Wide range of gifts, clothing and souvenirs.
small supermarket
By car
By bus
Intercity Coaches operate coaches from Nelson or Fox Glacier. Tour buses generally make Franz Josef one of their stops, either for the night or at least a lunch break.
By air
Franz Josef Airport is really only suitable for light aircraft. Mount Cook Airport is on the other of the mountains, and a scenic flightseeing trip can often be arranged at short notice.
While you can take your car to the car park at the foot of the glacier, you will need to get out and walk 25 minutes to the terminal face, as the glacier is receding. There are walking tracks in the glacier valley.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Regional · HKK
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Franz Josef and New Zealand.
Travel tipsCompare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
8 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Travel tipsFive countries where women travelling alone find safe streets, easy transport and a warm welcome, with practical advice for each one.
7 min read
Culture & historyWhere to stand, what it costs and when to go for five of the most famous filming locations on screen, from King's Landing to Arrakis.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.