Top Things to do in Franz Josef
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What to do and see in Franz Josef, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
The quaint West Coast, South Island town of Franz Josef is named after the Franz Josef Glacier. Which in turn, legend has it, is named for a girl whose lover died in a fatal fall. She cried so much that her tears pooled, eventually freezing into a block of ice. The magic of this fable isn’t lost on the town or the tourists who flock to the tragically romantic site.
Restaurants in Franz Josef
1. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 641 reviews
A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!
2. Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
We offer an action-packed 'all-weather' activity, shooting undercover in a building designed especially for our environment and your fun and safe shooting experience. We provide all equipment and transport to and from the range. Real guns, real ammunition with tuition provided for beginners and a challenge for experienced shooters. Covered shoes must be worn for this activity.
Reviewed By MickeyBrwne
We were quite lucky it rained today as that prompted us to search for other activities besides our heli hike, when we saw this we decided to give it a go! Vicki picked us up from our hotel and was on time and very friendly, we ended up at the range with a group of 4 older people - we all bonded over shooting targets! Brent provided excellent training and tips, the guns were very easy to use and not at all as intimidating as you might expect - specially with Brent’s tips! Had way too much fun doing this, and I’m thinking of doing it more often when I’m back home in Sydney! Thank you Brent and Vicki! - Mikhail and Vee
3. Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,579 reviews
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
4. Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,164 reviews
The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers.Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. We make a clear commitment to you that our trip is the most spectacular and rewarding available.
5. Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre (Franz Josef)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Department of Conservation Visitor Centre located in Franz Josef Glacier township. Please come and see us for local track and safety information, activity bookings, Great Walk bookings, current local weather, road closures and general conservation information. We also can help you with permits, concessions and hut passes.
6. Glacier Hot Pools
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 963 reviews
Nestled under nature’s leafy canopy, Glacier Hot Pools provide the perfect spot to let your tinana (body), hinengaro (mind) and wairua (spirit) embrace nature, relax & invigorate. All pools are filled with pure water and heated between 36°C and 40°C. For the cherry on top of the cake – experience a soak in a private pool & a rejuvenating massage or facial.
Reviewed By MachineDDW - County Cork, Ireland
3 gorgeous pools, perfect for these days where the weather is crap. Has an easy layout, with plenty of space for everyone, and is well signposted. Personally I really appreciate the little signs describing the trees and plants which grow surrounding the hotpools, I think they add a lot to the place and make it feel more than other hot pools I've visited in the country.
7. Across Country Quad Bikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
