Explore the Majestic Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Discover the enchanting Franz Josef Glacier Walk, a must-see hiking destination showcasing stunning glaciers and lush rainforests in New Zealand.
The Franz Josef Glacier Walk offers an unforgettable hiking experience through stunning landscapes, where lush rainforests meet towering glaciers. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this breathtaking trek unveils the natural beauty of New Zealand's West Coast.
A brief summary to Franz Josef Glacier Walk
- Unnamed Road Westland National Park, West Coast, 7886, NZ
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking boots for better grip on the trails.
- Check the weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change quickly.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, especially the glacier's unique blue ice.
- Consider joining a guided tour for an informative experience about the glacier's history and geology.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience on the trails.
Getting There
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Car
From Fox Glacier, head south on State Highway 6 (SH6) towards Franz Josef. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. Look for signs indicating the Franz Josef Glacier. Once you reach the Franz Josef township, follow the signs to the Glacier Access Road. Continue on this road until you reach the parking area for the Franz Josef Glacier Walk.
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Public Transport
Take a bus service from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef. Several companies operate this route, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Check local schedules for exact departure times. Once you arrive in Franz Josef township, follow the signs to the Glacier Access Road, where the Franz Josef Glacier Walk begins.
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Walking
If you prefer walking and are up for an adventure, you can hike from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef. It’s a significant trek, approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) along the road. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water and snacks. Follow the SH6 south, and you’ll arrive at the Franz Josef township, where you can find the Glacier Access Road leading to the walk.
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Cost Considerations
If you are taking the bus, expect to pay around NZD $25-30 for a round trip from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef. Parking at the Glacier Access Road is free for visitors arriving by car.
Discover more about Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Franz Josef Glacier Walk
0.0 km
Discover the enchanting Franz Josef Glacier Walk, a must-see hiking destination showcasing stunning glaciers and lush rainforests in New Zealand.
Robert's Point Track
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Glacier Country Heliport Car Park
4.1 km
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Victoria Falls
10.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and thrilling adventures at Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Fox Glacier Heli Hiking
11.1 km
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Glacier Helicopters Fox Glacier
13.1 km
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Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures
13.1 km
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Minnehaha Walk
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Fox Glacier South Side walk (start point)
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Lake Matheson Walk
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Mt Cook
19.4 km
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Empress Hut
19.5 km
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Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
20.5 km
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Te kopikopiko o te waka Peak View
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Aoraki / Mount Cook Middle Peak
20.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Alex knob track
1.2 km
Experience the majestic beauty of the Alex Knob Track, a premier hiking destination in New Zealand's Westland Tai Poutini National Park, perfect for adventure seekers.
Start Alex Knob Trail
1.4 km
Experience the breathtaking Alex Knob Trail in Westland National Park, where stunning views and rich biodiversity await the adventurous traveler.
Terrace Walk
3.7 km
Explore the enchanting Terrace Walk in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where breathtaking landscapes and serene hiking trails await every adventurer.
Canavans Knob
3.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Canavans Knob, a premier hiking destination in New Zealand's Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Heli Hike
4.0 km
Discover the majestic Franz Josef Glacier with an unforgettable helicopter hike, where stunning views and adventure await in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier
4.0 km
Embark on a breathtaking helicopter journey over Franz Josef Glacier, witnessing its stunning ice formations and majestic landscapes from above.
Franz Josef Cinema featuring "Westland Wonderland" 40 minute HELIMAX movie of SouthWestand
4.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's landscapes at the Alpine Adventure Centre's HELIMAX cinema experience in Franz Josef.
West Coast Wildlife Centre
4.1 km
Discover New Zealand's unique wildlife and conservation efforts at the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef, a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.1 km
Experience the natural beauty and historical intrigue of Tatare Tunnels Walk in New Zealand's stunning Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Callery Gorge Walk
4.1 km
Discover the breathtaking Callery Gorge Walk in Westland Tai Poutini National Park – a perfect hiking escape for nature lovers and adventurers.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
4.5 km
Explore Franz Josef Glacier with expert guides, exciting helicopter tours, and breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
FRANZ JOSEF
5.5 km
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Franz Josef Glacier
5.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
docherty creek
6.9 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Docherty Creek, a hidden gem in New Zealand's Franz Josef region, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
8.5 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a true gem on New Zealand's West Coast, where adventure and natural beauty await.
Essential places to dine
Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar
3.9 km
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SnakeBite Brewery
4.1 km
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The Landing Restaurant & Bar
4.1 km
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Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
4.2 km
Discover exquisite local cuisine and breathtaking glacier views at Alice May Restaurant in Franz Josef.
Monsoon Restaurant
4.3 km
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Rainforest Retreat
4.3 km
Experience unparalleled hospitality at Rainforest Retreat – where nature meets comfort in Franz Josef's stunning landscapes.
King Tiger
4.5 km
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Sir William Fox Restaurant & Bar
13.1 km
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The White Pub Cafe & Bar
13.1 km
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The Last Kitchen
13.1 km
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Breakfast Restaurant
13.2 km
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Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar
13.3 km
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High Peaks Hotel
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Alpine Restaurant
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Chamois Bar & Grill
35.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Franz Josef Glacier Car Park
0.1 km
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Blucod
4.0 km
Discover the freshest seafood at Blucod in Franz Josef, where quality meets the beauty of New Zealand's coast.
Four Square Franz Josef
4.0 km
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Fern Grove Gift & Design
4.1 km
Explore Fern Grove Gift & Design for unique NZ souvenirs, stylish apparel, and local treasures in the heart of Franz Josef.
The Glacier Shop
4.1 km
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William Apiaries (Honey)
4.7 km
Discover the sweet taste of New Zealand at William Apiaries, your destination for exquisite local honey and bee products in Franz Josef.
Te Koha Gallery - Jade Carving and Gem Stones
5.6 km
Explore the art of jade carving and discover stunning gem stones at Te Koha Gallery in Franz Josef, New Zealand.
Packraft New Zealand
7.1 km
Embark on an unforgettable packrafting adventure in Franz Josef, New Zealand. Gear up at Packraft New Zealand for the ultimate outdoor experience.
Real Tin Toys
7.1 km
Explore the enchanting world of handcrafted tin toys at Real Tin Toys in Franz Josef, a delightful stop for collectors and families.
Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon
13.1 km
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Cafe Nevé
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On the Spot Fox Glacier
13.1 km
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Fox Glacier Guiding Gift Shop
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Experience Fox Glacier
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NPD Fox Glacier Motors
13.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Moa Bar
4.2 km
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The Westhaven Motel
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Fox Glacier Jade Hotel
13.1 km
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Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
13.1 km
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Bella Vista Fox Glacier
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Rainforest Motel
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Sunset Motel
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Snowline Bar
35.0 km
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NZ Alpine Club Unwin Lodge - Private club
37.5 km
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Woodstock Hotel
99.6 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels
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Tasman Glacier Skiing
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Mount Cook Heliski
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