explore Franz Josef
real West Coast Visitor and Travel Information.

On the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, about 140 kms south of Hokitika and 25 Kms from Fox Glacier, Franz Josef is a small town with a population of around 320.

Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand

The township is 5 km from the Franz Josef Glacier, a major tourist attraction and why many people visit Franz Josef Village.

A small but comfortable village with a good selection of motel, hostel and motor camp accommodation and several restaurants. Despite being in the wilderness, Franz Josef Village has the essential basic services including a good garage, supermarket, Visitors Centre and Department of Conservation Office.

The Glacier is one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, a remnant from the Ice Age which is one of South Westland's major draw cards.

There are a range of activities, from walks on Franz Josef Glacier with a duration of 3 hours, bush walks, scenic helicopter flights of Mt Cook, Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef Glaciers, to name a few that are available.

 Do Not venture on to the Glacier unless you are with a Guide. Franz Josef is a living, moving river of ice and can be dangerous.

Franz or Fox? Which to visit?
It is commonly assumed that seeing one is seeing both of the Glaciers this is a fallacy.

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are rivers of Ice tumbling from the Southern Alps to approximately 250 metres above sea level, at that point all similarity ends.

The experience of Fox is not Franz, they are unique in their ease of access and extending to such a low level from the sea, but seeing one is not seeing both. If you can make the time do visit both, we are sure you will be pleased you did.

Welcome to Franz Josef on “the real Coast” ... enjoy your stay.