Franz Josef Glacier

Located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the Franz Josef Glacier has been a prominent feature of the rugged West Coast landscapes for centuries. The glacier extends approximately 12 km from its alpine origins, terminating a mere 19 km inland from New Zealand’s rugged western coastline and the Tasman Sea.

Known in local Māori legends as Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere), the Franz Joseph Glacier now stands as a testament to her grief over the death of her beloved Wawe after a climbing expedition gone wrong.

The Franz Joseph Glacier and its neighbor the Fox Glacier attract thousands and thousands of visitors every year from all around the world, some seeking out the terminal face of the glaciers and some wishing to explore its icy realm hidden below the surface.

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Getting There

The Franz Joseph glacier is a very scenic 5-hour drive from Christchurch, around 2 ½ hours from Greymouth, 3 hrs 40 minutes from Wanaka, and just under five hours drive from Queenstown. The nearest airport is in Hokitika, roughly a 2-hour drive away (however Queenstown is the closest international airport) and the nearest train station is in Greymouth (The TranzAlpine) at 2 ½ hours’ drive.

You will find the Glacier Access Road just south of the Franz Josef Village on State Highway 6, cross the Waiho River Bridge and take a hard left, the Franz Josef Glacier carpark is located roughly ten minutes’ drive down this road.

Be aware the access road and walking tracks to Franz Josef Glacier can sometimes be closed to the public due to rock falls or flooded rivers. Check weather conditions and road closures here.

Franz Joseph Glacier Experiences

From the carpark there are two main options available to view the glacier. The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk will bring you towards the terminal face of the glacier, viewing the terminal face is only possible from a safe distance on foot unless you are accompanied by an experienced guide or via helicopter.

More experienced and well-equipped hikers can choose to explore the 12.3 km Roberts Point Track, eventually viewing the glacier from above. Scenic flights and the opportunity to land on the glacier and explore are also extremely popular ways to get the full glacial experience.

The best time of the year to visit Franz Josef is in the New Zealand winter, the glacier will be at its best (and not melting too much), and as a bonus, there will be fewer crowds. Expect temperatures of around 10-21 degrees Celsius in summer and 2-12 degrees in winter.

Glacier Tours

Choose from a variety of guided tours provided by experienced local guides. These tours are available to book online or in-person when arriving at the Franz Joseph Village. Combine hiking with a helicopter ride, climb or walk among the icy tunnels, seracs, ice caves, and crevasses.

Here is a selection of tour operators offering guided Franz Joseph Glacier tours to get you started.

All guided tours and helicopter flights are weather dependent and best booked in advance in order to avoid disappointment, see your individual tour operator for cancellation information and advice.

What To Take With You

New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable at the best of times, it is important to take the right gear with you when heading into the great outdoors. The conditions in the Waiho Valley are subject to rapid changes in temperature and conditions and the entire river bed can become flooded after heavy rain – here are few things you need to take with you on your glacier adventure.

Layers of clothing including a warm sweater
Warm waterproof jacket
Track pants or comfortable trousers (not jeans they become heavy and cold if wet).
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
Water and snacks
Insect repellent

For more information on safety recommendations, weather, and alerts when entering New Zealand’s remote National Parks check out the Department of Conservations ‘Know Before You Go’ website.

8 Things To Do In Franz Joseph

Seen the glacier terminal front, explored the crevasses and caves, and enjoyed a scenic helicopter flight? Now it’s time to see what else there is to do in Franz Joseph and make the most of the time you have left in this beautiful little slice of West Coast paradise. Here are our top 8 things to do in Franz Joseph village.

Kayaking. Explore the scenic delights of the Okarito Lagoon by kayak with Okarito Kayaks.
Quad Bike Riding. Explore the West Coast rainforest from the back of a 2 seater quad bike with Across Country Quad Bikes guided tours.
Flightseeing. Taking a sightseeing flight in a plane is a great way to see a bit more of the surrounding area, see the team at Air Safaris for more information.
Tandem Sky Diving. Take the plunge with one of New Zealand’s most scenic backdrops with the team at Skydive Franz.
Hot Pools. After your busy day on the glacier enjoy a soak in the relaxing hot pools at Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.
Wildlife Fun. Check out the famous West Coast Wildlife Centre, including the kiwi breeding program and behind-the-scenes Kiwi and Tuatara Tours.
Clay Target Shooting. Try your hand at real clay target shooting with the experts at Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting.
White Water Rafting. Take to the water and have some fun with Eco Rafting at Franz Joseph (Grade 2 to 5 available).

Whether you choose to drive up from Queenstown or make your way through Arthurs Pass and down from Hokitika or Greymouth, visiting the Franz Joseph glacier will be one of the most memorable experiences in New Zealand’s ruggedly beautiful West Coast.

Getting to Franz Josef Glacier by Road

Franz Josef is a key stop along New Zealand’s wild West Coast, and while remote, it’s easily reached by car from popular centres like Greymouth, Wanaka, and Queenstown. If you're planning a self-drive trip, the route from Greymouth to Franz Josef offers sweeping coastal views, while those coming from Queenstown can expect alpine passes and scenic lakefront stops. Travel times vary, but most drives can be completed comfortably within a day, with plenty of places to pause along the way.

Car Hire Near Franz Josef – Your Options

Although there's no NZ Rent A Car branch directly in Franz Josef, the closest depots are in Greymouth and Queenstown, both ideal starting points for a West Coast road trip. If you're searching for car rental near Franz Josef Glacier, picking up a vehicle in Greymouth is a popular choice — especially for those arriving via the TranzAlpine train. For more flexibility and mountain driving comfort, we recommend a mid-size SUV or 4WD during winter or wet conditions.

Best Time to Visit Franz Josef Glacier

The glacier is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier depends on your travel goals. Summer (Dec–Feb) offers warm hiking conditions and clearer views from scenic flights. Winter (Jun–Aug) can be stunning, with fewer crowds and snow-dusted peaks — just keep in mind that Franz Josef winter weather can affect road access, so checking conditions and choosing a reliable vehicle is essential.

Greymouth Travel

Need transportation to make the most of the area? View our full range of affordable Greymouth rental cars and explore the best of the West Coast at your own pace.

Check out our blog for more New Zealand travel and holiday advice.