20 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com
20 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2024]

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Must-Dos in Franz Josef: Home to New Zealand’s Most Accessible Glacier

It’s a must-do on the South Island; seeing the Franz Josef Glacier. Franz Josef is one of the most bustling tourism hotspots on the West Coast of the South Island. The small picturesque town is backed with luxuriant rainforest and a magnificent glacier valley leading up to the Franz Josef Glacier. There are many ways to experience this glacier for yourself, as well as discover the magnificent landscape carved by the glacier over thousands of years. Find out what you could be getting up to with this list of the best things to do in Franz Josef.

While you’re here, find somewhere awesome to stay with our 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef or 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef.

1. Kayak on Lake Mapourika

Paddle on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika on a kayaking tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. No kayaking experience is necessary as you glide across the waters with ease on this placid lake surrounded by lush rainforest and ever-present views of the mountains in the distance. Look out for wildlife like eels and follow your guide down hidden creeks while listening to local Maori legends. What’s more, this tour is family-friendly. Compare this tour with others in the 10 Best Kayak Tours in New Zealand.

Location: Tours depart either from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ office on 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier, or Lake Mapourika Recreational Area, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Franz Josef town centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

2. Do a Free Walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Terminal Face…

Although Franz Josef is famous for its heli-hikes (which we will get into later), did you know there’s a free way to see the Franz Josef Glacier? In fact, there are a few, all of which are walks, with the most popular being the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk. Wander through the breathtaking valley left behind by the Franz Josef Glacier to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef terminal face. The 1h30mins return walk also features the beautiful Trident Falls. Check out more freebies like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Franz Josef.

Location: Glacier Access Road, 5 km (3 mi) from Franz Josef just south of the Waiho River Bridge.

MaxPixel© MaxPixel

3. … Or a Guided Walk of the Glacier Valley

Although walking in the Franz Josef Glacier Valley is one of the free things to do in Franz Josef, you can enrich your experience further by taking a three-hour guided hike through this immersive landscape with Glacier Valley Eco Tours. Learn all about how the valley was formed, about the local flora and fauna, as well as Maori legends and history of the area. Note this tour does not take you onto the glacier.

Location: 29 The Strand, Okarito, approximately 27 km (17 mi) from Franz Josef township (pick-ups are available).

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© Glacier Valley Eco Tours

4. Heli-Hike on the Franz Josef Glacier

Explore the ice giant itself on a glacier heli-hiking experience. Fly onto the Franz Josef Glacier and tie up your provided crampons in order for your guide to take you on a journey in and around the glacier. No two tours are the same in this ever-changing environment complete with ice caves and outstanding mountainous views on all sides. Book your heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line on Viator and KKday.

Location: Tours depart from The Helicopter Line office on Main Street, Franz Josef township.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Quad Bike Through a Glacier Valley

Explore valleys, riverbeds and rainforests left in the wake of the Franz Josef Glacier on an exciting tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. This 2-hour tour has you off-roading on all sorts of terrain, from rivers to lush rainforest. You’ll get driving tips and time to practice with your guide before setting out on a thrilling journey. With 3-seater buggies also available, this tour is also an exciting option for families. Compare this ATV tour to others with our 10 Places to Quad Bike in New Zealand for Adventure Junkies.

Location: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ office, 30 Main Road, Franz Josef township.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

6. See Rare Birds and a Stunning Wetland Environment at the Okarito Lagoon

One of the most important ecosystems in New Zealand, the Okarito Lagoon is a nature lover’s dream. See rare wildlife like the white heron and royal spoonbill on the shores of the Okarito Lagoon and along the Okarito walking trails. Choose either the Okarito Trig Walk (1 hr 30 mins return) for spectacular views of the lagoon and glaciers or enjoy the coastal views and wildlife along the Okarito Coastal Walk (3 hr 30 mins return). Find out more about these walks and others in the area with our 10 Best Walks in Franz Josef.

Location: The Strand, Okarito, approximately 27 km (17 mi) southwest of Franz Josef.

Jesse Palmer on Wikipedia© Jesse Palmer on Wikipedia

7. Do a Helicopter Flight Over the Southern Alps

Gaze upon a pristine landscape carved by glaciers on a scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef. Fly over the Franz Josef Glacier and land on a secluded ice field with Glacier Helicopters. See both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers before landing above them with The Helicopter Line West Coast (on Viator and KKday). Or get the “grand tour” on a 40-minute flight around Aoraki Mt Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier with HeliServices.NZ (on Viator and Klook). See more tours like this in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Franz Josef.

Location: All tours depart from the helicopter operators’ offices on Main Street, Franz Josef township.

Glacier Helicopters© Glacier Helicopters

8. See a Kiwi Bird at the West Coast Wildlife Centre

The perfect rainy-day activity in Franz Josef, the West Coast Wildlife Centre is the South Island’s largest kiwi hatching facility. This is your chance to see New Zealand’s national icon up close! The centre also has an interactive glacier exhibition. Check out more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Franz Josef with Kids.

Location: Corner of Cron and Cowan Streets, Franz Josef township.

West Coast Wildlife Centre© West Coast Wildlife Centre

9. Fish for Brown Trout and Salmon at Lake Mapourika

Lake Mapourika is a hotbed for salmon and brown trout fishing, so enjoy it with your own gear (remember your fishing license) or join a local skipper who will sort all the logistics and gear out for you. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours offers fishing charters kitted up for all weathers. No previous experience is needed, just enjoy a few hours on the lake and try your luck. Brown Trout can be caught year-round, while the salmon season is October to March.

Location: Tours depart either from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ office on 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier, or Lake Mapourika Recreational Area, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Franz Josef town centre.

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Skydive Over the Franz Josef Glacier

See the Franz Josef Glacier from epic heights on a 20,000 ft skydive! Freefall at 200 kph (124 mph) for up to 85 seconds in this ultimate adrenaline activity. The skydive with Skydive Franz & Fox is mixed with some of the most varied and epic scenery available in New Zealand with views of the highest peaks of the country, the Franz Josef Glacier and river valleys meandering their way out to the Tasman Sea. They also offer jumps from 16,500 ft and 13,000 ft – find out more about this skydive on Viator or Klook. Plus, compare this skydive to others with our 15 Places to Tandem Skydive in New Zealand.

Location: 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef township.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

11. Unwind in the Waiho Hot Tubs

We get it; not all of us are into glacier exploration, jumping from planes or splashing on a cold lake. Alternatively (or additionally if you want to treat yourself after your activity of the day), head to Waiho Hot Tubs. Enjoy an indulgent wood-fired hot pool experience nestled among the ferns with the opportunity to bring your own nibbles and drinks. You can also choose to add Epsom salts or lavender hydrosol to your pool. We also consider this one of the best rainy day activities, as listed in the 10 Things to Do in Franz Josef on a Rainy Day.

Location: 64B Cron Street, Franz Josef town.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com

12. Enjoy a Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika

We’ve talked a lot about the stunning glacier-carved Lake Mapourika, and yes, there is another way to experience it! With Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, spend two hours cruising the vividly reflective waters with sweeping panoramic views of the Southern Alps. The small-group boat tour makes for a relaxing way to explore the lake for all ages and includes hot beverages onboard. There’s also the option to upgrade to do a guided bushwalk through some of the area’s last remaining kahikatea rainforest where New Zealand’s rarest kiwi bird, the rowi, lives.

Location: Tours depart either from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ office on 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier, or Lake Mapourika Recreational Area, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Franz Josef town centre.

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

13. Check Out the Glowworms at Night on the Terrace Walk

Have you seen glowworms in New Zealand yet? There’s a chance to see them for free on the Terrace Walk at the southern end of Franz Josef township. After dark, look around and under the fallen trees alongside the track for a chance to see the blue lights of the glowworms shimmering. Even during the day, this walk is a beautiful example of the West Coast’s lush rainforest. Allow 30 minutes to walk the trail and return the same way.

Location: Southern end of Franz Josef town, State Highway 6 after Our Lady of the Alps Church.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com

14. Carve a Greenstone Pendant

A real hidden gem in Franz Josef, the Te Koha Gallery is a jade carving studio where you can carve your own variants of pounamu (greenstone/jade) including nephrite jade, tangi wai, aotea, rhodonite. Become a part of the Maori tradition of jade carving in this one-to-two-hour workshop, time depending on the design. Learn more about jade carvings and their meanings here. See more trips like this in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Franz Josef.

Location: 69 Waiho Flat Road, Franz Josef town.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com

15. Do the Peters Pool Walk

Looking for an easy walk to do in Franz Josef? Check out Peters Pool, a 20-minute return walk that’s even wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Enjoy the scenery of this small lake filled with dark tannins to reflect the views of the glacier valley. The kettle lake was formed by melting ice around 200 years ago. Again, this is just one of the walks of many listed in the 10 Best Walks in Franz Josef.

Location: Glacier Access Road, approximately 4 km (2 mi) from Franz Josef town centre.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com

16. Indulge in a Spa Treatment at Amaia Luxury Spa

Have some “me time” at Amaia Luxury Spa. Part of the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, the Amaia Spa is open to the public and offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, hands, feet and body treatments. Try therapies with local products made from manuka honey or treat yourself to a complete spa package ranging from hot stone massages and facials to complete top-to-toe treatments including manicures and pedicures.

Location: 36 Main Road, Franz Josef town.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© Pexels

17. Hike the Roberts Point Track

Ready for a hiking mission? If you are fit and able, the Roberts Point Track is a rewarding hike to some spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier. The 5 hr 20 mins return hike winds up a rough trail along the Franz Josef Glacier Valley onto the open ice-smoothed outcrops where you’ll find Hende’s Hut and a good place for a snack break. Continue over exposed scrubland to a long suspension bridge across Rope Creek and upwards to the final viewing platform at Roberts Point.

Location: Either start at the Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park, Glacier Access Road, approximately 2 km (1 mi) from Franz Josef town centre. Or the Franz Josef Glacier car park at the end of Glacier Access Road, approximately 4 km (2 mi) from Franz Josef town centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

18. Hit Franz Josef’s Bike Trails

Another way to soak in the scenery of Franz Josef is on your bike. The easy-going Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway starts from town and meanders through the verdant rainforest to the Franz Josef Glacier car park. Otherwise, cycling from town to the shores of Lake Mapourika is a pleasant ride. Mountain bike hire is available from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours which includes helmets and bike locks.

Location: Bike hire – Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ office on 30 Main Road, Franz Josef township. Te Ara a Waiau Cycleway – Franz Josef town, State Highway 6 just outside of the Department of Conservation Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre.

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

19. See Mining Tunnels and Relics on the Tatare Tunnels and Callery Gorge Walks

Yet another interesting aspect of the Franz Josef area is its mining history. The Tatare Tunnels Walk and Callery Gorge Walk both showcase remnants of the area’s gold-mining heritage that’s now being reclaimed by nature. What’s more, both trails are connected. Take a torch and a rain jacket on the 1h20min return Tatare Tunnels Walk which takes you to water tunnels that were carved by miners in the early 20th Century. The Callery Gorge Walk branches off the Tatare Tunnels Walk about five minutes in, giving you access to the 1 hr 20 mins adventure ascending a terrace behind Franz Josef town before following an old water race and abandoned mining relics. You’ll then descend to the Callery Gorge Bridge where you can admire views of the milky waters of this scenic gorge.

Location: End of Cowan Street, Franz Josef town.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© NZPocketGuide.com

20. Experience Glacier Climbing

Franz Josef Glacier Guides might be famous for their heli-hikes, but those looking for more adventure or a bit more time on the glacier should seriously consider looking into their “Heli Ice Climb”. With a small group of usually four guests per instructor and up to six hours of time on the ice, this tour feels a lot more “exclusive” than FJGG’s other offers yet still includes a fantastic helicopter ride on and off the glacier.

Location: Tours depart from The Helicopter Line office on Main Street, Franz Josef township.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Pixabay

21. Walk to Lake Wombat

Follow the easy 1 hr 30 mins return walk to Lake Wombat through the luxuriant rainforest to another kettle lake formed by the Franz Josef Glacier. This small lake was formed around 9,000 years ago. The walk also offers good birdwatching.

Location: Glacier Access Road, 3 km (2 mi) from Franz Josef just south of the Waiho River Bridge (before you reach the car park – signposted on the right side of the road).

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

22. Hike the Epic Alex Knob Track

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure, then set your sights on the Alex Knob Track. Get away from the busy hiking trails and enjoy the sub-alpine terrain along this 8-hour return trail. The track zig-zags to the Rata Lookout offering tremendous views of Franz Josef Glacier. From there, you can continue following trail markers to the summit.

Location: Glacier Access Road, 3 km (2 mi) from Franz Josef just south of the Waiho River Bridge (before you reach the car park – signposted on the right side of the road).

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia

23. Take a Photo of the Lady of the Alps Church

This won’t take you too long, but if you are into photo opportunities then seek out the quaint Lady of the Alps Catholic Church with a dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. Additionally, the nearby St James Anglican Church offers unusual black-and-white architecture that’s also worthy of a shot.

Location: Lady of the Alps Catholic Church – South end of town after Condon Street. St James Anglican Church – South end of town, east side of the Waiho River Bridge.

24 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr

24. Stroll on the Sentinel Rock Walk

A popular walk offering impressive views of Franz Josef Glacier is the Sentinel Rock Walk. It’s a 20-minute climb with rewarding views of the glacier valley, Franz Josef Glacier and the Waiho River.

Location: Glacier Access Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Franz Josef just south of the Waiho River Bridge.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Pxhere

25. See Kiwi in the Wild

No kiwi houses, no predator-proof fence; just a 100% wilderness kiwi-spotting adventure, Okarito is one of the rare places where it’s easy to spot wild kiwi – especially with the help of Okarito Kiwi Tours who have a 95% viewing success rate with the help of conservation tracking devices. A short drive from Franz Josef, the rainforest of Okarito provides the perfect habitat for rowi kiwi, ruru (dwarf owl) and more. Tours are generally available between October and March. For more places to see kiwi, check out the 20 Best Places to See a Kiwi Bird in New Zealand.

Location: 53 The Strand, Okarito, approximately 27 km (16.8 mi) north of Franz Josef.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

26. Tour a White Heron Sanctuary

Speaking of rare birds, one of the most majestic yet underrated birds of New Zealand is the white heron (kotuku). Between September and February, join White Heron Sanctuary Tours for an escapade into the nesting grounds of the remote Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, which is only possible on a  guided tour. The 2 hr 30 mins tour includes both a minibus journey and walking with wet weather gear provided if needed.

Location: Whataroa, approximately 20 km (18.6 mi) north of Franz Josef.

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© westcoast.co.nz

27. Cosy Up with a “Helimax” Movie at the Franz Josef Cinema

Can’t afford the real thing? Helicopter tours over Franz Josef might not be the most affordable experience but there’s a way around it in the comfort of the Franz Josef Cinema. Featuring “Westland Wonderland”, a 40-minute “helimax” experience showcasing the remote wilderness and wildlife of the southwest region of New Zealand, the Franz Josef Cinema tells the story of the Franz Josef and West Coast region that very few get to see. Screenings are available at 10 am daily.

Location: Alpine Adventure Centre, 29 Main Road, Franz Josef township.

30 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© Viator

28. Enjoy a Day Trip to Fox Glacier to See Lake Matheson and More

A mere 20 minutes down the road from Franz Josef Glacier is the widely underrated town and glacier experiences of Fox Glacier. Heli-hiking on the Fox Glacier with Fox Glacier Guiding is the main event here, but if you have already done glacier heli-hiking in Franz Josef then the free walk around the vividly reflective Lake Matheson is highly recommended. There are also walking trails through the Fox Glacier Valley, the stunning Gillespies Beach and more. Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Fox Glacier to start planning your visit.

Location: State Highway 6, approximately 23 km (14 mi) south of Franz Josef.

25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef 🚁 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com

29. Treat Yourself to Some Franz Josef Dining

Finally, conclude an epic day of heli-hiking, quad biking, scenic flying, skydiving or whatever with a hearty West Coast meal in Franz Josef. A must-try is Alice May where you can learn about the fascinating story of Alice May written on the placemats while you wait for your New Zealand beer or regional wine along with homemade traditional Kiwi cuisine.

Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar is well worth booking a table for its well-presented plates of international crowd-pleasers in a casual setting. For Southeast Asian street food combined with New Zealand craft beer, head to the Snake Bite Brewery – no, it’s not actually a brewery itself but pours a range of NZ’s finest.

Finally, check out the all-you-can-eat-pizza nights at Monsoon Restaurant. Find more restaurant recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Franz Josef and The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Franz Josef.

Location: Alice May – 30 Cron Street. Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar – 12 Main Road. Snake Bite Brewery – 28 Main Road. Monsoon Restaurant – 46 Cron Street.

10 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef© westcoast.co.nz

30. [CLOSED] Unwind at the Glacier Hot Pools

Head to the Glacier Hot Pools for some time to unwind. After all, you deserve it. Nestled in surroundings inspired by nature, from local rainforest to riverbed rocks, the hot pools provide a stunning environment. Choose from varying temperatures in the three main pools or treat yourself to a private pool.

Location: 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef township.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Franz Josef

That’s it for our ultimate list of the best things to do in Franz Josef but not the end of all of the Franz Josef offerings. Check out the guides below for more activity inspiration:

Finally, find more activities for your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the South Island and 10 Unique & Unusual Things to Do on the South Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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