Group walking up Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef

Travel Guide

The West Coast Glacier Gateway

Franz Josef is renowned for its extraordinary glacier, one of the few in the world that descends into temperate rainforest. Visitors come for glacier walks, helicopter flights, and spectacular views of the Southern Alps. The region also offers hot pools, rainforest trails, and some of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural scenery.

  • Group hiking Franz Josef Glacier

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Experience one of New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, where ice descends dramatically toward temperate rainforest. Guided heli-hikes, scenic flights, and valley walks reveal spectacular ice formations, waterfalls, and alpine scenery.

  • Lake Mapourika

    Lake Mapourika

    Surrounded by ancient rainforest and mountain views, Lake Mapourika is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and peaceful nature tours. Its calm reflective waters offer a relaxing contrast to Franz Josef’s glacier adventures.

  • Woman showing off a Kiwi bird at the West Coast Wildlife Centre

    West Coast Wildlife Centre

    Meet rare native wildlife, including the endangered rowi kiwi, at this conservation-focused centre in Franz Josef village. Interactive exhibits share the region’s natural history and important efforts to protect New Zealand’s unique species.

Weather

Franz Josef Weather

Christchurch enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Known as New Zealand's Garden City, it offers year-round opportunities to explore parks, heritage attractions, nearby beaches, and alpine landscapes.

  • Summer

    22°C - 30°C

    December - February

    Warm sunny days are ideal for punting on the Avon River, exploring the Botanic Gardens, outdoor dining, and nearby beach visits.

  • Autumn

    10°C - 22°C

    March - May

    Colourful autumn foliage and mild temperatures make this a wonderful time for city walks, gardens, wineries, and scenic drives.

  • Winter

    1°C - 13°C

    June - August

    Cool, crisp days are perfect for museums, cafés, and day trips to nearby ski fields in the Southern Alps.

  • Spring

    8°C - 20°C

    September - November

    Blooming gardens, longer days, and comfortable temperatures make spring ideal for sightseeing, cycling, and exploring Christchurch's outdoor spaces.

Wild Kiwi Tours

How we explore Franz Josef

Southern Voyager
AdventureAdventure

Southern Voyager

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $2,025 NZD
Southern Voyager
Boat cruising through Milford Sound
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South Island Escape

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For all ages
From $4,520 NZD
South Island Escape
Group of people hiking up Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
AdventureAdventure

Big South

14 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $3,950 NZD
Big South
Person walking next to an alpine lake on the Tongariro Crossing
AdventureAdventure

NZ Explorer

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,085 NZD
NZ Explorer
View over Lake Tekapo with Mount Cook in the background
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NZ Discovery

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,048 NZD
NZ Discovery
View of the Southerns Alps and Lake Pukaki
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New Zealand Highlights

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $8,880 NZD
New Zealand Highlights
Group of people kayaking at Cathedral Cove
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New Zealand Epic

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Epic
The Earnslaw boat cruising across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
PremiumPremium

New Zealand Odyssey

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $15,430 NZD
New Zealand Odyssey
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo
AdventureAdventure

Grand Adventure

25 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $8,670 NZD
Grand Adventure
Group of friends pose for a photo on Wharariki Beach
AdventureAdventure

New Zealand Uncovered

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Uncovered

Things to Do

Top Activities in Franz Josef

As part of making the tour zero-stress, your guide will handle the bookings of all of your activities for you whilst on the road, so all you have to do is decide what to tick off your bucket list first. You don't have to make any activity bookings in advance.

Where to Eat

Best Local Eats in Franz Josef

Food at Snakebite Brewery

1. Local Favourite - Snakebite Brewery

Cooked breakfast and coffee

2. Best Café - Full of Beans Café

Alice May Restaurant

3. Signature Dining - Alice May Restaurant

Burger and fries

4. Must-Try Treat - The Landing Café

Reviews

What Travellers Say

Customer Reviews by
based on 616 reviews

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Franz Josef

What is Franz Josef famous for?
What are the best things to do in Franz Josef?
Can you walk to Franz Josef Glacier?
Is Franz Josef worth visiting?
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