Franz Josef Attractions
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Franz Josef (2024) - Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Franz Josef
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Franz Josef.
Eco Toursfromper adultHK$3,943- fromper adultHK$2,176
Winter Sportsfromper adultHK$3,467
4WD Toursfromper adultHK$621
Multi-day Toursfromper adultHK$9,647
Eco Toursfromper adultHK$508
Winter Sportsfromper adultHK$3,943
Helicopter Toursfromper adultHK$1,637
Private and Luxuryfromper adultHK$721
Private and Luxuryfromper adultHK$508
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Glacier viewpoint accessible by family-friendly trails through native tree glades, complemented by helicopter tours for expansive ice vistas.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from HK$194
Conservation center with live kiwi and tuatara encounters, educational exhibits on local fauna and glacier ecology, and a special "night room" for observing nocturnal activity.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
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Other Top Attractions around Franz Josef
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Donald JBellingham, WA972 contributionsRainy cold day but we decided to make the best of it. Drove to the base and walked one of the trails to the lookout. Well maintained path with beautiful foliage on either side. With the rain we witnessed numerous waterfalls.Written 1 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Darren_C_ThomasBrisbane, Australia1,150 contributionsInteresting kiwi and glacier centre located in the heart of Franz Joseph township. The centre was well done and quite interesting, though I felt it was expensive for what it was.Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PHessel54Düsseldorf, Germany14 contributionsQuite some climbing over potentially slippery rocks. It took us 3 hours up including photostops...
If there are clouds the Alex Knob will offer no views...Written 14 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GlobeTrotters4001Brisbane, Australia813 contributionsWe love all walks, some better than others but all NZ walks are good.
This was not quite on the scale of the reflections in Lake Matheson, Peter's Pool was relatively calm on the day so the reflection was quite amazing. Not the same backdrop as the magnificent Mt Tasman or Mt Cook at Lake Matheson, but still it's just a short walk from the carpark at Franz Josef and these days the walks at Franz are not long at all.Written 13 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - weluv2travelSydneySydney77 contributionsThe hike to the Tartare Tunnels in Franz Josef is quite the trek, but every step was well worth the journey.
The hike was challenging, but it was manageable even for our young ones. The surrounding rainforest, the sound of native birds, and the river added to the journey.
Reaching the Tartare Tunnels was a moment of triumph for us. The tunnels, carved by pioneer miners, presented a fascinating spectacle. But be warned, bring a very good torch and be prepared to get your feet wet, there was about 5-10cm of water most the way, and although there are some stepping stones, it’s easy to miss a step as the tunnel is pitch black.
Inside the tunnel, we were in awe of the effort it would have taken to blast through this rock in such a remote location.
In conclusion, the hike to the Tartare Tunnels was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It pushed our limits, taught us about the power of human ingenuity, and left us with unforgettable memories. For families with a sense of adventure, this trek is a must-do when in Franz Josef. It's a challenging journey, but the destination, a testament to human engineering and the rich mining history of the area, is well worth the effort!Written 14 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dianedinkyDunfermline, UK1,346 contributionsI was told there were glow worms to be seen on this path so set off when darkness fell. I just had the torch on my phone but should really have had a better beam with me as got pitch black very quickly. The path is a bit uneven with stones and steep in parts so need to take care. I ended up walking too far and thought there was nothing here but actually many glow worms can be found just a couple of minutes walk in from the road. i saw them under a large tree on my way back. hard to tak good photos but you get a good clear view when there. Also saw a possum running back up to the treetop. A pleasant way to pass an evening.Written 9 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephen & SueCanberra, Australia2,652 contributionsLandslips have taken out the end of this track (and a section in the middle) so it’s now a one way hike of about 90 minutes duration to the gorge.
Much of it is dull, as a long slog up a 4WD access track, parts of which are quite steep. It’s only after you pass the water tanks (and the disconcerting signs warning of explosives) that you reach the spectacular lookout over the river valley below and then plunge into the rainforest.
From here on, it’s lovely – streams, a waterfall, bridge, ferns and moss until you final reach the end of the track at the suspension bridge over the Gorge and then turn back and do it all again.
A nice enough addition to the walks and scenery around the glaciers.
You can combine this with Tartare Tunnels, which diverts off part way up the 4WD track.Written 26 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sally dGlencoe, KY68 contributionsBeautiful once again! Interesting to see how far the glacier has receded. The walk is fairly easy and well kept.Written 1 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynda BWellington, New Zealand1,400 contributionsWe spent an hour or so having morning tea on the shores of this lovely lake. It was misty over the lake but blue sky overhead, it was fascinating.
We stopped by the jetty at the southern end of the lake, on SH6. There was a table and bench seats which we used, it was a lovely way to while away some time during our recent road trip. Lots of birdlife around also.
A little further north on SH6 is another area on the lakefront, it’s called Otto McDonald’s camping area, run by DOC. There are good facilities there including a covered area with tables and chairs so those camping can have communal meals if they so wish. Another lovely little area on a beautiful lake edge.
Either spot is well worth a stop if you’re passing. I believe they do boat cruises and kayaking on the lake though we didn’t do either.Written 20 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Edward Tomlins-GillLeighton Buzzard, UK12 contributionsWe walked the track in Feb 2023 and it was delightful. Not as hard as stated by many guides but it does get steep in the final third.
No boulder scrambling or rock climbing necessary at any stage though!
The walk took us 2H:30M to get up and 1H:55M to get down: 4H:25M all told compared with the 7H recommended by Te Papa Atawhai and 8H recommended by lonely planet.
We were lucky with the weather as it was crystal clear blue sky all day and the views on top of the Knob were outstanding. We stayed up there for an hour to see everything and just enjoy it.
Thoroughly recommended.Written 23 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KarenM1_10Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,043 contributionsNice center with very helpful staff. Ample free parking in the area. Our helicopter tour left from here. They also have a number of other activities that you can book. Good size souvenir shop and cafe. We grabbed a bagel, Nutella cheesecake, juice and coffee for breakfast prior to our tour. At the conclusion of the tour, we ordered a ham and cheese toastie and chicken wrap that we ate for lunch on the way back to Greymouth. Food was good but cheesecake was exceptional.Written 19 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- zhuhai2007Christchurch, New Zealand52,702 contributionsWell-stocked with maps & brochures to plan your next adventure. Really helpful staff to provide advice on what to do in the area.Written 13 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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