Points of Interest & Landmarks • Hiking Trails
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Franz Josef Attractions
Things to Do in Franz Josef, New Zealand - Franz Josef Attractions
Things to Do in Franz Josef
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Franz Josef.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from HK$184
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas
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*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
- Joyman LPerth, Australia1,513 contributionsVisited in May 2023
We booked a heli-hike tour for the Franz Josef glacier and drove from Queenstown (approx. 4.5hr) and arrived an hour before our tour start time for check-in.
Our tour helicopter landed on the glacier and we hiked up/down and through crevices of the glacier for over a couple of hours. Beautiful glacier and it's a definite must-do considering the glacier will no longer be around in 10 or so years as the production of glaciers have slowed dramatically recently. During our time on the glacier, we could hear the glacier occasionally breaking along the moraines. There was one other tour on the glacier and they were hiking however they were nowhere near us.
Visiting via helicopter meant that the tour duration can change due to weather changes t prevent being stranded so we were fortunate enough that we were able to see a lot of the features including drinking from the glacier before the clouds rolled in and we had to leave.
All hiking gear (hiking poles, crampons, ice picks) were all provided by the tour including shoes and jackets. Some level of fitness is required for traversing the glacier.Written 15 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Steve RSydney, Australia31 contributionsVisited the centre today for coffee and morning tea and ended up staying for 2 hours.
The exhibit and seeing the Kiwi birds in their environment with in the centre, was an absolute highlight
Afterwards we enjoyed another coffee and lunchWritten 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bianca W2 contributionsThis walk was truly incredible with amazing views and exciting suspension bridges. We only completed part of the walk, stopping about 500m after the hut and so did 10km (5km each way) in just under 4.5 hours (with an 8 and 12 yo). The views from the 110m suspension bridge and stairs that followed the mountain ridge were just amazing!Written 6 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James LLos Angeles, CA170 contributionsIf you are looking for an alternative to walking up toward Franz Josef glacier, this would be a good short hike. It runs uphill alongside a rushing river. The tunnels are only fun if you like hiking in a wet and dark place. There is nothing to actually see in the tunnels but it is interesting to read about the tunnels' history at the entrance.Written 1 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lindsey M.B.7 contributionsA short walk to the prettiest reflection I’ve ever seen in water. A must do when visiting Franz-Joseph.Written 6 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sally dGlencoe, KY67 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.
- Stephen & SueCanberra, Australia2,458 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. - KarenM1_10Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,084 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.
- Edward Tomlins-GillLeighton Buzzard, UK7 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. - zhuhai2007Christchurch, New Zealand51,463 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.
- Ezra710Christchurch, New Zealand1,393 contributionsThe boat cruise was an amazing experience with an overload of visual stimuli. Two hours of serenity and amazement went past very quickly. Jake was a knowledgeable and interesting skipper.Written 18 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dianedinkyDunfermline, UK734 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.
- Chris HewittChristchurch, New Zealand5 contributionsA great walk, walking in bush, hearing the river at the start, then the birds, interesting facts along the way, an easy walkWritten 12 March 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Noelene G7 contributionsThe iew of Franz Josef glacier from the pews would make a service very distracting, but also calming.Written 17 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Graham111 contributionsA great short walk on a good or bad day. There is a good car park just west of the Franz Josef bridge. The walk follows along the flood defences and then through the forest to the lookout near the summit. On a good day you will get a good view of the Franz Josef glacier. Round trip about 1 hour.Written 22 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Franz Josef
- The top attractions to visit in Franz Josef are:
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Roberts Point Track
- Peters Pool Walk
- Tatare Tunnels Walk
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
- The best outdoor activities in Franz Josef according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Franz Josef Glacier
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Roberts Point Track
- Tatare Tunnels Walk
- Peters Pool Walk
- The most popular things to do in Franz Josef with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Glacier Country Helicopters
- Glacier Helicopters
- HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
- Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
- Glacier Country Lake Tours
Franz Josef Attractions Information
Attractions | 42 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 10,828 |
Attraction Photos | 6,401 |
Local Time | Saturday 7:28 pm |