ACTION PACKED OR QUIET TIME?
08 MAY 2023
The giant kiwi outside the Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef
Franz Josef is best known for its spectacular glacier (the Franz Josef Glacier) that sits high above in the Southern Alps, as well as the lush green rainforests covering most of the land. The West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand has the highest amount of rain than anywhere else in New Zealand, so it's no wonder it's absolutely thriving in every corner of the town!
It's one of our favourite places in New Zealand and we come back to visit at any opportunity we get. There's just something about the rainforests here that are dripping in green, constantly thriving no matter the time of year, as well as the snowcapped mountains that tower high in the sky. The locals are amazing and everyone is super friendly and helpful!
We absolutely love the West Coast and have experienced some incredible reflections in the lake, seen a rainbow waterfall, found BLUE mushrooms in the rainforest and even taken a helicopter flight high above the mountains where we had a snow landing!
We also recommend checking out our list of awesome things to do while in Fox Glacier, which is just 30-minutes away - click here to read the blog.
It's one of our favourite places in New Zealand and we come back to visit at any opportunity we get. There's just something about the rainforests here that are dripping in green, constantly thriving no matter the time of year, as well as the snowcapped mountains that tower high in the sky. The locals are amazing and everyone is super friendly and helpful!
We absolutely love the West Coast and have experienced some incredible reflections in the lake, seen a rainbow waterfall, found BLUE mushrooms in the rainforest and even taken a helicopter flight high above the mountains where we had a snow landing!
We also recommend checking out our list of awesome things to do while in Fox Glacier, which is just 30-minutes away - click here to read the blog.
Take A Heli Flight + Have A Snow Fight!
We're starting off with our number one activity to do in Franz Josef - take a flight to see the Franz Josef Glacier and experience a snow landing! This was the highlight of our first ever trip to Franz Josef and we're so glad that we got to experience seeing the Franz Josef Glacier from above and also to play in the snow at the top of a mountain!
I feel like being in the snow was more exciting than actually being in the helicopter! We ate our weight in snow, made snow angels and had plenty of snow fights.
There is a ridiculous amount of scenic flight companies in Franz Josef, so there are so many to choose from and we were glad we picked a clear day to do the flight as the views of the glacier, Southern Alps and across the West Coast were absolutely incredible. We ended up getting a kids half price deal which is the reason we did the flight in the first place.
If your budget allows, we highly recommend this it's an amazing experience for the whole family!
I feel like being in the snow was more exciting than actually being in the helicopter! We ate our weight in snow, made snow angels and had plenty of snow fights.
There is a ridiculous amount of scenic flight companies in Franz Josef, so there are so many to choose from and we were glad we picked a clear day to do the flight as the views of the glacier, Southern Alps and across the West Coast were absolutely incredible. We ended up getting a kids half price deal which is the reason we did the flight in the first place.
If your budget allows, we highly recommend this it's an amazing experience for the whole family!
Take A Short Walk To See a 7000 Year Old Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier Walk is the most popular track in Franz Josef as it's a really easy 10-minute walk to the viewpoint where you can get as close as you can on a short walk in Franz Josef.
The track to the lookout area is really fascinating and the girls loved playing in the crystal-clear streams and finding all sorts of weird and wonderful things in the rainforest, so it's a really fun place for kids to explore, especially if they haven't been in a rainforest before.
The entire view is breathtaking, from the lush rainforests covering the mountains, to the rainbow waterfall in full view at the viewing area. Yes - a rainbow waterfall! If you're in luck, you'll see a rainbow too. The glacier is a wee while away but it's still worth going to see the view.
The track to the lookout area is really fascinating and the girls loved playing in the crystal-clear streams and finding all sorts of weird and wonderful things in the rainforest, so it's a really fun place for kids to explore, especially if they haven't been in a rainforest before.
The entire view is breathtaking, from the lush rainforests covering the mountains, to the rainbow waterfall in full view at the viewing area. Yes - a rainbow waterfall! If you're in luck, you'll see a rainbow too. The glacier is a wee while away but it's still worth going to see the view.
Photograph Glass-Like Reflections In A Glacier Fed Lake
Peters Pool is a small brown kettle lake in Franz Josef that has the most amaaaazing reflections! We went 4 days in a row and every day it was still and calm which gave us the best photos we could hope for.
It's a short 10 - 20 minute walk from the carpark and it's well worth going at sunrise so you (most likely) have the place to yourself and you get the best lighting for photos.
The path to the lake is really easy and flat and there is lots for the kids to discover along the way.
It's a short 10 - 20 minute walk from the carpark and it's well worth going at sunrise so you (most likely) have the place to yourself and you get the best lighting for photos.
The path to the lake is really easy and flat and there is lots for the kids to discover along the way.
Get Wet 'N Wild With Franz Josef Tours
This is hands down THE BEST adventure we have been on in New Zealand! It's the ultimate activity for adventure seekers and we loved the comfort of the buggies because let me tell you, it was a very bumpy ride! The hour and a half experience takes you through the lush rainforest with a river running through it, then out onto the Waiho River where you splash around in the water and get a great view of the Franz Josef glacier. The whole team at Franz Josef Tours are amazing and we hiiiighly recommend this to anyone heading to Franz!
Stretch Your Legs On The Douglas Walk
The Douglas Walk in Franz Josef is a 3.9km track which takes around an complete. It's a good, flat track to stretch the legs and it's mainly in the bush so there aren't any views, however the track goes past Peters Pool which has the most AMAZING lake reflection (as above!).
At one point the track divides into 2 where you can continue on the Douglas Walk or go across the swing bridge to the Roberts Point Track. This is a fun part for the kids to walk (or run) across the bridge and back and watch the Waiho River pass below. It's an awesome photo op here too and if you look to the right, you can see down towards where the glacier is.
As with any tracks in Franz Josef, there is sooo much beauty around and lots of little treasures for the kids to discovery like berries, streams, rocks and if you're lucky enough, you might spot a cheeky kea (mountain parrot) or two!
Important: Once the path ends up at the road, turn right until you reach a carpark on your left for the Alex Knob Trail. Walk through there and turn left to take the rest of the track. We had no idea where to go and ended up going left once we hit the road, so it was a very sketchy walk back to the carpark as there is no footpath!
At one point the track divides into 2 where you can continue on the Douglas Walk or go across the swing bridge to the Roberts Point Track. This is a fun part for the kids to walk (or run) across the bridge and back and watch the Waiho River pass below. It's an awesome photo op here too and if you look to the right, you can see down towards where the glacier is.
As with any tracks in Franz Josef, there is sooo much beauty around and lots of little treasures for the kids to discovery like berries, streams, rocks and if you're lucky enough, you might spot a cheeky kea (mountain parrot) or two!
Important: Once the path ends up at the road, turn right until you reach a carpark on your left for the Alex Knob Trail. Walk through there and turn left to take the rest of the track. We had no idea where to go and ended up going left once we hit the road, so it was a very sketchy walk back to the carpark as there is no footpath!
Visit The Blue Water Of The Callery Gorge
The track out to Callery Gorge isn't a popular one because not many people know that they can find gorgeous blue water, just like at the Blue Pools in Haast! The track is 5.2kms return along the same track and is a moderate track with some hilly, steep areas but not difficult by any means! We all managed just fine, even with my knee injury. This track takes you through the lush green rainforest and there are views across the Waiho River before you get down to the gorge.
Find Gold And Glow Worms On The Terrace Walk
The Terrace Walk is a short 10-minute return walk in the centre of the Franz Josef town. During the day it's a nice, sheltered track to do with kids who aren't up to doing a big hike and it's mostly flat before going up a small hill to where the track ends.
We met our friends from Slovenia here who we first met on the Lake Matheson Track, earlier that day. Arabella, Sienna and their friend went into the stream at the end of the track and found all these rocks with "gold" in them - sorry folks, but it's not real gold (or I would have taken it allllll and bought alllll the things!). They were so excited about their discovery and spent AGES in the stream!
At night, it's full of glow worms to discover along the path. We didn't get a chance to do this as it was still quite light at night and we would have had to go around 9pm when it was really dark and that was too late for the girls after our adventure filled days (lucky for us we saw plenty in Northland in the Waipu Caves and Abbey Caves)! Winter is a good time to do this track at night as it gets dark early (around 5pm). You will need torches to do this track and you may need to lift up some logs to see the bright little glow worms.
The Terrace Walk begins on the main highway on Franz Josef, near Condon Street and to the left of the Catholic Church.
There is also a small, fenced off playground super close to the start of the track on the main highway near Condon Street.
We met our friends from Slovenia here who we first met on the Lake Matheson Track, earlier that day. Arabella, Sienna and their friend went into the stream at the end of the track and found all these rocks with "gold" in them - sorry folks, but it's not real gold (or I would have taken it allllll and bought alllll the things!). They were so excited about their discovery and spent AGES in the stream!
At night, it's full of glow worms to discover along the path. We didn't get a chance to do this as it was still quite light at night and we would have had to go around 9pm when it was really dark and that was too late for the girls after our adventure filled days (lucky for us we saw plenty in Northland in the Waipu Caves and Abbey Caves)! Winter is a good time to do this track at night as it gets dark early (around 5pm). You will need torches to do this track and you may need to lift up some logs to see the bright little glow worms.
The Terrace Walk begins on the main highway on Franz Josef, near Condon Street and to the left of the Catholic Church.
There is also a small, fenced off playground super close to the start of the track on the main highway near Condon Street.
Take The Path Less Travelled To See The Franz Josef Glacier
The Sentinel Rock Track is another one of our favourite short hikes in Franz Josef. It's a 20 - 30 minute track through the rainforest and it's a mixture of flat and small hills (but it's still easy) and there's so much life along the side of the track that it's hard not to stop every 5 steps to take a photo!
At the end of the track there is a small viewing platform where you can catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef Glacier - you will need a long lense if you want to see it up close! The view also looks out across the Waiho River, the Southern Alps and Sentinel Rock.
The viewing platform gives you almost the same view as the one from the Franz Josef Glacier Track but we reckon this view is much prettier! It's also less busy which suits us just fine.
At the end of the track there is a small viewing platform where you can catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef Glacier - you will need a long lense if you want to see it up close! The view also looks out across the Waiho River, the Southern Alps and Sentinel Rock.
The viewing platform gives you almost the same view as the one from the Franz Josef Glacier Track but we reckon this view is much prettier! It's also less busy which suits us just fine.
Explore The Tunnels At The Tartare Gorge
This track in the Franz Josef town, takes you through the West Coast rainforest, through the stunning Tartare Gorge with its crystal clear, blue water and into the Tartare Tunnels which are filled with glow worms. We love this track as there is so much to see and do along the way - there are little streams, mushrooms, lots of logs to look under and around and of course the tunnels are awesome for adventure lovers! The track ends at the end of the tunnel, so if you or your family aren't keen on the dark then you can just poke your head in and turn back at this point.
Climb To The Top Of Canavans Knob
This track is such an underrated walk in Franz Josef! The track takes 1 hour return (3.2kms) and it starts off flat before climbing gently through the lush West Coast rainforest, where there are all sorts of weird and wonderful things for kids to discover along the way. There are a couple of viewpoints along the way, before coming to the top of Canavans Knob, giving really impressive views across the Waiho River and across to the Franz Josef Glacier. The trees frame the view beautifully and there are seats at this viewpoint so you can sit and look at the view (and catch your breath if you're suuuuper unfit).
Stay At A Backpackers And Eat FREE Waffles!
We booked our accommodation in Franz Josef at the last minute so the only accommodation available was backpackers. We'd never stayed in a backpackers before so we weren't sure what to expect and we only hoped that it would be quiet enough to get to sleep!
We stayed at the Glow Worm Backpackers for one night and the Chateau Backpackers for 3 more nights. We LOVED the Chateau Backpackers and the owner is lovely guy who has done great work in the rooms. Our room was so specious and had a big comfy bed plus bunk beds, an ensuite, a kettle and a mini fridge. There was also a table and chairs in the room which was perfect for games, drawing etc and the heater kept the room super toasty and warm.
The best part was the FREE breakfast that was included in the price. You could choose from waffles, pancakes, cereal or toast.... the kids were in heaven! Lath and I don't generally eat breakfast as we're never hungry early in the morning, but the kids certainly do, so any accommodation that has a free breakfast as awesome as this is a winner in our eyes.
The backpackers also has a massive spa pool, free soup at 6pm, two large kitchens, lounge areas, board games, a pool table,cheeky kea just before sunrise and lots of ecclectic decor around the place.
We stayed at the Glow Worm Backpackers for one night and the Chateau Backpackers for 3 more nights. We LOVED the Chateau Backpackers and the owner is lovely guy who has done great work in the rooms. Our room was so specious and had a big comfy bed plus bunk beds, an ensuite, a kettle and a mini fridge. There was also a table and chairs in the room which was perfect for games, drawing etc and the heater kept the room super toasty and warm.
The best part was the FREE breakfast that was included in the price. You could choose from waffles, pancakes, cereal or toast.... the kids were in heaven! Lath and I don't generally eat breakfast as we're never hungry early in the morning, but the kids certainly do, so any accommodation that has a free breakfast as awesome as this is a winner in our eyes.
The backpackers also has a massive spa pool, free soup at 6pm, two large kitchens, lounge areas, board games, a pool table,cheeky kea just before sunrise and lots of ecclectic decor around the place.
Conclusion
Have we convinced you that you need to experience Franz Josef for yourself? We love how there are short hikes and long hikes, all with incredible views no matter the length of the track. There is so much more to discover in Franz Josef that we haven't done yet, like visiting the Kiwi House in the town and taking a helicopter flight up to the glacier where you can actually walk around (there is an age restriction so it's not for the little kids).
If you're heading from Wanaka up to the north of the South Island, there's only 30-minutes difference heading up the West Coast vs the East Coast and it is well worth doing!
If you're heading from Wanaka up to the north of the South Island, there's only 30-minutes difference heading up the West Coast vs the East Coast and it is well worth doing!
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