Things to do in Franz Josef, South Island: The Best Sights & Landmarks

FARM TOURS conducted 2x daily 10am and 12pm. 2 hrs including introduction, health & safety and kitting up. We supply standard farming kit - gumboots, overalls, wet weather gear (when required). Rain or shine, except storms. +-20-25 min briefing +-45 min in paddock viewing calves (born Aug/Sept 2016), viewing Rising 2's (born 2015) and discussion on the goals in breeding and rearing dairy stock. Q & A. +-40 min with small animals - Cayuga ducks, Araucana chickens, Giant Flemish Giant kits, Birman kittens, highlander stock and discussion on their care. you can feed and touch them. +-10-15 min walk back to de-kit and finish. Refer Hukawai Lodge website for updated information.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.

After 10 minutes walk on a four wheel drive road, the track climbs gently then drops to a view of the scenic Tatare Gorge. The track then becomes steep and narrow for the short climb to the Tatare Tunnels. If you wish to explore the tunnels you will need a torch and a raincoat, and you may get wet feet – the water will be ankle deep. The track stops at the old wooden flume at the end of the first tunnel. Know before you go •Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.

The first 800 metres of track is along the river stop bank. A short, but steady climb then takes you through rainforest to the top of this granite outcrop, where you will get commanding views of the sea and lowlands to one side, and up the Waiho River to the glacier and Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana from the other. The granite of Canavans Knob is much older than the schist rocks of the glacier valley across the Alpine Fault Line, and therefore it survived the scraping of glacier ice 9000 years ago. Getting there 1.2 kilometres south of Franz Josef turn right into a sign-posted car park and the start of the Canavans Knob Walk. Time from car park: 1 hr return Distance from car park: 3.2 km return Alternatively, walk from Franz Josef across the Waiho River Bridge and turn sharp right onto a stop bank. Follow along until you see the track markers for the track. Time from Franz Josef township: 1 hr 40 min return Distance from Franz Josef township: 6.3 km return

Lake Wombat is a fern-lined walk which climbs steadily from the car park through rimu forest to a peaceful lake. Termed a kettle lake, Lake Wombat was formed by the melting of a huge piece of ice left amidst glacial debris about 9000 years ago. This walk offers good opportunities for bird watching if you stop quietly along the way. Getting there Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau walkway. Drive or walk for approximately 2 km to where the Lake Wombat Walk begins, signposted on the right side of the road. See www.doc.govt.nz for more information.