Top 10 Nature & Parks in Franz Josef, South Island

January 12, 2022 Diedre Savory

The quaint West Coast, South Island town of Franz Josef is named after the Franz Josef Glacier. Which in turn, legend has it, is named for a girl whose lover died in a fatal fall. She cried so much that her tears pooled, eventually freezing into a block of ice. The magic of this fable isn’t lost on the town or the tourists who flock to the tragically romantic site.
Restaurants in Franz Josef

1. Roberts Point Track

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/4e55aa3e2b3c4ed7bcc216328065e48d.aspx
Excellent
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5.0 based on 76 reviews

Roberts Point Track

Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.

Reviewed By nzwestie - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand

Loved this walk. Def recommend it if you have the time. What a surprise to see the glacier when we got to the top. You do have to be careful. We just wore trail shoes, had plenty of water in our camel packs (as that means no carrying of anything) cameral swinging of my neck. We are in our late 50's, took us about 2.15 up and the same down. Sometimes going down is harder than going up. It is a great walk as it has bridges, water crossing, rock climbing etc. We loved it and would def recommend it.

2. Alex Knob Track

Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/alex-knob-track/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Alex Knob Track

Reviewed By ArjenKl - Napier, New Zealand

It’s a big hike through the rainforest to make it to the Alex Knob peak at 1303m. Do the hike only on a clear day to have a better chance of being rewarded with a beautiful view of the Franz Josef qlacier (because weather can always change). We did it in a 6,5 hour return. Sadly we didn’t have a view of the glacier at the top due to clouds.. We saw the glacier on the other two lookouts on the route though! Have some boots with good grip and expect some climbing with your hands! It can be very slippery!

3. Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c02d801031244638bce00a807bfe071d.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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4.5 based on 3,579 reviews

Franz Josef Glacier

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.

Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand

An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.

4. Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/d00301a3d63b49e5bc571a197ef0b044.aspx
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

5. Tatare Tunnels Walk

Cowan Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/tatare-tunnels-walk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 112 reviews

Tatare Tunnels Walk

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.

Reviewed By AndrewW41

Took us 40 minutes to walk into the tunnel entrance, The last section is a narrow gravel walkers track that is up and down the hills, We walked 200meters into the tunnel (with no end in sight) in 100mm deep water most of the way, got back out and google says the tunnel is 500meters long... Cool tunnel about 1-1.5m wide and 2 meters high

6. Peters Pool Walk

Glacier Access Road, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/3bb93123679349b883ea529cfefb31bc.aspx
Excellent
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4.5 based on 78 reviews

Peters Pool Walk

This fully-accessible walk winds through the rainforest to a small kettle lake, which was formed by ice melting amongst glacial moraine about 200 years ago. Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier and mountainpeaks in this tranquil setting. 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. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.

Reviewed By HelenaT975 - Tauranga, New Zealand

This track starts from the Franz Josef glacier carpark and leads to a beautiful small pool which reflects the surrounding mountains. Highly recommend checking it out when you are in the area.

7. Sentinel Rock Walk

Glacier Access Road, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/5b2833de7d7a452996a4dcd96b1411bc.aspx
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 49 reviews

Sentinel Rock Walk

This short steady climb up a now bush-covered ice-scraped rock offers the most impressive views of the glacier and the Waiho River. Information panels at the viewpoint show dramatic photos of the glacial retreat, making it one of the best places to appreciate the power of the glacier. Sentinel Rock emerged from beneath the glacier in 1865 and is an example of how the glacial ice ground the hard schist bedrock into a Roche moutonnee or ‘rock sheep’. Since 1909 the glacier has retreated over 3 km and plants have progressively colonised where a veneer of rubble has been dumped over bedrock in the valley. Getting there Drive or walk south a short distance from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.

Reviewed By agentbates2014 - Wellington, New Zealand

Well worth the steeper path at the end. Great viewpoint but a shame (and shameful) that the glacier is retreating at such a fast pace. Informative panels at the view point show the retreat over the last 125 years.

8. Lake Mapourika

State Highway 6, Westland Jetty Bay, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/operators/?type=Activity&id=3&oid=45&o=Lake_Mapourika
Excellent
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4.5 based on 15 reviews

Lake Mapourika

Reviewed By murraytaniaj - Blenheim, New Zealand

A lovely example of the reflective qualities of some of New Zealand's lakes. Breath taking scenery and crystal like waters. Looked like a fantastic day for the Kayaks we saw leaving the jetty. Next time through we will head out on one of the cruises available. A bit constrained for time today, but this looks like the perfect spot to cruise on! If you can, plan ahead and make the time.

9. Callery Gorge Walk

Cowan street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
Excellent
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4.0 based on 50 reviews

Callery Gorge Walk

Reviewed By EverWonderer - Greater Melbourne, Australia

It's an easy walk (allow 1.5 hrs in total) to the beautiful gorge, past waterfalls and stunning ferns. I did my walk in the afternoon and only saw one other person on the trail. It's relatively flat, with some short gentle incline sections but can be done by kids. No need to be super fit. The suspension bridge at the end was the highlight

10. West Coast Wildlife Centre

Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets Bright Green Building, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0600 [email protected] http://www.wildkiwi.co.nz/
Excellent
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4.0 based on 967 reviews

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Lonely Planet voted the West Coast Wildlife Centre in the heart of Franz Josef as one of the 12 must see things to visit in New Zealand. This is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the "must see" indoor all weather attraction in Franz Josef – home to the official hatching facility for the world's 2 rarest kiwis – the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. See live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas or go behind the scenes on the “Backstage Pass Tour” and see live kiwi chicks and meet the friendly kiwi ranger staff. Numbers are very limited on the 30 minute Backstage Pass Tour so booking are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The best shopping in Franz Josef can be found here inside the all weather facility -and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the cafe to keep connected to family and friends. Enjoy a coffee or a snack in the cafe – or pick up a pack lunch for your day of adventure. Open from 8.30am daily – 365 days. Set aside 1-2 hours for your visit. All tickets purchased are valid for 24 hours so you can come back and see the kiwi as many times as you like within that period !.

Reviewed By skelfy_2020 - Hamilton, New Zealand

Took the opportunity to visit the wildlife centre and do the backstage pass - the staff were fabulous from the moment we walked in to enquire about ticket options, to the awesome lady (sorry name loss!) who took us on the tour. The tour was extremely insightful, educational and fun! We were lucky enough to see two rowi kiwi chicks up close, and met the tuatara gang! We also spied a couple of kiwis digging about in the enclosure (win win!) The team at this centre do a truly amazing job, and you can see they genuinely care for all of the animals in their care, including those released back into the wild and about educating the public on these beautiful species (I want to work here ????!) Would highly recommended as a must do experience to anyone visiting Franz Josef ❤️

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