Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers aren’t New Zealand’s longest glaciers (that’s Tasman Glacier), but they are the country’s best-known. Despite being on the remote West Coast of the South Island, these glaciers are very accessible. They descend almost to sea level, which is rare in the glacier world, and means you don’t need to ascend high into the mountains to get a glimpse of them. However, climate change means they’re retreating, and you can’t get as close to their faces as you once could—but there are still plenty of things to do in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
The West Coast of the South Island has a microclimate that’s distinct from other parts of the island. It’s not especially cold but it is notoriously wet, and you can expect rain at any time of year. However, because Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are at a low altitude, they remain accessible year-round. That is unless nearby rivers have flooded and damaged access roads, which isn’t uncommon. Stay up-to-date with local weather forecasts.
Both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers—the towns, rather than the glaciers themselves—are very small, and it’s easy to walk between attractions within them. However, the glaciers are a little way from the center of each town and require private transport (or a bicycle) to get to. There are no buses or other forms of public transport on the West Coast of the South Island, so you’ll need your own car to get around.
Once you’ve seen the glaciers, you may be wondering how to spend the rest of your time in Franz Josef. Consider booking a 1-hour soak in a private outdoor hot tub heated by a wood fire and surrounded by rainforest. The Waiho Hot Tubs are just opposite the Department of Conservation Visitor Center in Franz Josef and are an ideal way to warm up on a rainy day or to soothe aching muscles after a hike.
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Both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are worth visiting, but most travelers prefer Franz Josef. The village is slightly bigger, with more accommodation options, and the glacier is more easily visible without a long walk or expensive flight. Franz Josef is better if you’re short on time.
...MoreYes, Franz Josef Glacier is worth visiting. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the glacier is retreating (melting a little more every year) and it’s no longer possible to walk to the glacier’s face, as it once was.
...MoreYou only need one day to see Franz Josef Glacier and the town, but an extra day is advisable. If you want to take a sightseeing flight, these are sometimes canceled because of the weather, so having an extra day up your sleeve helps.
...MoreIt is no longer possible to walk to the face of Franz Josef Glacier, because the glacier is melting. You can, however, embark on various hikes into the surrounding hills for great views of the glacier. The quickest, easiest walk from the parking lot is a 20-minute round trip.
...MoreWhile the West Coast is famously wet, you can still visit the Franz Josef Glacier year-round. In winter (June–August), the weather is generally stable, providing good glacier views and ideal conditions for sightseeing flights. Visiting just before (November) or just after (March) the peak summer season is also a good idea.
...MoreNo, it’s no longer possible to walk on Franz Josef Glacier without taking a helicopter to the upper parts of the glacier. It used to be possible to walk to the foot of the glacier and walk on it from there, but due to melting, this is no longer safe or permitted.
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