Things to do in Franz Josef (without a car)

The small town of Franz Josef, New Zealand is the gateway to the famous Franz Josef glacier and is home to all of the trailheads that give you the incredible views of it. However: this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, so be prepared for clouds and fog that will completely block your view of the glacier. I unfortunately had two days of weather that meant I never actually saw it. If you can, be flexible so that you can extend your stay here if necessary. Here are a few of the best things to do, including hiking and things to do while you wait for a clear day!

If you’re planning to cook while in Franz Josef, please note that there is only one supermarket in the town, and it’s pretty small, so come prepared.

For more on navigating New Zealand without a car, see my full guide here.

Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) en route from Franz Josef

Hiking in Franz Josef

You can walk to all the main trailheads from the centre of Franz Josef in about 45 minutes or less, depending on the trail - no need for a car.

Two easily accessible hikes to see Franz Josef Glacier are the Forest Walk and Sentinel Rock Walk. They are both right next to each other and neither takes longer than 15 minutes to the viewpoint. There are lots of little paths in this area and the forest is a really nice place to walk as well.

A longer and more strenuous hike is the Alex Knob trail, which takes you up to get a view down onto the glacier and the glacial valley. Only do this if it’s good weather otherwise all you’ll be able to see is clouds!

My view of the Franz Josef glacier...

Heli Hiking on the Glacier

While this was out of my budget, if you want to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier, you can opt to do a heli-hike on the ice itself. You get flown up in a helicopter, make a landing on the glacier, and walk for a few hours. Some options don’t include a walk, but land on the glacier and give you some time to take photos. Note that helicopters only fly in good weather. Prices for this range from £350-£700.

Thunder Creek Falls (en route from Franz Josef)

See Kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre

While the weather was terrible, one of the indoor activities available in the town of Franz Josef is going to see the infamous Kiwi birds at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. You can walk in and buy a ticket for NZ$30 (if you stay at some hostels in town, including Glow Worm, you get a discount on your ticket). You head into the dark room where they have kiwi birds to go look at. No photos are allowed but watching these animals is incredible. I loved this experience. The Centre also has other exhibitions about wildlife and nature in this region of New Zealand.

Lake Hawea

Quad Biking

Because you’re going to get muddy anyway, quad biking is a great activity in Franz Josef, whatever the weather. You are taken off-road into the forest and get a full quad biking experience in nature.

Lake Tekapo

There are plenty of things to do in Franz Josef and I hope that your weather is better than mine was. Regardless, the town is very cute and has a relaxing vibe to it, which I loved. As always, please take care of the places you visit, and only leave your footprints behind :)