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Before you go
Your trip to Franz Josef / Waiau.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Franz Josef / Waiau – West Coast Destination West Coast and the Glaciers
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Hokitika (HKK) Hokitika · 148 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It lies on Highway 6, about 150 km from Hokitika and 23 km from Fox Glacier. From Wānaka it’s about 4½ hours via Haast Pass. Long‑distance buses stop in the village. For scheduled flights, the nearest airports are in Hokitika and Queenstown.
How many days
One day for the glacier‑valley walk and the kiwi centre. With two days, add a flight or guided glacier walk, which is weather dependent.
When to go
December to March, when the days are longer. Flights depend on the weather year‑round; allow a buffer. In winter, clear days after rain often give good mountain views.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
For the glacier walk, about 5 km, a bike helps but it’s possible to cycle. Flights and the wildlife centre are located in the village.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Franz Josef / Waiau
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Morning
Glacier valley
Drive or cycle to the glacier car park and walk the valley trail to the viewpoint, with the glacier front in the background. Pass Peters Pool, a small lake on the moraine.
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Afternoon
Glacier flight or walk
If the weather allows, take a scenic flight or a guided glacier walk that arrives by helicopter. Book ahead and have an alternative plan in case of rain.
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Late afternoon
Kiwis at the wildlife centre
Visit the village wildlife centre, where chicks of the rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi are raised—two of the rarest species.
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Evening
Franz Josef village
Dine in the village. With clear skies, look up: there is little artificial light in the area.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Can you get close to the Franz Josef Glacier on foot?
The valley trail reaches a viewpoint about 3 km from the glacier front, which is unstable. Do not cross the barriers. To set foot on the ice you must join a guided walk that reaches the glacier by helicopter.
How long is the Franz Josef Glacier walk?
About 1½ hours return from the car park, which is roughly 5 km from the village.
Where can you see kiwis in Franz Josef?
At the village wildlife centre, which raises rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi chicks for release into the wild. The visit has a separate fee.
Is Franz Josef far from Fox Glacier?
About 23 km, roughly a 25‑minute drive on Highway 6.