![]() There is really little to do in Franz Josef other than the glacier and even less to do in Fox Glacier (30 kilometres away on a very twisty, turny road). You can also fly over the glaciers (cheaper than helihiking, but still expensive). We spent 3 days in Franz Josef waiting for a break in the weather to get up on the glacier and just made it in on the morning of the day we had to leave. Often they are in clouds or it is raining and you can't get near because of the condition of the roads or the helicopters can't fly. Problem with both glaciers is also the weather. You can helihike on Franz Josef (costly, but highly recommended - you'll be right on the glacier for up to 3 hours, then soak in their hot pools as long as you want after). You can drive reasonably close to both glaciers and then hike a distance to get closer, but you'll still be a good kilometre or so away from the glacier's face when they post signs to go no further (danger, and I'd take their advice - people have died ignoring the warnings). Franz Josef would be my choice of the two. 2 November 2021 Franz Josef is a dream destination for anyone that loves huge dramatic landscapes. It's a good day's drive from either to the glaciers. Both glaciers are located on the west coast, halfway between Westport in the north and Queenstown in the south. But it certainly soured our experience in a beautiful country near the end of our visit! And it's too much to expect the local restaurants to advise their customers not to drive after a glass of wine. The officer was polite, but this routine behavior must be a real money maker for the government here, particularly since it is in a very touristy area and there must be good pickings in the evenings for tourists leaving the downtown area after a nice meal and glass of wine. This particular officer admitted that he had pulled over 10-12 cars this evening, apparently randomly checking with his test kit. One of us received a DUI citation after dinner, without any erratic or unlawful driving, and after only one small glass of wine in a local restaurant. And the standard for DUI is apparently much lower here than in the USA. You'll have earned it at that point and you'll be more than ready to warm up some too.Beware the DUI cop here! DO NOT DRIVE after even one glass of wine in a local restaurant! We were unaware that in New Zealand the police can just pull you over without any cause whatsoever and give you a breathalyzer test. After you're done with a long day of hiking, head over to the Glacier Hot Pools for a relaxing soak in the hot springs.Waterproof boots are a must at all times, but having good traction and support are important too. Whether you're hiking to the glacier from the parking lot or catching a lift aboard a helicopter, having the right shoes will make a big difference. Rain is very common in the Franz Josef region, so be sure to bring rain gear no matter which season you visit.That way, if rain cancels the flight, there is still a good chance the weather will improve later in the day, allowing you to still make the trip. If you're taking a heli-tour, be sure to book your reservation well in advance and try to get on one of the early morning flights.We recommend the Roberts Point Trek, which is on the challenging side but pays persistent hikers back with a stunning view at the end. If you like to hike and are seeking some time to yourself, those other trails are often empty. There are quite a few free hiking trails in and around Franz Josef.Arrive a couple of hours before sunset to start your walk and you just might be surprised at how few people are actually there. Conversely, if you're staying in Franz Josef for two days, it is possible to find the trail quite empty later in the day.Once those flights commence for the day, they usually occur about one per minute, which can be a bit disruptive for anyone hoping for some solitude on the trail. If you're on the trail by 7 a.m., you'll get out ahead of the larger crowds and before the helicopter flights begin. For a quieter, less crowded, experience, start your hike early in the day.The magic of this fable isn’t lost on the town or the tourists. ![]() She cried so much that her tears pooled, eventually freezing into a block of ice. Which in turn, legend has it, is named for a girl whose lover died in a fatal fall. Sure, you won't actually stand on the glacier itself, but you'll still get to enjoy its epic setting. The quaint West Coast, South Island town of Franz Josef is named after the Franz Josef Glacier. While taking a helicopter out to the glacier is quite the adventure, driving to the parking lot and hiking yourself can save a considerable amount of money.Knowing how to maneuver in those traction devices ahead of time may eliminate some awkwardness and allow you to enjoy yourself more. That said, there are times when conditions can be a bit more challenging and wearing crampons may be necessary. Hiking on the glacier is generally as safe and easy as hiking on any snow-covered trail.
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