Franz Josef
From World travel guide
Franz Josef is a tourist destination. Its prime reason for being is to serve tourists visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. Located in Westland it lies at the foot of the western slopes of Mount Cook and is in the middle of the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
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Get in
By car
By bus
Tour buses generally make Franz Josef one of their stops, either for the night or at least a lunch break.
By air
Frans Josef Airport is really only suitable for light aircraft. Mind you, Mount Cook Airport is just on the other of the mountains, and a scenic flightseeing trip can often be arranged at short notice.
Get around
While you can take your car to the car park at the foot of the glacier, you will need to get out and walk to the terminal face, as the Glacier is receding at present. There are a number of walking tracks in the glacier valley.
If you prefer to do things the easy way, try flightseeing, either in a plane or helicopter.
See
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Lake Matheson
Do
- Visit the Glacier.
- Take an unguided trip.
- Take a guided trip.
- Take a helicopter flight.
Whitewater Rafting
- Whataroa & Perth Rivers. 20 minutes north of Franz Josef are two of the best one-day whitewater rafting runs anywhere on the planet. Total wilderness experience, awesome Class IV & V rapids, and stunning scenery. Accessible by helicopter only. Rivers Wild [1] 0800-GO-WILD (in NZ) or +64-21-748-371 (overseas)
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Sleep at the high quality Franz Josef YHA Youth Hostel. Cheap, good, looks great, great views. See info at the NZ YHA site: http://www.yha.org.nz/ Recommended.
Get out
Just down the road is Fox Glacier. Although not as spectacular as the Franz Josef Glacier, the Fox Glacier is also fairly easily reached.
External links
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