Franz Josef Glacier Tours and Activities

Things to do near Franz Josef Glacier

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef Glacier with exciting activities such as glacier hikes and ice climbing. Enjoy a nature escape amidst stunning scenery and explore nearby holiday parks for a comfortable stay. Don’t miss the chance to visit local sightseeing attractions, and unwind at a spa after a day of adventure. This destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor thrills for every traveller.

Shopping

In Franz Josef Glacier, you’ll find local shops offering unique souvenirs and gifts, including Glacier Hot Pools and the Glacier Gift Shop. If you're up for a drive, visit Hokitika's Greenstone Shop, about 40.2km away, where you can find beautiful jade and local artisan crafts.

Recreation

Waiho Hot Tubs, located 9.7km from Franz Josef Glacier, offers a tranquil wellness experience with private hot tubs surrounded by natural beauty. Immerse yourself in soothing waters while enjoying stunning views, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of the West Coast.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track, located 14.5km from Franz Josef Glacier, offers stunning scenery and an exhilarating hiking experience. For a unique perspective, take a scenic flight with Air Safaris, just 4.8km away. Alternatively, hike to Roberts Point, situated 3.2km away, for breathtaking views and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Franz Josef Glacier offers a relaxed nightlife vibe. Enjoy a craft beer at the Glacier Hot Pools Cafe or unwind with a glass of wine at the Monsoon Bar. For a lively atmosphere, the Rainforest Restaurant hosts themed nights and live music, perfect for socialising after a day of exploration.

Find the best attractions near Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning glaciers, charming churches, and relaxing hot springs. Whether you're after breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, or rich cultural experiences, this area caters to all types of travellers. With so much to explore within and around the glacier, you're sure to have an unforgettable Kiwi holiday filled with unique activities and natural beauty.

• Fox Glacier: Located 9.7km from Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier offers breathtaking scenery with its stunning ice formations and surrounding mountains. This active glacier is perfect for guided walks or helicopter tours, providing visitors with a close-up view of its beauty and grandeur.
• Glacier Hot Pools: Situated 9.7km away, the Glacier Hot Pools are a tranquil oasis nestled in lush rainforest. These natural hot springs provide a serene environment for relaxation and wellness, allowing you to soak in warm waters while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
• Sentinel Rock: Just 4.8km from Franz Josef Glacier, Sentinel Rock is a striking rock formation that offers fantastic outdoor experiences. Hike to this scenic viewpoint for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Franz Josef Glacier

The best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Franz Josef Glacier falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Franz Josef Glacier falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Franz Josef Glacier

To save money on your trip to Franz Josef Glacier, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May and August to September, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for better rates. Look for Saturday stays, as they tend to be less expensive, and utilise Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Use their search tool to compare prices, filter for eco-certified options, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added discounts. Don’t forget to check for free activities in the area to maximise your experience without breaking the bank!

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Franz Josef Glacier are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Franz Josef Glacier is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Franz Josef Glacier is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Franz Josef Glacier is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll find a range of sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options ready for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Franz Josef Glacier with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.